I agree with, applaud, and fully support the agency's proposal to lift the ban in State Forests on persons carrying legal concealed handguns, who possess a lawful concealed handgun permit.  As described in the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) under the section marked "Alternatives", Option 2) to allow both open carry and concealed handguns on State Forests, is a viable option and open carry should be allowed.  The right to carry handguns on State Forests will not affect family use and enjoyment of Virginia’s State Forests and will provide consistent interpretation and enforcement of VA law which allows open carry.  Allowing open carry would also comply with the formal opinion (08-043) published in September 2008 by the Virginia Attorney General.