I spent 27 years serving this country and the past 8 yrs in law enforcement  during evenings, weekends and holidays.  I firmly believe in the US Constitution and the right for citizens to keep and bear arms for self-defense.  The US Forest Service and the United States Supreme Court believe in these principles as well ( two recent landmark decisions are evidence of this).  The only thing continued prohibition on concealed firearms in state forests does is ensures law abiding citiizens won't be able to protect themselves if they choose to.  I have done thousands of traffic stops and am concerned with criminals with any sort of weapon.  I am less concerned with honest citizens who have a concealed weapon permit for self protection.  Most criminals aren't going to take the time to go get a permit and/or are not going to be concerned about rules or laws prohibiting them from carrying a concealed firearm.