Concealed carry in state parks will not make them more dangerous.Concealed carry is allowed in many places and the stats prove they are safer, not more dangerous.

Many women like to jog the trails and some areas along these trails can be quite remote. I know two women who run half marathons that were chased by a naked man while running these trails. One escaped when she whistled for her black lab. The other escaped about 10 days later when she simply out ran him to a safer spot. Don't know if he was caught, and never saw it on the news or in the paper.

There are people who are raped, robbed, assulted, and murdered in St. parks every year. The numbers aren't extremely high, but it does happen.

I frequently visit 2 local St. parks. The only wildlife I ever see at one park are birds and squirrels, although it does contain poisonous snakes, fox, and tons of raccoons. The other park is much larger and I have seen nutria, wild boar, cottonmouth, and more recently coyotes. I avoid these animals quickly, and most will avoid me, but it can be dangerous.

I would encourage you to look at the stats where firearms are allowed and not allowed. A law or sign that says no weapons allowed will not stop the armed robbery of these places (banks, credit unions, etc.) by someone with criminal intent any more than it will stop them from bringing them in parks where they know no one is armed but them. But it will stop law abiding citizens and leave us unable to protect ourselves.

As far as the environmental impact, I don't see the connection.

As to poaching, it has always been illegal and hunters have always poached. Nothing will change regarding this stupid act. As a hunter I have incountered them myself. They give hunters a bad name and they deserve what they get.

I would like to ask you to support the right to concealed carry in St. Parks.

Thank you.