New Tools, New Logo

Mission

"We protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians."

Logo Evolves

Our agency was established in 1914 with the task of planting trees on abandoned agricultural land and protecting our forests from the devastation of forest fires. The original agency logo (a red shield with a pine tree) served us well until we changed from the Division of Forestry to the Department of Forestry in 1983. At that time, we took the opportunity to add to our logo not only the name change, but also a graphic that depicted both a pine and a hardwood tree. Both are significant to Virginia's economy, and we had launched a program to aggressively increase the number of hardwoods planted and managed in the Commonwealth.

Again, this logo served us well until our agency's direction changed significantly. In the spring of 2005, our new agency logo was unveiled by State Forester Carl Garrison, at a statewide personnel meeting. While the basic shape of the logo and coloration is very similar to its predecessors, there are a few significant changes, which, once again, better represent our agency's total mission.

Each change was made for a specific reason:

1. The red signifies the all-risk emergency response aspect of our agency, which is mainly wildfire suppression and prevention - two of our original charges from 1914. It also represents our agency personnel who are dedicated to fulfilling our mission.
2. The pine and the hardwood trees were updated with clearer tree graphics, but still signify the importance of both species to Virginia's economy. They also represent the renewable aspect of our natural resources.
3. The blue stream signifies the most recent addition to our agency's mission - water quality. With this aspect of our agency increasing in importance, it needed representation within our logo.
4. The green bar was added to bring attention to Virginia. The green color represents the conservation and management aspects of our agency. For example, our reforestation, forest health, conservation and education, and urban and community forestry programs, along with our state forests and nurseries.

Department of Forestry Gets New Suppression and Prevention Tools

In light of the damage sustained from Hurricane Isabel and the increased potential for wildfires in Virginia, the Department of Forestry has increased its suppression and prevention tools. Two new engines were added to the DOF fleet to assist in fire suppression. The addition of two Firewise Trailers will help get the fire prevention message out to the citizens of Virginia.

New Engines

The Department of Forestry recently acquired two new suppression "tools." These units are being evaluated as a possible replacement for the agency's fleet of Hummers, which were acquired in 1994. Our goal was to develop an all-terrain, commercially produced, wildland fire initial attack engine that could perform other emergency response functions as necessary. The plan is to match the rugged all-terrain features of the Hummer while providing for easier maintenance and greater operator comfort through the incorporation of a commercial chassis.

Engine Specifications:

• Ford F450 4x4 Chassis
• 300 Gallon Polypropylene Water Tank
• 10 Gallon Integral Foam Tank
• Waterous E501/Briggs and Stratton Diesel Engine Pumping Unit (450 psi., 120 gpm)
• FoamPro, 1600 Direct Injection Foam System
• Painted Steel Bed with Diamond-plate Aluminum boxes
• Low-profile Hannay reel with 200-foot Reel-Tex booster hose
• Pole-mounted 150 watt Telescopic Light
• Interchangeable Front or Rear Mount Warn Winch

State-of-the-Art Tools

Two new "state-of-the-art" educational trailers joined the Department of Forestry's arsenal of "tools" in 2005. Each trailer is equipped with:

• A computer that runs the DOF Web page;
• A computer displaying weather information, which can also be used to promote various aspects of our work;
• A 46-inch plasma screen TV with a DVD player that is showcasing Smokey Bear's fire prevention messages;
• A lenticular image and additional graphics focusing on living in the "wildland urban interface" and how to be "Firewise";
• An automated weather station, and
• A CD player.

Last modified: Friday, 07-Mar-2008 21:00:18 UTC