Service Fees

The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) recovers some operational costs for providing services to private landowners. These costs are considered part of the project expenses and therefore be a part of the cost-share computation.

Forest Stewardship Plans

Since January 1, 2003, the VDOF provides a Forest Stewardship Plan free of charge for plans up to 200 acres. Suggested donation is $25. For plans covering more than 200 acres, a charge of $4.00 per acre will be made for the Forest Stewardship Plans.

Forest Stewardship Plans can also be provided by Consulting Foresters, who set their own fees. The VDOF does pay Consultant Foresters to provide Forest Stewardship Plans. The Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) will cost-share at a rate of 75% of the cost for Forest Stewardship Plans (based on funding availability).

Seedling Delivery

For Seedling Orders received by the VDOF, there will be a delivery charge of $25.00 per delivery. (This does not apply to orders less than 1000, which are shipped by UPS). This applies to deliveries from the nearest VDOF storage area to the planting site for tree seedlings. With prior arrangements, the seedlings may be picked up at one of the VDOF storage sites by the landowner, their agent or planting contractor. In this case, no cost would be charged for delivery of seedlings.

Planting Coordination

There will be a fee for the coordination of planting projects of $5.00 per acre with a minimum charge of $75.00 per planting project for all projects. This includes:

• Designating the area for planting (may include mapping the project area if not already done)
• Providing estimate of seedlings and acres to plant.
• Arranging for a planting contractor, including contacting potential tree planting contractors, scheduling tentative date for crew arrival, and getting estimate of crew size from each contractor.
• Coordinating delivery of trees from nurseries to coincide with planting contractor arrival and planting production.
• Instructing crews on proper handling of seedlings, required spacing and correct planting techniques.
• Providing a map of planting site and arranging to show site to contractor.
• Checking the planting quality including spot checks for spacing, seedling care and correct planting.
• Notifying the landowner when the project is completed.

VDOF provides free of charge:

• Needs determination and project plan for planting projects, with or without cost share. This plan would include plant species, spacing and a sketch map of the area to be planted.
• Check to confirm seedlings have been planted to approve cost share or Alternate Management Plan.
• Inspect the area to determine seedling survival and/or the need for further treatment, the winter following planting.

Last modified 2007-07-12