Forest Management Services

General Information

In addition to fire prevention and control, the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has a responsibility to follow-up on harvesting and to assist landowners who seek advice.

Foresters monitor the forest health through ground and aerial observation. When problems occur such as bark beetles, gypsy moth and ice storm damage the landowner is notified and provided advice and referrals to timber buyers or consultant foresters as needed.

Surveys show most landowners sell timber and make other forest management decisions without professional advice. Studies have concluded that landowners who sell timber with the assistance of a professional forester receive 50 percent more for their timber.

The VDOF inspects harvesting sites for compliance with the Seed Tree Law and The Silvicultural Water Quality Law. Also during an inspection, compliance with other state and federal laws is observed so the landowner and logger can be informed and kept in compliance with applicable regulations. The other laws include: The Chesapeake Bay Act, The Virginia Marine Resources Law(s), and The Federal Clean Water Act(s) including wetlands regulations. The logger, consultant forester, industry forester, and/or the landowner are contacted during logging operations concerning BMP installation. The landowner is contacted concerning needs for forest renewal and future management.

Regardless of the origin of the request, if the landowner wishes to reforest an area or implement other recommended management practices they are informed of consultants, industry or contractors who can implement the recommended practices in addition to cost share assistance available. The DOF has the responsibility to administer and give technical approval for cost-share programs. A reforestation cost-share examination must be completed along with application forms and other paperwork for cost-share programs.

For cost-share assistance, the area must be inspected for needs determination before the practice is started and after the practice is completed to determine if the practice was completed correctly. Again, required compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations are checked.

One year after reforestation, survival is checked to determine compliance with the Seed Tree Law and cost-share programs. The need for hardwood brush control is determined at this time and the landowner informed. If the landowner agrees to do this control spraying the cost-share paperwork and inspections are implemented. One year after spraying the area is inspected to determine if the area meets cost-share compliance and at this time a determination is made if any areas were missed and respray would be necessary.

Forest Stewardship (Management) Plan

The first step toward a healthy, productive woodland is a Forest Stewardship or Management Plan. Consulting Foresters and Department foresters are available in every county to provide Plans for timberland owners.

Each plan:

is a resource inventory of tree species composition, age, merchantability, growth rate, and wildlife habitat conditions.
considers multiple use of the total forest resource. Wildlife habitat development, aesthetics, and recreation are often accomplished in harmony with timber production.
recommends methods of protecting water quality and sensitive natural areas.
includes a map showing location of the various timber types, land uses and natural features such as drainages.

Proper land stewardship is the focus of the Plan. To maximize the benefits of forest ownership, the management plan should be established prior to timber harvesting.

Water Quality Protection

A top priority in forest management is the protection of water quality through soil erosion control. Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been developed for this purpose.

The Department recommends BMPs to loggers and landowners in preharvest planning, focusing on preservation of streamside management zones of undisturbed timber, proper log road layout, and wetlands protection. The Department, forest industry and consultant foresters cooperate in monitoring harvest operations to encourage: proper stream crossings, installation of water diversion divices, seeding of log roads in grass cover and maintenance of streamside forest. For additional information on Water Quality

Harvesting Timber

Timber sales assistance includes: methods of selling timber, suggestions for timber sale contracts, list of consulting foresters for timber valuation and sale administration and list of timber buyers.

Assistance also includes recommendations such as:

thinning immature stands for pulpwood or fuelwood to improve the quality and value of the future stand; reduce risk of insect and disease infestations; and provide early financial returns.
clearcutting mature timber in need of regeneration.
cutting timber subject to the Seed Tree law. Where loblolly or white pine trees comprise more than 10 percent of the stand, the landowner has the option of leaving seed trees, clearcutting and planting pine seedlings or converting the land to agriculture or development.

For additional information on Selling Timber

Planting Site Preparation

Reduction of competing vegetation and/or logging residue is often necessary to make tree planting possible. Department foresters examine individual sites and determine the intensity of preparation needed.

Prescribed burning is usually the most effective and economical method of preparing freshly cutover sites. Piling logging debris with a dozer or application of herbicide can be used in smoke sensitive areas.

The Department assists in procuring crews and equipment contractors to perform site preparation, and has specialized equipment for rent.

Financial Incentives

Site preparation and tree planting or brush control may involve a large financial investment. There are programs to help in meeting these costs. For more information, visit the Conservation Incentive Program.

Pine Regeneration Assistance

Low quality hardwood sites, open fields including steep, erosive farm land and harvested pine sites are generally recommended for conversion to pine plantations.

Seedlings can be purchased at cost from the VDOF between mid-December and mid-April. The loblolly and white pine seedlings are genetically improved and produce trees with excellent growth and form characteristics. Planting machines are available for rent, or private contractors will plant trees. The VDOF monitors planting quality and checks seedling survival to ensure a successful plantation. Plantations are re-examined 1 to 2 years after planting to determine the need for applying herbicide to suppress hardwood brush competition. Herbicides may be applied by ground or aerial application. VDOF also sells trees and shrub species to enhance wildlife habitat in and around pine plantations. Seedling Catalog

Natural Hardwood Regeneration

Harvested hardwood stands regenerate prolifically with new seedlings and sprouts from the roots and stumps of harvested trees. Department foresters will examine hardwood stands to determine: the potential for quality hardwood growth, species mix most likely to occupy the site following harvest and cutting practices needed to obtain the desired natural hardwood regeneration.

Insects and Diseases

Significant timber mortality result from various insect and disease infestations. To combat forest pests the VDOF: conducts periodic aerial and ground surveys to locate and identify pest populations, and disseminates insect and disease control information to help landowners protect their timberlands. More Insect and Disease information