Our online RBTC and ForestRIM mapping programs are being discontinued to comply with agency budget limitations. Additional information regarding the new RBTC procedures will be posted here soon. Thank you!

Riparian Buffer Tax Credit

Introduction l Buffer Valuation l Frequently Asked l How To Qualify l How To Apply l Required Documents l Required Information l Hardcopy Map Requirements l Review Process l Code of Virginia

Application Review Process

Certification Procedure

1. The Area Forester (AF) will be notified by email of an online application submittal. Landowner MUST mail supporting documents to the AF for application review. If landowner submits hardcopy application or map, AF will enter information using online application on behalf of landowner.
2. Area Forester will review the application to see it is complete, correct, and supporting documentation is included. Area Forester will visit the property to inspect the buffer (if it was not already inspected as part of the Harvest Inspection).
3. The Area Forester uses online RBTC Forester Administrative Interface to approve application.
4. VDOF GIS staff receives email notification of Forester approval of an application. GIS staff will review the map online for compliance with the guidelines
5. GIS staff approves the application online using RBTC GIS Administrative Interface.
6. Email is generated for AF that application is fully approved and certification is ready to be printed, signed and sent to landowner.
7. If GIS denies the application (buffer is too narrow/too wide/not along waterway), a special access account is created to edit the landowners' buffer map. GIS staff and AF will confer about appropriate method to edit map. In some cases, the Landowner will be asked to edit the map.

Last modified 2007-07-10