Virginia's Forests

Our State Forests

Welcome to Virginia's State Forests! The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) manages 22 state forests that total 67,920 acres.

Find a Virginia State Forest near you!
Hunting and other recreation activities are allowed on some of the forests.
A State Forest Use Permit may be required for your use of the forest.
Review the State Forest Regulations to ensure that you comply with the law.
Review the Americans with Disabilities Act if you require special accommodation.
Amendment Requirements for Carrying Handguns in State Forests. Read the comments from the public meeting.
You can support Virginia's State Forests Fund through a contribution!
Questions? Email us with your questions about our forests.

National Forests and State Parks

National Forests in Virginia: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Virginia State Parks website.

Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Virginia

From the strong industrial base worth $25.4 billion in annual total economic output to a wide-ranging array of forest related values worth $5.1 billion annually, forests in Virginia are healthy and diverse.

Timber Production and Supply. See the amount and value of timber harvested across Virginia.
Bioenergy and Biofuel Resources can be derived from forest products.
Alternative and Renewable Energy

Environmental Benefits of Forests in Virginia

Forests clean the air we breathe and prevent erosion and runoff from contaminating streams and lakes. Forests provide a full suite of goods and services that are vital to human health and livelihood, natural assets we call ecosystem services.

Forest Ownership and Land Use in Virginia

Periodic inventories are a primary source of statistics for the forestland in Virginia and you can see the data we have.

About Virginia State Forests

The formation of the State Forest System created a way for the commonwealth to:

manage the forest land for a steady supply of timber
- to ensure the operation and maintenance of this natural resource
- to help maintain a stable local economy
provide recreation opportunities
maintain aesthetics for Virginians
maintain wildlife habitats
create natural reserves
preserve water quality

The State Forests of Virginia are self-supporting and receive no taxpayer funds for operations. Operating funds are generated from the sale of forest products, demonstrating the value of good forestry practices. In addition, up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the revenue received from the sale of forest products is returned to the counties in which a forest is located.

The VDOF continues to acquire forest land, adding small interior holdings or adjoining land to align boundary lines.

Last modified: Thursday, 25-Apr-2013 11:56:14 EDT

Walking, Hiking and Boating
A State Forest Use Permit is not required for forest visitors who walk, hike or boat on a state forest.

Riding Bicycles and Riding Horses
On forests where these activities are allowed, a valid State Forest Use Permit is required for persons aged 16 years-old or older.

Hunting and Fishing
On forests where these activities are allowed, a valid State Forest Use Permit and valid hunting or fishing license are required for persons aged 16 years-old or older in accordance with state regulations.

State Forest Use Permits
Permits cost $16 USD and are valid for one year from date of purchase. Permits can be purchased two ways:

Go to any location where you purchase a hunting license. Ask the clerk for the “State Forest Permit” to be added to your license.
Use your credit card and purchase a permit online from the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) website. After you sign in, find “Special Licenses” and select “State Forest use Permit.”

In our WebStore...

Native Trees of Virginia
The most common native tree species found in Virginia's forests are described with images of leaves, twigs, flowers and/or fruit to aid in identification.

Purchase your copy online through our Web Store or pay by check when you order by mail.