Virginia Forestry Laws and Regulations

Common to these laws is a commitment to conserving Virginia's forests, consideration of environmental concerns, stewardship of private forest resources, and protection of the rights of private forest landowners.

We are unable to assist users with legal questions, respond to requests for legal advice, or the application of the law to specific facts. Persons needing legal advice may contact:

• Virginia Lawyer's Referral Service 1.800.552.7977

Code of Virginia

• Chapter 11. Forest Resources and the Department of Forestry
  • Article 1. Department of Forestry.
  • Article 2. Duties of the State Forester and General Provisions.
  • Article 13. Foresters.

Fire Laws

• Article 4. Forest Protection for Cities and Counties.
• Article 6. Forest Wardens and Fires.
• Article 8. Fire Hazards and Closing of Hunting and Fishing Seasons in Forestlands.

• Understand the Outdoor Fire Laws
  • Frequently Asked Questions -
    • Burning
    • Wildfires
• Learn more about the Certified Prescribed Burn Manager exemption from the 4 p.m. Burn Law (due Feb. 1)

Prescribed Burning

• Article 6.1. Certified Prescribed Burning Manager Program

Forest Health

• Article 11. Insect Infestation and Diseases of Forest Trees.

Forest Management and Landowner Services

• Article 3. Forest Management of State-Owned Lands Fund.
• Article 5. Forestry Services for Landowners.
• Article 9. Seed Trees.
• Article 10. Reforestation of Timberlands.

Timber Harvesting, Water Quality Law

• Article 12. Silvicultural Activities Affecting Water Quality

Timber Trespass, Timber Theft

• Timber Trespass and Theft - follow these steps if you suspect this has happened on your property.
• Timber Trespass in the Commonwealth. A report on the prevention of timber theft.

State Forest Laws and Regulations

• Article 7. Hunting and Trapping in State Forests.
• §10.1-1110 Violation of regulations for supervision of state forests, etc.
• §10.1-1111. Kindling fires on state forests; cutting and removing timber; damaging land or timber.
• To ensure your safety, familiarize yourself with the state forest regulations before visiting a forest.

Local Ordinances

• Information on local ordinances is available on this website.

Local Ordinances

• Virginia Tree Ordinance Database
• Local Ordinances