Conserving and managing forestland is critical for the health of our environment, the supply of forest products, and the overall quality of life. Sustainable forest management provides for not only forest products like wood and pulp, but also for important ecosystem services, ranging from aesthetics and wildlife habitat to soil stabilization, temperature control, and improved air and water quality.
The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program in Virginia is a cooperative effort between VDOF and the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station (SRS) to provide an annual forest inventory in Virginia. FIA data can be used to evaluate changes in ownership patterns and assess land fragmentation and forest composition, among other uses. This information broadly informs decisions about forest management and provides the forest industry with estimates of resource availability.
The primary objective of the Forest Utilization and Marketing program is to help Virginia maintain a prosperous forest products industry and to assist with creating markets and other benefits for forestland owners. By developing existing markets and identifying emerging opportunities, VDOF supports forest industry and rural economies.
The VDOF Forest Research program continues to study forestry practices, growth and yield of trees and forests, pine management, hardwood management, and restoration of diminished species to help ensure our forest resource is the best it can be and is sustainable into the future.
VDOF also provides technical assistance in managing forests on other agency-owned lands. Timber sales from state lands fund management activities on the properties, many of which support recreation, wildlife conservation, and educational opportunities. Proper forest management of state-owned lands ensures the sustainable use of the Commonwealth’s forest resources.