Virginia has an abundant forest resource that provides forest products for a vibrant economy, habitat for wildlife, abundant recreational opportunities, clean air, and clean water. The active management of the forest resource provides economic benefits to landowners and the economy of Virginia. Active forest management requires the engagement of the logging operator to implement management activities to achieve the landowners’ objectives to manage their forest. It is important for logging operators to understand the laws related to water quality protection, the requirement for notification, and the value that pre-harvest planning plays in operational productivity as well as environmental protection.
Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) water quality inspectors help loggers and landowners with timber harvest planning and execution, and encourage the use of the correct site-specific voluntary best management practices (BMPs) to keep streams free of sediments.
- Pre-harvest planning
- Water quality laws
- Virginia’s Forest Products Tax
- Best management practices for water quality
- Financial assistance programs for loggers
- Get a Timber Notification ID Number
- Notify of a timber harvest
- Quarantines in Virginia
- SHARP Logger Program
- View timber sale opportunities
- Logger and Timber Harvester Directory
Your local VDOF forest technician can advise about incorporating proper BMPs to protect water quality during the implementation of a forestry practice on your property. Your local VDOF water quality staff can also assist with water quality law enforcement and logger financial assistance programs.
Additional Resources
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Explore All Financial Assistance Programs
Contact Us
Your local VDOF forest technician can advise about incorporating proper BMPs to protect water quality during the implementation of a forestry practice on your property. Your local VDOF water quality staff can also assist with water quality law enforcement and logger financial assistance programs. Contact your local VDOF staff.
For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.