There are natural and human-caused activities that affect water quality and availability, including extreme weather events, wildfires, and changes in land use. Clearing forests and developing land for residential, commercial, or industrial uses can negatively influence water quality. One effective tool for helping to slow the speed of and filter pollutants out of the water is to establish healthy riparian forest buffer zones along streams and other waterbodies.
No matter what type of landowner you are – forest landowner, farmer, homeowner – you have a role in protecting water quality for all Virginians. Consider your forest, agricultural, farming, and landscaping practices and the impact they have on water quality. There are many actions we can take, such as planting riparian forest buffers along waterways, maintaining vegetation cover, planting trees, and more.
- Pre-harvest planning
- Plant riparian forest buffers
- Water protection on farms
- Best management practices for water quality
- Stormwater management for landowners
- Riparian Forest Buffer Tax Credit
- Financial assistance programs for water quality protection
Get help with protecting water on your forestland.
A variety of financial assistance programs are available through VDOF and partner agencies for forest management activities to help protect water quality.
Explore All Financial Assistance Programs
Additional Resources
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VDOF foresters can assist you with protecting water on your forestland. Contact your local VDOF forester.
For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.