Department of Forestry

The mission of the Virginia Department of Forestry is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources in Virginia. It was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. Since inception, the Department of Forestry has grown and evolved to encompass other protection and management duties:

  • Protecting Virginia’s Forests from Wildfire
  • Managing the Forest Resource
  • Protecting Virginia’s Waters
  • Conservation of Virginia’s Forests
  • Manage the State Lands and Nurseries
  • Regulated Incentive Programs for Forest Landowners