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
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTY

Primary Contact for Nelson
WILLIAM E. PERRY
Area Forester Specialist

Phone: 540-817-3344
Location: Amherst Office

Secondary Contact for Nelson
GARY I. HALL-MATSON
Forest Technician

Phone: 434-996-4862
Location: Amherst Office