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Welcome to the Virginia Department Of Forestry

The Virginia Department Of Forestry - Shaping Virginia's Forests

The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15, 2009 – the start of spring fire season in Virginia.

This law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day (Feb. 15 – April 30) if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.

A violation of this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others’ property.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Burn? to learn more and help prevent forest fires.

Create a defensible space around your home and reduce your risk during a wildfire. This home survived a wildfire thanks to defensible space around the building and the efforts of the fire departments and Virginia Department of Forestry. Remember Smokey's message 'Only You Can Prevent Wildfires'.

New and Noteworthy

You can learn about General Assembly bills, our strategic goals and the objectives of the Virginia Department of Forestry.

2009 General Assembly: Significant Bills Affecting The Virginia Department of Forestry

Economic Impact of Agriculture and Forestry on the Commonwealth of Virginia. This study describes the contribution of the agriculture and forestry industries to Virginia’s economy. (English; PDF format)

ForestryTV. The Virginia Department of Forestry began to post videos on the video-hosting site YouTube. Visit ForestryTV to see a video on our American Chestnut Restoration Program.

Native Trees of Virginia
The most common native tree species found in Virginia's forests are described in this handsome 120-page book.The most common native tree species found in Virginia's forests are described with images of leaves, twigs, flowers and/or fruit to aid in identification.

Purchase your copy online through our Web Store or pay by check when you order by mail.

Most Requested Information and Services

Web Store Our Seedling Store is NOW OPEN! You can also purchase print items, such as our guide "Native Trees of Virginia," from our online store.

Logging Notification Loggers notify us of their timber harvests using this online form.

Grants and Financial Incentives Programs provide money to conserve land and resources, reduce wildfire risk, and more.

Jobs and Employment Learn about opportunities with our agency.

Upcoming Events

Bio-energy: Opportunities, Challenges and Connections
Exploring Municipal Solid Waste and Wood for energy production in urban and exurban areas of Virginia’s north. The event will be held April 10 at George Mason University, Prince William Campus, Verizon Auditorium, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas, VA. Contacts: Terry Lasher 540.347.6305 or Adam Downing 540.348.6881. Read the brochure. (English; PDF format).

Ecosystem Services - Marketing Environmental Solutions
Humankind impacts to the natural environment greatly influence our quality of life. New mechanisms such as ecosystem service markets are emerging as a pragmatic market-based option to manage growth and yet mitigate the environmental impacts of such growth in a cost-effective manner.

Forestry Camp
Teenagers who enjoy learning about the natural world love Holiday Lake Forestry Camp.

Calendar of Events View upcoming events on our calendar.

Training, Workshops and Conferences See what's offered from the Virginia Department of Forestry.

News and Information

Press Room Resources for reporters, including news releases.

Blogs - Online blogs maintained by employees of the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Electronic Newsletter Receive timely information about the services we provide landowners; the research we conduct on your behalf, and the products that we offer to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Sign up today!

RSS Feeds RSS is a format for syndicating news and content. RSS newsreaders, also known as aggregators, let you pick and choose your favorite news sources quickly and conveniently in one place.

Image shows Governor Tim Kaine, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Robert Bloxom, and State Forester Carl Garrison.












Last modified: Wednesday, 04-Mar-2009 16:24:05 EST