Category: Public Information

The Understory – April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026 - Block Grant Reopens: Applications Accepted Through July 1 Earlier this month, Governor Spanberger announced that the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program will reopen, with applications accepted through July 1. This provides those farmers and timber owners impacted by Hurricane Helene who did not apply during the initial period, with another opportunity for relief funding. Applicants must be located within one of the designated southwest Virginia localities (full list is... Read More

The Understory – January 28, 2026

January 29, 2026 - Terry Lasher Appointed State Forester Terry Lasher has been appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger as DOF’s ninth State Forester. Most recently serving as executive director with the Virginia Forestry Association, Lasher rejoins the agency where he spent more than two decades, beginning in 2001 as resource conservation and development forester in Tappahannock. From there, he went on to assume a wide range of roles with the agency including, assistant regional... Read More

The Understory – October 30, 2025

October 30, 2025 - Fall Fire Season is Underway While leaf-peeping season is one of Virginia’s most beautiful times of year, it also brings conditions that increase the risk of wildfires. As leaves fall and accumulate on the ground, an ample fuel source for wildfires is created. And when you combine this with the dry, windy weather we typically see this time of year, the risk of wildfire grows. This year’s fall fire season arrives as much of Virginia is already in a drought, further... Read More