The Diminished Species Establishment Cost-Share Program provides Virginia forest landowners with financial assistance to establish three diminished species – American (or hybrid) chestnut, red spruce and shortleaf pine. Planting diminished species on suitable sites will improve the forest resource for the landowner and Commonwealth by increasing forest diversity, resilience and wildlife habitat.
What Qualifies
American Chestnut (or Hybrid) – Once a dominant tree, American chestnut is nearly extinct due to a fungal disease. DOF and partners have been working for decades to develop trees resistant to the fungus. We are now ready to cost-share establishment of thi species in small plantings. Landowners are asked to submit annual updates on survival and growth of trees in their planting. American chestnut may be planted in half of Virginia.
Red Spruce – Red spruce abundance has declined significantly due to historic harvesting practices and habitat loss. It is suited to colder microclimates found in only a few counties, at high elevations and in some drainages. Re-establishing red spruce will help ensure this native species remains in Virginia. Landowners are encouraged to keep plantings small.
Shortleaf Pine – The amount of shortleaf pine in Virginia has decreased steadily over many decades. Forests containing shortleaf pine have mostly transitioned to hardwood only or been converted to other pine species. It has excellent wood properties, great wildlife benefits, is well adapted to fire and can be grown statewide.
Who is Eligible
Private non-industrial forest landowners may apply, including individuals, corporations, limited liability corporations (LLCs), non-profit organizations and local governments. Landowners who also own primary wood processing facilities are not eligible.
Before applying, applicants must meet with a Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) forester to establish objectives, conduct a site assessment and create a management plan that includes recommendations for eligible species. Some species are only suitable in specific counties or on specific sites due to the species’ natural adaptations.
Get Started
Plantings should be sized appropriately to allow for maintenance. Minimums and maximums are set for some species to encourage best use of landowner and cost-share funds. Cost share is 90% of the total project cost, not to exceed the per acre rate for each practice (see FT0078 in Additional Resources below for current rates). Eligible expenses for cost share include site preparation, planting and seedling protection as recommended by the forester. Maintenance of plantings greatly increases planting success and can include activities recommended by the forester, such as invasive control, replacing tree tubes and stakes, removing tubes, and re-planting seedlings that died. Diminished species and hardwood plantings up to 5 years old are eligible unless receiving cost-share assistance for maintenance from another source.
To Apply
To get started, consult your local DOF forester.
Additional Resources
| Image | Title | ID | Description | Date | Content Type | View | hf:tax:document-category | hf:tax:Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Diminished Species Establishment Cost-Share Program | FT0078 | Forestry topic sheet details the Diminished Species Establishment Cost-Share Program including eligibility and qualifying species of American chestnut, red spruce and shortleaf pine. | 04/13/2026 | Publication | View | forest-management research-resource-information resource-information | publication |
Contact Us
DOF foresters can assist you with your forestland, contact your local DOF forester.
For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.