An Overview of Virginia’s Forest Resources
Forestland Area
- Virginia has approximately 16 million acres of forestland.
- The acreage fluctuates in response to forestland being converted to other land uses, while some idle lands revert back to forest.
Forest Ownership
- More than 80% of Virginia’s forestland is privately owned by individuals, families, and corporations.
- 60% of the forestland is held by more than 500,000 individuals or families.
- The largest single forestland owner in Virginia is the USDA Forest Service – George Washington and Jefferson National Forests at a combined 1.7 million acres.
- Only 1% of the forestland is owned by forest industry, as compared with 10% in the early 1990s.
- Forest Composition – The forests of Virginia are among the most diverse in the country.
- Learn more about forest composition in Virginia, such as forest types, stand size, volumes, top 10 tree species.
Sustainability – Growth/Drain Ratios
Growth/drain ratios are a common way to assess sustainability – a close look at the growth of forests versus the removal of forests.
- Ratios greater than 1:1 indicate forest volumes are growing at a faster rate than being removed.
- Growth volume is impacted by loss from storms, insects, disease, etc., as well as natural growth.
- Drain volume is impacted by volume removed by timber harvests and land conversion to other uses.
- Growth/drain ratios are less precise with small areas or small populations.
Additional Resources
- Learn more about the status of the forests in Virginia and read forest inventory analysis reports.
- View the USDA Forest Service online application EVALIDator to query forest attributed across the United States, including Virginia.
- Learn about the Southern Timber Supply Analysis – an online application to provide a summary of the forest resources around a selected radius from a geographic point – used to estimate available timber for an area.
Image | Title | ID | Description | Content Type | View | hf:tax:document-category | hf:tax:Media |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A Forested Tract-Size Profile of Virginia’s NIPF Landowners | SRS-001 | Report provides a profile of non-industrial private forest landowners, the decrease in tract size, increase in number of landowners and impacts of fragmentation on forest management. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Changes in Output of Industrial Timber Products in Virginia, 1976-1978 | SE-054 | This report presents the findings of a periodic canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and complements Forest Inventory and Analysis’ periodic inventory of volume and removals from southeastern timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Changes in Output of Industrial Timber Products in Virginia, 1987-1989 | SE-129 | This report presents the findings of a periodic canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and complements Forest Inventory and Analysis’ periodic inventory of volume and removals from southeastern timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2001 | SRS-058 | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2007 | SRS-059 | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2009 | SRS-035 | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2010 | SRS-056 | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2011 | SRS-078 | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forest Statistics for Virginia, 1992 | SE-131 | This report highlights the principal findings of the sixth forest survey of Virginia. Field work began in October 1990 and was completed in January 1992.Five previous surveys, completed in 1940, 1957, 1966, 1977 and 1986, provide statistics for measuring changes and trends over the past 52 years. The primary emphasis in this report is on the changes and trends since 1986. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forests of Virginia, 2014 | SRS-094 | Report provides an overview of forest resources in Virginia updated by means of the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Forests of Virginia, 2015 | FS-191 | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forests of Virginia, 2017 | FS-191 | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forests of Virginia, 2019 | FS-Null | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Forests of Virginia, 2020 | FS-395 | This resource update is a brief look at some of the basic metrics that describe the status of and changes to forest resources in Virginia. This information is based on field data collected using the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annualized sample design, and it is updated yearly. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2011 | SRS-098 | Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2013 | SRS-114 | Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2015 | SRS-129 | Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2017 | FS-277 | Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2018 | FS-293 | Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2019 | FS-306 | Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2020 | FS-357 | Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Forests – A Reliable Resource | FT0022 | Forestry topic information sheet provides an overview of the status and reliability of the forest resource in Virginia. | Publication | View | administration | publication | |
Virginia’s Forests, 2001 | SRS-120 | This summary report provides data collected through the Forest Inventory Analysis Program. These data are used to provide an overview of forest resources that may include, but is not limited to, forest area, forest ownership, forest type, stand structure, timber volume, growth, removals, mortality, management activity, down woody material, carbon storage and sequestration, and invasive species. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Forests, 2007 | SRS-159 | This summary report provides data collected through the Forest Inventory Analysis Program. These data are used to provide an overview of forest resources that may include, but is not limited to, forest area, forest ownership, forest type, stand structure, timber volume, growth, removals, mortality, management activity, down woody material, carbon storage and sequestration, and invasive species. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Forests, 2011 | SRS-197 | This summary report provides data collected through the Forest Inventory Analysis Program. These data are used to provide an overview of forest resources that may include, but is not limited to, forest area, forest ownership, forest type, stand structure, timber volume, growth, removals, mortality, management activity, down woody material, carbon storage and sequestration, and invasive species. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Forests, 2016 | SRS-223 | This summary report provides data collected through the Forest Inventory Analysis Program. These data are used to provide an overview of forest resources that may include, but is not limited to, forest area, forest ownership, forest type, stand structure, timber volume, growth, removals, mortality, management activity, down woody material, carbon storage and sequestration, and invasive species. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1992 | SE-145 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1995 | SRS-019 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1999 | SRS-074 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2001 | SRS-095 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2003 | SRS-108 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2005 | SRS-125 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2007 | SRS-155 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2009 | SRS-179 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – Timber Product Output and Use, 2011 | SRS-098 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – Timber Product Output and Use, 2013 | SRS-114 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication | |
Virginia’s Timber Industry – Timber Product Output and Use, 2015 | SRS-129 | Report contains the findings of a canvas of all primary wood-using plants in Virginia and presents changes in product output and residue use.It complements the Forest Inventory and Analysis periodic inventory of volume and removals from Virginia’s timberland. | Publication | View | forest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-information | publication |
Contact Us
For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.