Forest Resource Information

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.
ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
A Forested Tract-Size Profile of Virginia's NIPF Landowners
A Forested Tract-Size Profile of Virginia’s NIPF LandownersSRS-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.

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Changes in Output of Industrial Timber Products in Virginia, 1976-1978
Changes in Output of Industrial Timber Products in Virginia, 1976-1978SE-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.

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Changes in Output of Industrial Timber Products in Virginia, 1987-1989
Changes in Output of Industrial Timber Products in Virginia, 1987-1989SE-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.

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Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet - Virginia, 2001
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2001SRS-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.

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Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet - Virginia, 2007
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2007SRS-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.

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Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet - Virginia, 2009
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2009SRS-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.

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Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet - Virginia, 2010
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2010SRS-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.

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Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet - Virginia, 2011
Forest Inventory and Analysis Factsheet – Virginia, 2011SRS-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.

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Forest Statistics for Virginia, 1992
Forest Statistics for Virginia, 1992SE-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.

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Forests of Virginia, 2015
Forests of Virginia, 2015FS-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.

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Forests of Virginia, 2017
Forests of Virginia, 2017FS-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.

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Forests of Virginia, 2019
Forests of Virginia, 2019FS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis resource-informationpublication
Forests of Virginia, 2020
Forests of Virginia, 2020FS-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.

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Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2017
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2017FS-277

Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service.

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Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2018
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2018FS-293

Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service.

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Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2019
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2019FS-306

Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service.

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Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2020
Timber Product Output and Use for Virginia, 2020FS-357

Report summarizes timber product output and use for Virginia as a result of surveys completed. Produced in coordination with the USDA Forest Service.

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Virginia's Forests - A Reliable Resource
Virginia’s Forests – A Reliable ResourceFT0022

Forestry topic information sheet provides an overview of the status and reliability of the forest resource in Virginia.

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Virginia's Forests, 2001
Virginia’s Forests, 2001SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Forests, 2007
Virginia’s Forests, 2007SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Forests, 2011
Virginia’s Forests, 2011SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Forests, 2016
Virginia’s Forests, 2016SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1992
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1992SE-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1995
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1995SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1999
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1999SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2001
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2001SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2003
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2003SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2005
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2005SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2007
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2007SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2009
Virginia’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2009SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - Timber Product Output and Use, 2011
Virginia’s Timber Industry – Timber Product Output and Use, 2011SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - Timber Product Output and Use, 2013
Virginia’s Timber Industry – Timber Product Output and Use, 2013SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication
Virginia's Timber Industry - Timber Product Output and Use, 2015
Virginia’s Timber Industry – Timber Product Output and Use, 2015SRS-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.

Viewforest-inventory-analysis marketing-and-utilization resource-informationpublication

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