Water Quality Laws

It is important for logging operators to understand the laws related to water quality protection including the requirement for timber harvest notification to ensure protection of Virginia’s water quality.

 

Laws Related to Timber Harvesting

Virginia Silvicultural Water Quality Law
  • Requires sediment to be kept from streams during forestry operations.
  • Applies to all landowners, timber owners, and logging operators.
  • Requires notification of timber harvest by logging operators.
Virginia Debris in Stream Law
  • Requires logging operators to keep logging debris from blocking stream channels.
  • Criminal law enforced by DOF and DWR.
Erosion and Sediment Control Laws
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Areas
  • Applies to tidal counties of Virginia.
  • Exemption for forestry operations incorporating BMPs.
Notification of Timber Harvests
  • Requires logging operators to notify DOF prior to commencement of timber harvesting operation but no later than three (3) days after start of operation.
  • Notification must include owner’s name or owner’s representative or agent, and contact information.
  • Separate notification required for each owner when harvesting on multiple owners from the same log deck.
  • Notification can be submitted online at https://www.ifris.DOF.virginia.gov/harvestnotification/, by calling 1-800-LOGS (5647), or by contacting a local DOF office or staff.
  • Failure to notify can result in a monetary penalty.

Your local DOF forest technician can advise about incorporating proper BMPs to protect water quality during the implementation of a forestry practice on your property. Your local DOF water quality staff can also assist with water quality law enforcement.

Agency Directory

Additional Resources

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
Harvest Notification
Harvest Notification18.01

Form to report logging operations to the Virginia Department of Forestry.

FormViewwater-qualityform
Services for Landowners
Services for LandownersP00112

Brochure provides information about the services available to landowners from the Virginia Department of Forestry, including forest management and forest health, timber harvesting and water quality, land conservation, tree seedling production, and resource protection. Printed copies available.

PublicationViewfire-and-emergency-response forest-health forest-management forest nurseries urban-and-community-forestry water-qualitypublication
Timber Harvest Notification - Required by Law
Timber Harvest Notification – Required by LawFT0027

Forestry topic information sheet educated logger and landowners about the timber harvest notification that is required by Virginia law.

PublicationViewwater-qualitypublication
Timber Harvesting and Water Quality
Timber Harvesting and Water QualityP00132

Brochure educates landowners and harvesters about the impact of timber harvesting on water quality and the steps required to maintain compliance with applicable laws during pre-harvest planning, harvesting and tract closeout after harvesting. Printed copies available.

PublicationViewwater-qualitypublication
Virginia's Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality: Technical Manual
Virginia’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality: Technical ManualP00104

Technical manual provides detailed instruction for timber harvesters to protect water quality when harvesting timber and comply with applicable laws. This manual replaces the previous versions of the Technical Manual and Field Guide. Printed copies available. [WARNING – large file size]

PublicationViewwater-qualitypublication
Virginia's Forestry Laws
Virginia’s Forestry LawsP00002

Pocket guide provides detailed information about the forestry laws in Virginia, including general forestry laws, forest fire laws and penalties, certified prescribed burn manager laws, seed tree laws, riparian forest buffer tax credit laws, debris in streams laws and penalties, silvicultural water quality laws and penalties, and more. Printed copies available.

PublicationViewfire-and-emergency-responsepublication

Contact Us

Your local DOF forest technician can advise about incorporating proper BMPs to protect water quality during the implementation of a forestry practice on your property. Your local DOF water quality staff can also assist with water quality law enforcement. Contact your local DOF staff.

Your local water quality staff can assist with law enforcement questions. Contact your local DOF water quality staff.



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