Media: News Releases

DOF and VCE Make Land Legacy Planning More Accessible

DOF and VCE Make Land Legacy Planning More Accessible

March 18, 2021 - The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) and the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) encourage landowners to make plans for passing on their land to the next generation – right now. The Generation NEXT program is a collaboration between DOF and VCE that helps Virginia landowners keep forests intact, in forest, and in family. Generation NEXT is hosting two low-cost virtual legacy planning series this year – in April and September – to help landowners take the... Read More

Native Ecosystem Restoration Expanded in Southeastern Virginia

Native Ecosystem Restoration Expanded in Southeastern Virginia

February 16, 2021 - The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) and the Meadowview Biological Research Station (MBRS) recently acquired land that expands an existing conservation easement on the Joseph Pines Preserve in Sussex County. The 196-acre purchase by MBRS increases the preserve property to nearly 428 acres. The easement, donated to DOF by MBRS, includes the entire preserve.

Spring Fire Season Begins - 4 PM Law in Effect

Spring Fire Season Begins – 4 PM Law in Effect

February 16, 2021 - In Virginia, spring brings increased wildfire potential and a greater threat for escaped fires. Virginia’s spring wildland fire season and accompanying 4 PM Burning Law officially begin Monday, February 15. The law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day between February 15 and April 30 if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of woodland, brush or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.

Spring Fire Season Begins - 4 PM Law in Effect

Spring Fire Season Begins – 4 PM Law in Effect

February 11, 2021 - In Virginia, spring brings increased wildfire potential and a greater threat for escaped fires. Virginia’s spring wildland fire season and accompanying 4 PM Burning Law officially begin Monday, February 15. The law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day between February 15 and April 30 if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of woodland, brush or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.

Land Secured for Virginia's Newest State Forest

Land Secured for Virginia’s Newest State Forest

December 3, 2020 - The Conservation Fund transfers more than 2,500 acres to the State, ensuring sustainable forest management, protecting wildlife habitat and water quality, and providing recreational access. This property will become the Charlotte State Forest.

DOF Seeks Acorns/Nuts from Virginia Landowners

DOF Seeks Acorns/Nuts from Virginia Landowners

September 15, 2020 - DOF is again seeking 12 species of acorns and nuts that can be planted at its Augusta Forestry Center to grow into tree seedlings that will become the forests of tomorrow.

2020 Camp Woods and Wildlife Nominations Open

2020 Camp Woods and Wildlife Nominations Open

March 10, 2020 - DOF invites teens to learn in the great outdoors this summer! Nominations are now open for 2020 Camp Woods and Wildlife held in June at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center near Appomattox, Virginia.

Outdoor Fires Unlawful Before 4 p.m.

Outdoor Fires Unlawful Before 4 p.m.

February 10, 2020 - The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burn Law goes into effect February 15. This law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day between February 15 and April 30 if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brush or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.