The Office of Working Lands Preservation (OWL) within the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is committed to slowing the loss of valuable working landscapes. Because farm and forest conversion results from the choices of individual landowners, OWL works with landowners to help them keep their land in farm and forest.
Under the Code of Virginia, OWL was created with these powers and duties:
- Work with other public agencies and private groups to establish model policies and practices for local purchase of development rights programs.
- Educate the public about the importance of farmland and forestland preservation to the quality of life in the Commonwealth.
- Provide technical, professional, and other assistance to landowners on matters related to farmland and forestland preservation.
- Assist local governments in developing additional farmland and forestland preservation policies and programs, including land use value assessment, agricultural and forestal districts, and providing funds to local purchase of development rights programs.
- Administer the Virginia Farm Link Program.
- Administer the Virginia Farmland and Forestland Preservation Fund.
Additional Resources
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Contact Us
If you’re unsure where to start, contact your local DOF forester for guidance.
For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.