DOF developed the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan as the agency’s blueprint to move DOF toward achieving outcomes and accomplishments that enhance forest resilience and sustainability while providing a cohesive approach to deliver agency services. DOF was originally formed as the state’s official wildfire response agency, however, our commitment to integrating sound forest management while delivering quality services for Virginia and beyond, has expanded our purpose today and into the future.
Mission
To protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.
Vision
DOF envisions environmental and economic benefits for all by promoting a healthy, abundant, diverse and sustainable forest resource.
Values
In working with our customers, we:
- Exceed customer expectations by delivering quality products and services in a responsive professional manner
- Treat customers courteously, honestly and respectfully
- Listen, appreciate, understand and respond to customer needs
- Apply science and technology fortified by a strong code of ethics
- Remain trustworthy professionals who ensure the integrity of the forest resource
In working together, we:
- Provide a trained, well-equipped and responsive workforce
- Clearly define, communicate and understand our vision, goals, objectives, strategies, roles and responsibilities
- Communicate in an open, honest, effective manner
- Are helpful and supportive to each another, demonstrating the spirit of cooperation, teamwork and mutual trust and respect
- Provide a working environment that fosters quality and creativity, rewards team performance, and is challenging and enjoyable
Summary of Strategic Goals
Five goals serve as our immediate agency priorities.
Goal 1 – Protect Virginia from Wildfire and Ensure Firefighter Safety
DOF will ensure that firefighters have all the training, equipment and resources needed to fight wildfires safely and aggressively from initial attack to complex incident management and thorough after-action reviews.
Goal 2 – Increase Forest Management Activity Statewide
DOF will increase focus on assisting landowners and land managers to implement beneficial management practices.
Goal 3 – Promote Forests and Forestry
DOF will promote the value of trees and sustainably managed forests, and the importance of robust markets and related supply chains for maintaining working farms and forestland.
Goal 4 – Ensure the DOF Workforce is Ready and Able to Achieve Our Mission
DOF will attract, develop and train agency staff and auxiliary workforce necessary to successfully carry out our mission in a safe and professional manner.
Goal 5 – Develop Agency Information Systems to Support Our Mission
DOF will ensure that everyone within the agency has ready access to information to do their jobs and that the agency can track and share data on agency efforts and the status of the resources we help to steward.
Additional Resources
Read the complete Strategic Plan and other strategic planning documents in our Resource Library below.
| Image | Title | ID | Description | Content Type | View | hf:tax:document-category | hf:tax:Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Forest Action Plan 2020 – Virginia Department of Forestry Strategic Plan | Strategic Plan is a component of DOF’s Forest Action Plan required by the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Report details agency goals and objectives. This plan is the companion document to the Statewide Assessment of Forest Resources and Virginia National Priorities Addendum. | Publication | View | administration | publication | |
 | Forest Action Plan 2020 – Virginia National Priorities Addendum | National Priorities Addendum is a component of DOF’s Forest Action Plan required by the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Report details national priorities and associated agency objectives. This addendum is the companion document to the Virginia Department of Forestry Strategic Plan and Virginia Statewide Assessment of Forest Resources. | Publication | View | administration | publication | |
 | Forest Action Plan 2020 – Virginia Statewide Assessment of Forest Resources | Statewide Assessment is a component of DOF’s Forest Action Plan required by the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Report includes a comprehensive, statewide assessment of the forest resource, and any potential threats to that resource. This assessment is the companion document to the Virginia Department of Forestry Strategic Plan and Virginia National Priorities Addendum. | Publication | View | administration | publication | |
 | Strategic Plan 2024-2026 | The 2024-2026 Strategic Plan is the agency’s blueprint to move the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) toward achieving outcomes and accomplishments that enhance forest resilience and sustainability while providing a cohesive approach to deliver agency services. This plan includes agency goals, objectives and strategies. | Document | View | administration | document |