The Understory – January 28, 2026

January 29, 2026 8:30 am

The Understory newsletter header with green forest background and text News from across the Commonwealth

Terry Lasher Appointed State Forester

Terry Lasher has been appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger as DOF’s ninth State Forester. Most recently serving as executive director with the Virginia Forestry Association, Lasher rejoins the agency where he spent more than two decades, beginning in 2001 as resource conservation and development forester in Tappahannock. From there, he went on to assume a wide range of roles with the agency including, assistant regional forester, senior area forester, regional forester and finally, assistant state forester.

“Thank you to Governor Spanberger and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier for this honor to return to DOF, where my roots run deep,” said Lasher. “DOF was established more than 100 years ago with the primary goal of preventing and fighting wildfires and reforesting Virginia lands. While these priorities remain today, we have expanded our efforts throughout the subsequent decades to include community forestry, forest health, research and working lands conservation. I look forward to working alongside DOF’s dedicated and capable staff, who continue to protect Virginia’s forest resources, support our industry and enhance our forests.”

Annual State of the Forest Report Now Available

The 2025 State of the Forest annual report provides an overview of Virginia’s forest resources, including trends, threats and utilization. It also explores the agency’s accomplishments and year-over-year progress from DOF’s major program areas within the last fiscal year Fiscal Year 25). Read the report on DOF’s website.

 

DOF And Partners Permanently Protect Scenic Forestlands

More than 5,000 acres of forestlands bordering Shenandoah National Park will soon be permanently protected thanks to a partnership between DOF, the U.S. Forest Service, The Piedmont Environmental Council and private landowners.

The partnership establishes conservation easements on five properties in Albemarle and Nelson counties, permanently blocking development and preserving working forests, crucial wildlife habitats, and scenic views enjoyed by millions of annual visitors.

Views like this, now more protected, are a big draw to this region. Photo courtesy of Hugh Kenny/Piedmont Environmental Council.

Learn more by reading DOF’s latest news release.

Sign up here to receive future news releases: https://dof.virginia.gov/press-room/news-releases/

 


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