The Understory – Nov. 1
November 1, 2024 3:09 pm
The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) launched this newsletter to connect with forest landowners and all who love forests. Here we’ll share news, services, assistance programs and more. You’re receiving this newsletter because you previously signed up for DOF announcements. Help us spread the word by encouraging others interested in Virginia’s forests — and forestry — to sign up below. Interested in a specific forestry topic? Contact us.
Landowner Disaster Relief Information
DOF has created a disaster relief web page to inform forest landowners, partners and the public about available resources and assistance programs available in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Among the resources you’ll find here is the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Forest Restoration Program, which assists Virginia forest landowners with a cost-share for forest restoration activities. These include site preparation, natural regeneration, tree planting, and forest road work. Landowners are reimbursed 75% of the cost of approved practices. The first step for landowners is to contact your local FSA office.
DOF provides technical assistance for the program including plan preparation, mapping and ensuring practices are implemented appropriately. The sign-up period is through June 1, 2025. Learn more: https://dof.virginia.gov/disaster-relief/.
Virginia Prepared for Fall Fire Season
As the lead agency for wildfire incident command, DOF spent the summer preparing, restocking, training and coordinating with local, state and federal partners to ensure we’re ready for wildfire emergencies in the Commonwealth. In response to the last two extremely active fire seasons, Governor Youngkin has signed Executive Order 40, which enhances Virginia’s wildfire preparedness and response capabilities while advancing agency coordination and incident command operations.
This fall fire season, DOF is asking all of you to take extra precautions before burning. October has been a very dry month for Virginia and already within the last few weeks, several wildfires have burned more than 225 acres. Because most wildfires are caused by people, this means that most wildfires are also preventable. In Virginia, the number one cause of wildfires is escaped debris from burning yard waste. Much of Virginia continues to experience abnormally dry conditions, making burning even more dangerous. You can help by disposing of yard debris another way, such as composting, leaving it for wildlife to utilize, or just delaying burning until fire season ends. If you must burn, wait until December if possible. Learn more tips for having safe outdoor fires on the DOF website.
Throwing Shade VA Program: Nurseries Wanted!
DOF is seeking applications from nurseries to participate in our popular Throwing Shade VA program, which offers discounts on native trees and shrubs. Throwing Shade VA will expand to 15 retail nurseries in 2025. From March 1 through May 1, customers can visit a participating nursery, choose an eligible native tree or shrub, scan the QR code, and receive a discount of $25 on purchases of $50 or more. DOF reimburses participating nurseries for the customer discounts. The program incentivizes customers to buy and plant native species in the Commonwealth that in turn provide numerous benefits to our ecosystems and watersheds. Interested nurseries can learn more on DOF’s website.
Tags: Fall Fire Season, The Understory, Throwing Shade VA, Wildfire Prevention
Category: Education, Public Information