Logger Assistance for Water Quality Protection

Virginia has an abundant forest resource that provides forest products for a vibrant economy, habitat for wildlife, abundant recreational opportunities, clean air, and clean water. The active management of the forest resource provides economic benefits to landowners and the economy of Virginia. Active forest management requires the engagement of the logging operator to implement management activities to achieve the landowners’ objectives to manage their forest. It is important for logging operators to understand the laws related to water quality protection, the requirement for notification, and the value that pre-harvest planning plays in operational productivity as well as environmental protection.

Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) water quality inspectors help loggers and landowners with timber harvest planning and execution, and encourage the use of the correct site-specific voluntary best management practices (BMPs) to keep streams free of sediments.


Your local DOF forest technician can advise about incorporating proper BMPs to protect water quality during the implementation of a forestry practice on your property. Your local DOF water quality staff can also assist with water quality law enforcement and logger financial assistance programs.

Agency Directory


Additional Resources

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
Best Management Practices: Brush Matting and Vegetation - Examples
Best Management Practices: Brush Matting and Vegetation – ExamplesFT0041

Forestry topic information sheet shows examples of correct best management practices – brush matting and vegetation.

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Best Management Practices: Log Landings - Examples
Best Management Practices: Log Landings – ExamplesFT0043

Forestry topic information sheet shows examples of correct best management practices – log landings.

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Best Management Practices: Roads and Trails - Examples
Best Management Practices: Roads and Trails – ExamplesFT0046

Forestry topic information sheet shows examples of correct best management practices – roads and trails.

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Best Management Practices: Stream Crossings - Examples
Best Management Practices: Stream Crossings – ExamplesFT0042

Forestry topic information sheet shows examples of correct best management practices – stream crossings.

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Best Management Practices: Streamside Management Zones - Examples
Best Management Practices: Streamside Management Zones – ExamplesFT0044

Forestry topic information sheet shows examples of correct best management practices – streamsize management zones.

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Best Management Practices: Water Bars and Rolling Dips - Examples
Best Management Practices: Water Bars and Rolling Dips – ExamplesFT0045

Forestry topic information sheet shows examples of correct best management practices – water bars and rolling dips.

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Logger Best Management Practice (BMP) Cost-Share Program
Logger Best Management Practice (BMP) Cost-Share ProgramFT0047

Forestry topic information sheet provides program information about the Logger Best Management Practice (BMP) Cost-Share Program providing cost-share assistance to loggers for installation of best management practices.

Viewfinancial-assistance-water-quality water-qualitypublication
Logger Notification Log Book for Loggers
Logger Notification Log Book for Loggers

Log book is a booklet of timber harvest notification forms for use by loggers to keep track of their notifications. Printed copies available.

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Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Program Logger Incentive Cost-Share Application
Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Program Logger Incentive Cost-Share Application6.03Viewfinancial-assistance-forest-health forest-healthform
Spotted Lanternfly Logger Self-Inspection Checklist - Slow the Spread!!!
Spotted Lanternfly Logger Self-Inspection Checklist – Slow the Spread!!!FT0050

Forestry topic information sheet provides a checklist for loggers to do a self-inspection for spotted lanternfly, including photos of what to be looking for.

Viewforest-healthpublication
Timber Harvest Notification - Required by Law
Timber Harvest Notification – Required by LawFT0027

Forestry topic information sheet educated logger and landowners about the timber harvest notification that is required by Virginia law.

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Timber Harvesting and Water Quality
Timber Harvesting and Water QualityP00132

Brochure educates landowners and harvesters about the impact of timber harvesting on water quality and the steps required to maintain compliance with applicable laws during pre-harvest planning, harvesting and tract closeout after harvesting. Printed copies available.

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Virginia's Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality: Field Guide
Virginia’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality: Field GuideP00134

Technical field guide provides a convenient pocket instruction guide for timber harvesters to protect water quality when harvesting timber and comply with applicable laws. Printed copies available.

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Virginia's Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality: Technical Manual
Virginia’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality: Technical ManualP00104

Technical guide (5th edition) provides detailed instruction for timber harvesters to protect water quality when harvesting timber and comply with applicable laws. Printed copies available.

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A variety of financial assistance programs are available through DOF and partner agencies for forest management activities to protect water quality and improve forest health.

Explore All Financial Assistance Programs


Contact Us

Your local DOF forest technician can advise about incorporating proper BMPs to protect water quality during the implementation of a forestry practice on your property. Your local DOF water quality staff can also assist with water quality law enforcement and logger financial assistance programs. Contact your local DOF staff.

For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.