It is important for logging operators to understand the laws related to water quality protection including the requirement for timber harvest notification to ensure protection of Virginia’s water quality.
Laws Re
lated to Timber Harvesting
Virginia Silvicultural Water Quality Law
- Requires sediment to be kept from streams during forestry operations.
- Applies to all landowners, timber owners, and logging operators.
- Requires notification of timber harvest by logging operators.
Virginia Debris in Stream Law
- Requires logging operators to keep logging debris from blocking stream channels.
- Criminal law enforced by DOF and DWR.
Erosion and Sediment Control Laws
- Locality-based laws requiring protection of soil and water quality.
- Forestry operations are exempt as long as forestry best management practices (BMPs) are utilized.
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Areas
- Applies to tidal counties of Virginia.
- Exemption for forestry operations incorporating BMPs.
Notification of Timber Harvests
Logging operators are required by law to notify DOF prior to the commencement of their timber harvesting operation but no later than three (3) days after the start of the operation. The notification must include an owner’s name or the owner’s representative or agent, and contact information. When harvesting on multiple owners from the same log deck, a harvest notification is required for each owner. This can be done in a number of ways:
- Online: https://www.ifris.DOF.virginia.gov/harvestnotification/
- Calling: 1-800-LOGS (5647)
- Contacting a local DOF office or staff
Failure to notify can result in a monetary penalty.
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.
Additional Resources
| Image | Title | ID | Description | Content Type | View | hf:tax:document-category | hf:tax:Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Harvest Notification | 18.01 | Form | View | water-quality | form | |
 | Services for Landowners | P00112 | Brochure provides information about the services available to landowners from the Virginia Department of Forestry, including forest management and forest health, timber harvesting and water quality, land conservation, tree seedling production, and resource protection. Printed copies available. | Publication | View | fire-and-emergency-response forest-health forest-management forest nurseries urban-and-community-forestry water-quality | publication |
 | Timber Harvest Notification – Required by Law | FT0027 | Forestry topic information sheet educated logger and landowners about the timber harvest notification that is required by Virginia law. | Publication | View | water-quality | publication |
 | Timber Harvesting and Water Quality | P00132 | 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. | Publication | View | water-quality | publication |
 | Virginia’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality: Field Guide | P00134 | 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. | Publication | View | water-quality | publication |
 | Virginia’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality: Technical Manual | P00104 | 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. | Publication | View | water-quality | publication |
 | Virginia’s Forestry Laws | P00002 | Pocket guide provides detailed information about the forestry laws in Virginia, including general forestry laws, forest fire laws and penalties, certified prescribed burn manager laws, seed tree laws, riparian forest buffer tax credit laws, debris in streams laws and penalties, silvicultural water quality laws and penalties, and more. Printed copies available. | Publication | View | fire-and-emergency-response | publication |
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. Contact your local DOF staff.
Your local water quality staff can assist with law enforcement questions. Contact your local DOF water quality staff.