Laws and Regulations for Loggers
For a direct link to state statutory language for logging laws, criminal and civil penalties, please click here: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=19&art=1B§ion=12A#1B
The wood industry of West Virginia generates $3.2 billion annually to the state’s economy. This industry also employs more than 30,000 jobs in the Mountain State. Each of the state’s 55 counties has some segment of the wood industry as an employer. The forest products sector is the largest employer in many of these counties.
West Virginia State Law requires the holder of a Timber Operator License to follow other licenses or regulations specified by the State of West Virginia.
To obtain a West Virginia Business Registration Number, contact the Tax Department at
(304) 558-3333 or visit their website, WV Tax Department
Companies with employees need to provide a copy of Certificate of Insurance or Certificate of Liability Insurance from an approved Worker’s Compensation Agent.
If you have no employees or are from out-of-state, you will need to contact the West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Division at (304) 558-2677 or visit their website,
WV Unemployment Compensation Division
If you have an account with the West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Division contact (304) 558-2451 to request a compliance letter in good standing.
Once you decide to cut, make sure the following criteria will be completed:
- Timber Operator is licensed with the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
- Obtained logger certification by completing a WVDOF training class.
- Filed a timbering operation notification with the WVDOF within three days of start-up.
- Posted a sign with company name and timbering license number.
If you see any individual or company violating the aforementioned laws, please report it to WV Forestry immediately. Thank you for keeping our forests safe!
