We Help You Manage Your Forest
Through the Managed Timberland Program, the Stewardship Program and property protection initiatives, the Division of Forestry provides landowners with the assistance they need to responsibly maintain and operate their land. With these programs, we seek to promote sustainable forestry through both technical and financial assistance.
Management Programs
Forest Legacy Program
The Forest Legacy Program works to conserve environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Conservation is achieved through the purchase of the specified conservation easement within Forest Legacy Areas.
Managed Timberland Program
The Managed Timberland Program was created to promote the practice of sustainable forestry. This program provides significant tax incentives for forest landowners who practice sustainable forestry on their nonindustrial, privately owned forestland. Landowners may apply for the Managed Timberland Program every year before July 1.
Stewardship Program
The West Virginia Forest Stewardship Program offers technical and financial assistance to private landowners interested in planning and managing their forestland for multiple-use benefits including wood products, wildlife, recreation and aesthetics.
You may be eligible to receive up to 75% of the cost of developing the plan for the forested acres of the property.
Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund (OHCF)
The OHCF protects the best of West Virginia’s wild and wonderful natural resources by acquiring property for conservation purposes. OHCF invests in the conservation of unique and important wildlife habitats, natural areas, forest lands, farmland, and lands for hunting, fishing and recreation. The OHCF’s land-protection projects include important wildlife habitats, working forests and farmlands, as well as hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational areas.
Property Protection
Timber theft is a serious crime, but can be prevented. Many timber theft cases involve absentee landowners who are often not around their property to protect it from thieves. To avoid timber theft on your land, follow these tips:
- Have someone you know and trust report any cutting or trespassing on your land.
- Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on yours. Require a bill of sale before any cutting begins on your property.
- Never sign a contract without checking several references of the buyer.
