Natural Resources

Nearly 21 million acres, or 82 percent, of the Commonwealth’s total land area is forest, cropland, or pasture and range. Additional land is forested parkland and public open space. Over 66% of Virginia's forest land is owned by private landowners. In 2006, Virginia’s farms generated an estimated $2.7 billion in cash receipts, and forest landowners received nearly $350 million for harvested timber. Records indicate the forest industry contributes $30.5 billion annually to Virginia's economy. In light of the economic impact our forest resources have in the Commonwealth, we continue to seek input from our stakeholders in working to assure this valuable resource is managed sustainably for future generations of land ownership through:

• Research-based publications and fact sheets
• Landowner short courses in the class, the field, and through distance learning
• Logger training in the areas of safety, efficiency and water quality
• Professional forester education
• Youth education in schools and at summer camps