VIRGINIA FOREST LANDOWNER UPDATE

• American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)
  • The American Forest & Paper Association is the national trade association of the forest, pulp, paper, paperboard, and wood products industry. Many AF&PA companies that purchase wood from private lands offer forest landowner assistance programs. Through these programs, industry foresters assist with management planning, conduct periodic forest inspections, and assist landowners in obtaining cost-share assistance. In addition, some companies offer high-quality pine seedlings for reforestation at no cost. AF&PA member companies work closely with state and private natural resource agencies to provide quality logger and landowner education programs. Visit their site for tools for teachers, industry news, and much more.
• American Tree Farm System
  • The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) is a private program of the American Forest Foundation with a mission to promote growth of renewable forest resources on private lands while protecting environmental benefits and increasing public understanding of all benefits of productive forestry. State ATFS committees bring foresters, consultants, and government agency officials together with experienced tree farmers to plan and administer each state ATFS program. The ATFS is a nationally recognized certification system and the oldest certification system in the world. Visit their website to learn about how you can become a Tree Farmer.
• Appalachian Society of American Foresters - Virginia Division
  • The Appalachian Society of American Foresters
• Association of Consulting Foresters
  • Need to hire a professional forester? (If you are planning on conducting a timber sale, the answer is yes!). Before you hire someone, check to see if tehy are a member of the Association of Consulting Foresters, a professional organization for forestry service providers.

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• Ballyshannon Fund
  • An example of a different approach to rural development in Albemarle County. If you'd like to visit this innovative development project, join us on October 12 for the Albemarle County Forestry & Wildlife Field Tour.

• Bugwood
  • The Bugwood Network is a program of the Warnell School of Forestry at the University of Georgia . Here you will find thousands of high-quality photos of insects, diseases, exotic invasives, integrated pest management activities and more. All available for download free of charge when used for educational purposes.

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• Clemson Master Tree Farmer Program
  • Each year VFLEP teams up with Clemson's MTF to provide a regional natural resource education program via Satellite or Live Internet stream. The 2007 topic was "Preparing for the Next Owner". DVD's, videotapes and notebooks are still available from the 2007 program at their website. Stay tuned for the 2008 topic.

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• Forest Encyclopedia
  • This site is designed to collect and synthesize current peer-reviewed research findings into an on-line database in an easy to read and understand format. All synthesized information is peer-reviewed before publication on the site. This is a trustworthy, scientifically based source for forest management information.
• Forest Bioenergy
  • Interested in learning about using wood to generate energy? Visit this website for information on bioenergy options and issues. Events, links, and free images (for educational purposes) are all available. This site also includes a glossary, Power Point presentations, and training tools. A good site for educators.
• Forest Legacy
  • A partnership between states and the USDA Forest Service developed to identify and protect environmentally important forests from conversion to nonforest uses. The main tool used for protecting these important forests is conservation easements. The federal government may fund up to 75 percent of program costs with at least 25 percent coming from state, private or local sources.
• Forest Landowner's Guide to Internet Resources: States of the Northeast

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• Mount St. Helen's VolcanoCams
  • Check out what Mt. St. Helens is doing - in real time!
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• National Invasive Species Information Center
  • A service of the USDA's National Agricultural Library, this site covers all things invasive.
• National Park Service
  • The NPS website allows you to view National Parks in all 50 states, and to plan your next trip. Resources for teachers and kids are also available, as well as a bookstore.
• National Timber Tax Website
  • When you sell timber from your land, you need to know about the tax implications. Get all the latest tax information before you start your tax preparation.
• National Web-based Learning Center for Non-federal Forest and Range Lands: Sustainable Timber Harvesting Learning Module
  • Ever wonder what your forest would look like after a timber harvest? This site will teach you the basics of the different timber harvest methods used in Virginia. Users are provided with 360 degree photos of various forest types both before and after different timber harvest methods. Users can select individual trees to find out species, size and approximate dollar value. If you are thinking about selling your timber, this is a great place to start!
• Natural Resources & Conservation Service
  • This federal agency "(originally called the Soil Conservation Service) helps America's private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources. NRCS employees provide technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer's specific needs. We provide financial assistance for many conservation activities. Participation in our programs is voluntary. Our Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program provides voluntary conservation technical assistance to land-users, communities, units of state and local government, and other Federal agencies in planning and implementing conservation systems." Check their website for a local office and to find out how to qualify for cost-share assistance.
• NatureServe
  • If you are interested in learning more about rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems, NatureServe and its network of Natural Heritage Programs (administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia) is a great site to explore. Data and maps are available as well.
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• Official Site of the Governor of Virginia
  • News and information on legal issues in Virginia.
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• Piedmont Environmental Council
  • The Piedmont Environmental Council is a 34-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the Piedmont's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty. PEC has over 30 staff members at its Warrenton, VA headquarters and at six county field offices. Check out their website to find out about local programs and news.
• Project Learning Tree
  • Are you an educator interested in incorporating more environmental education into your teaching? If so, visit Project Learning Tree to find out how.
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• Silvics of North America
  • Identification and information on hardwood and pine species found in the United States. A must for foresters and tree lovers.
• Society of American Foresters
  • Professional society for foresters and other natural resource professionals.
• Southern Regional Extension Forestry
  • A great source of forestry related information, including upcoming events, recent publications, and learning opportunities.
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• The Nature Conservancy
  • Find out about Nature Conservancy's programs, protected lands, and how to make a donation.
• Trees of Alabama and the Southeast
  • A site dedicated to teaching you how to identify common southeastern tree species. Contains quizzes, terminology, and a search function.
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• USDA Forest Service
• The federal agency responsible for managing the National Forests (in Virginia the Washington and Jefferson national Forests). The website allows you to search for forests in your state, and has links to numerous forestry publications.
• USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey
  • Curious about what soil types you have on your land? Is your soil good for growing trees? If so, which species? This site allows you to enter your address to view an aerial photo and create a soil map for your property. Once the map is completed, you can look up detailed information about the soils on your land. A very useful website - you will need a decent Internet connection.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. Our mission is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Visit their website to find out about specific programs and wildlife news.
• U.S. Geological Survey
  • The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information and water, and are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us. A large variety of maps and photos are available from the website store.
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• VFLEP Tree Identification Module
  • Learn how to identify common trees in Virginia by bark, leaf, bud, twig and bark. This interactive learning module takes you through the basics of tree identification. Test your knowledge with an interactive quiz at the end.
• Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association
  • The Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association (VCTGA) is an association of professional Christmas tree growers interested in the expansion of our farming industry by growing and marketing quality trees. Through our support of research and education, we strive to improve the numbers, quality and types of trees available to the fresh tree market. Visit their website to find out how to receive the Pines and Needles newsletter, view the Tree Farm Directory, and learn how to become a VCTGA member.
• Virginia Cooperative Extension
  • This state agency provides basic forestry, wildlife, and natural resource information. Extension personnel conduct educational tours, short courses, and meetings on a wide variety of topics. To find your local Extension Office (there is one in every Virginia county), and to find out more about Extension's programs, visit this site.
• Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H Virtual Forest
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
  • The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) works with Virginians to conserve, protect and enhance their lands and improve the quality of the Chesapeake Bay and rivers and streams. The DCR promotes the stewardship and enjoyment of natural, cultural, and outdoor recreational resources and is responsible for managing Virginia's State Park System. You can sign up for a weekly e-newsletter to get listings of special events at the State Parks. They also coordinate statewide nonpoint source pollution control, insure the safety of Virginia's dams and provide statewide land conservation information (through the Land Conservation Office. DCR also administers Virginia's Natural Heritage Program (see the NatureServe link above).
• Virginia Department of Forestry
  • The Virginia Department of Forestry's mission is: to protect 15.8 million acres of forest land from fire, insects and disease; to manage 17 State Forests and other state lands totaling 47,899 acres for timber, recreation, water, research, wildlife and biodiversity; and to assist non-industrial private forest landowners through professional forestry advice and technical management programs. Find information on forest management, State Forests, your county forester, consulting foresters, information about cost-share programs, and much more.
• Virginia Department of Transportation
• Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
  • The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' mission is: to manage Virginia's wildlife and inland fish to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing. Obtain a current copy of the 2007-2008 hunting and fishing regulations, and purchase licenses here. You can also use the Find Game interactive mapping tool to locate hunting and fishing areas in Virginia.
• Virginia Forestry Association
  • VFA promotes stewardship and wise use of the Commonwealth's forest resources for the economic and environmental benefits of all Virginians. Membership consists of forest landowners, forest product businesses, forestry professionals, and a variety of individuals and groups who are concerned about the future and well being of Virginia's forest resources. Join VFA, see forestry related news and information, and view a calendar of events.
• Virginia Outdoors Foundation
  • The mission of VOF is "to promote the preservation of open space lands and to encourage private gifts of money, securities, land or other property to preserve the natural, scenic, historic, open-space and recreational areas of the Commonwealth." VOF is the State Land Trust in Virginia. They hold conservation easements on private lands which are donated to them in exchange for tax credits/deductions.
• Virginia SFI Implementation Committee
  • The SFI ® Program provides exacting environmental standards and performance measures that integrate the protection of our environment with the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees. SFI is a nationally recognized forest certification system. Find out more about their Standards of Performance.
• Virginia State Parks
  • With Virginia State Parks around, you can never complain there's nothing to do! The 34 parks have 1000's of campsites, 100's of cabins, over 500 miles of trails and host cultural and educational events throughout the year. View a calendar of events, reserve a cabin or campsite, find a hiking trail, and much more at their website.
• Virginia Tech Dendrology
  • The resourse in Virginia for all your tree identification needs. Learn how to identify tree species by bark, leaves, twigs, buds and form. Includes fact sheets, range maps, twig/bud/leaf/bark keys.
• Virginia Soil & Water Conservation Districts
  • The Districts are political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Virginia. They work with Federal, State, and local authorities and the private sector to address Virginia's soil and water conservation needs. They promotes educational and technical programs in the field of natural resources conservation, provide advice on the handling of conservation issues to governmental entities and private citizens, and administer programs aimed at specific goals.
• Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources

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