VirginiaDepartmentof
Forestry
StrategicPlanHarnessingtheWindsofChange
June2010
05/01/2010 2
Contents
Goal1:Protectthecitizens,theirpropertyandtheforestresourcefromwildfire ............... 6GoalSummaryandAlignment................................................................................................6
Objective1.1–Wewillreducetheforestlandburnedbywildfires. ............................................................... 6Objective1.2–Provideavailablefinancialresourcestoruralvolunteerfiredepartmentsfortrainingandtheacquisitionofsmallequipmentandwildlandfirepersonnelprotectiveequipment. ............................... 6Objective1.3–Continuelonghistoryofproactivefirepreventionefforts,particularlyinidentifiedpriorityareas............................................................................................................................................................... 7
Goal2:Protect,promoteandenhanceforestedwatersheds,non‐tidalwetlandsandriparianareas. .................................................................................................................... 7GoalSummaryandAlignment................................................................................................7
Objective2.1–Increasetheamountofforestlandprotectedand/orestablishedinVirginiawatersheds,withapriorityonsignificantwatersheds. ...................................................................................................... 7Objective2.2–WewillprotectandenhancewaterqualitybyincreasingcompliancewithBMPsonforestharvestsites. .................................................................................................................................................. 8Objective2.3–Mitigatethewaterqualityimpactofurbanandsuburbanstormwaterandimpervioussurfaces .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Goal3:ImprovetheStewardship,HealthandDiversityofForestResources ....................... 9GoalSummaryandAlignment................................................................................................9
Objective3.1–Wewillincreasethenumberofforestmanagementprojectsimplementedonprivatelandandpromotecost‐sharefundingforallappropriateprojects. ....................................................................... 9Objective3.2–IncreaseurbanforestmanagementinVirginiacommunities,particularlystateandlocalcapacitytoaddressurbanforestryissuesandconcerns. ............................................................................. 10Objective3.3–IncreasetheamountofforestmanagementassistanceonprivatelandsintheCommonwealth. ........................................................................................................................................... 11Objective3.4–ImplementactionstoprotectVirginia’sforestresourcefromspecieslossandfromtheimpactsofdetrimentalnativeandinvasiveplantsandpests. ..................................................................... 11
Goal4:Conservetheforestlandbase................................................................................ 13GoalSummaryandAlignment..............................................................................................13
Objective4.1–Increasethenumberofacresofforestlandprotectedfromconversion,focusing,wherepossible,onlandsrankedashighin“ForestConservationValue.”Includeexpandingeffortsinnon‐permanentconservation. ............................................................................................................................. 13Objective4.2–Increaseawarenessoftheimportanceofandneedforforestlandconservationamonglandownersandlocalgovernments. ............................................................................................................ 14Objective4.3–Managethestateforestlandsonasustainablebasisforresearch,demonstration,educationandmultiple‐usebenefitswhilestayingwithintheallowableforestharvestlevels.................... 14Objective4.4–Promotealarger,connectedforestlandscape.................................................................... 15
Goal5:Promoteforestindustryanddiversifiedmarketsforforestlandowners,includingecosystemservicemarkets. .............................................................................................. 15GoalSummaryandAlignment..............................................................................................15
Objective5.1–Promotediversificationofforestmarketsandahealthyforestindustrytokeepforestlandinforests....................................................................................................................................................... 15Objective5.2–Increaseawarenessofecosystemservicesprovidedbyforestlandandurbanforesttreecanopytofostermarketdevelopmentandincorporationintoland‐useplanning....................................... 16
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Objective5.3–Managethenurseriestoprovidethebestqualityseedlingtypesdemandedbythecustomer....................................................................................................................................................... 17Objective5.4–ImprovetheefficiencyofVDOFseedlingnurseryproduction. ............................................. 17Objective5.5–PromotestakeholdercooperationingrowingVirginia’sGreenEnergysector. ................... 17Objective5.6–Facilitateopportunitiesforforestcertificationamongprivateforestlandowners. ............ 18
Goal6:Collect,maintainanddisseminateforestresourceininventoryinformationandappliedresearch. .............................................................................................................. 18GoalSummaryandAlignment..............................................................................................18
Objective6.1–ProvideresearchinformationonforestresourcesinVirginiatoallstakeholders. .............. 19Objective6.2–ProvideaninventoryofforestnaturalresourcesinVirginiaonacontinualbasis................ 19
Goal7:Manageagencyresourcestoeffectivelyandefficientlyaccomplishthestrategicinitiatives.......................................................................................................................... 20GoalSummaryandAlignment..............................................................................................20
Objective7.1–Ensureresourcesareusedefficientlyandprogramsaremanagedeffectively,andinamannerconsistentwithapplicablestateandfederalrequirements. ........................................................... 20
Goal8:Strengthenthecultureofpreparednessacrossstateagencies,theiremployeesandcustomers......................................................................................................................... 21GoalSummaryandAlignment..............................................................................................21
Objective8.1–WewillbepreparedtoactintheinterestofthecitizensoftheCommonwealthanditsinfrastructureduringemergencysituationsbyactivelyplanningandtrainingbothasanagencyandasindividuals. ................................................................................................................................................... 21Objective8.2–WewilltesttheVDOFContinuityofOperationsPlan(COOP)sufficientlyenoughtoencompassheadquarters,regions,StateForestsandnurseriesanddetermineitseffectivenessinatrueemergency.................................................................................................................................................... 22Objective8.3–Developthecapacityofstateandlocalurbanforestprogramsandprofessionalstoprepareforandrespondtonaturaldisastersaffectingurbanforests....................................................................... 22
ResourcesNecessarytoAddressStatewideStrategies ...................................................... 23
AppendixA 27
USForestServiceForestLegacyProgram–VirginiaProgramGuidelines .......................... 27Introduction..........................................................................................................................27Virginia’sForestLegacyProgramOverview .........................................................................27ProgramEligibilityCriteria....................................................................................................28ProgramPriorityAreas(ForestLegacyArea)........................................................................28ProgramRequirements ........................................................................................................29ProgramProcedures.............................................................................................................30
ForestLegacySub‐committee ...................................................................................................................... 30ProgramPromotion...................................................................................................................................... 30Application ................................................................................................................................................... 31
AppendixA‐1:AssessmentofNeedInterimRevisionsProcess(2007‐2008) .......................40RevisedEligibilityCriteria ............................................................................................................................. 40RevisedForestLegacyAreas ........................................................................................................................ 40PublicInput................................................................................................................................................... 40CallforTargetAreas..................................................................................................................................... 40ChangeinFLADetermination....................................................................................................................... 41TargetAreasSubmitted ............................................................................................................................... 41
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FinalizingtheFLA ......................................................................................................................................... 41GISDataLayers ............................................................................................................................................ 42
AppendixA‐2:SampleRequestforApplications ..................................................................45Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 45BackgroundandPurpose ............................................................................................................................. 45PriorHistoryofForestLegacyinVirginia ..................................................................................................... 45ForestLegacyAreas...................................................................................................................................... 46EligibilityCriteria .......................................................................................................................................... 46ForestLegacyProgramRequirements.......................................................................................................... 46Pre‐ApplicationDueDate ............................................................................................................................. 47ApplicationDueDate ................................................................................................................................... 47CompletingtheApplication/ApplicationRanking ........................................................................................ 47ApplicationRequirements(andnumberofdocuments)............................................................................... 48ProcessforApplicantstoSubmitApplications ............................................................................................. 48ApplicationReview/RankingProcess ........................................................................................................... 48AdditionalSourcesofInformationandAssistance ....................................................................................... 49
AppendixA‐3:SamplePre‐Application.................................................................................50AppendixA‐4:SampleApplication .......................................................................................51AppendixA‐5:SampleLandownerInspectionConsentAgreement.....................................55AppendixA‐6:ProjectEvaluation .........................................................................................56AppendixA‐7:EasementMonitoringReport .......................................................................59
AppendixB 62
VirginiaForestStewardshipOperatingPlan ...................................................................... 62StatementofPurposeandCooperatingOrganizationAgreement.......................................62ForestStewardshipCoordinatingCommittee ......................................................................63ProgramImplementation .....................................................................................................64
StateLevel .................................................................................................................................................... 64RegionalLevel .............................................................................................................................................. 65
PriorityAreas ........................................................................................................................66Level1–Landscape‐LevelPriorityAreas...................................................................................................... 66Level2–Area‐BasedPriorityAreas.............................................................................................................. 68
DeliverySystemtoNIPFLandowners ...................................................................................70PlanPreparationProcedures................................................................................................71
Eligibility ....................................................................................................................................................... 71ProgramEnrollment ..................................................................................................................................... 71
ProfessionalQualificationstoPrepareFSMPs......................................................................72InvolvementofConsultantForesters............................................................................................................ 72QualificationsforOtherNaturalResourceManagementSpecialists ........................................................... 73
PlanPreparationFormatandPlanElements........................................................................73AfterthePlanisCompleted..................................................................................................77FuturePlanRevisionorAddendums ....................................................................................77PlanRevisionandAddendumProcedures............................................................................77StewardshipForestCertificationCriteria .............................................................................78
Eligibility ....................................................................................................................................................... 78InspectionProcedure.................................................................................................................................... 79Nomination .................................................................................................................................................. 79
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Award ........................................................................................................................................................... 79Follow‐UpRe‐inspection............................................................................................................................... 79
MinimumStandardsandBasicGuidelinesforCertification .................................................79PreliminaryStandardAccomplishments....................................................................................................... 80TimberProduction........................................................................................................................................ 80Wildlife ......................................................................................................................................................... 81EnvironmentalAndRecreation..................................................................................................................... 81SoilAndWater.............................................................................................................................................. 82
MonitoringForestStewardshipPlanImplementation .........................................................83AppendixB‐1:SampleForestStewardshipPlan...................................................................84
SampleResourceManagementActivityRecord........................................................................................... 88
FiguresFigure1:ForestLegacyArea....................................................................................................................................... 29Figure2:ConservationValueIndex(Ranking:1(lowest)to12(highest)).................................................................. 43Figure3:ForestLegacyAreas(July2008)................................................................................................................... 44Figure4:GeneralizedForestStewardshipPriorities .................................................................................................. 68Figure5:ForestResourcePriorityforVirginiafromtheSouthernForestLandAssessmentExcludingUrban,Water
andPublicLand–StateNaturalBreaks .................................................................................................... 69Figure6:ForestResourcePriorityforVirginiafromtheSouthernForestLandAssessmentExcludingUrban,Water
andPublicLand–RegionalNaturalBreaks .............................................................................................. 70
TablesTable1:ResourceNeedsMatrix................................................................................................................................. 23Table2:VirginiaForestLegacyEligibilityCriteria ....................................................................................................... 43Table3:VirginiaForestLegacyGrantHistory............................................................................................................. 46Table4:AgenciesandOrganizationsInvitedtoServeontheVirginiaForestStewardshipCoordinatingCommittee64
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Goal1:Protectthecitizens,theirpropertyandtheforestresourcefromwildfire
GoalSummaryandAlignmentTheCommonwealth’sforestlandswillbeprotectedfromdamagesresultingfromwildfires.Virginiawillbeanational leader intheeffortbyensuringtheVDOFhasadequatesuppressionequipmentand radio communications to effectively interoperate with local, state and federal agencies;sufficiently trainedpersonnel; anappropriate firepreventionprogram,and staff trained inarsoninvestigationandlawenforcementwhoarepreparedforthechangingneedsinwildfireprotectionandwildland/urban interface. This goal aligns directly with the Agency’smission to protect theforestresources.
Objective1.1–Wewillreducetheforestlandburnedbywildfires.Measure1.1.1:Reducepercentageofhuman‐causedfires
Target:94.7percentorlower
Strategies1.1.1.1–Complete12newCommunityWildfireProtectionPlans(CWPP)andcarryout
12wildfirehazardmitigationprojectsinhighwildfireriskcommunities.
Target:12plansand12projects
1.1.1.2–AgencyForestFireReadinessandmobilizationplanwillbeinplaceduringthespringandfallfireseasonstomaintainastateofhighwildfirereadiness.
1.1.1.3 – Reduce arson‐causedwildfires by providing advanced law enforcement andfire investigation training to all special forest wardens and by maintaining abloodhoundprogram.
Objective1.2–Provideavailablefinancialresourcestoruralvolunteerfiredepartmentsfortrainingandtheacquisitionofsmallequipmentandwildlandfirepersonnelprotectiveequipment.Measure 1.2.1: Increase percentage of eligible rural volunteer firedepartmentsreceivingstateandfederalfinancialassistance.
Target:40.0percentorgreater
Strategies1.2.1.1–Maintainandupdateannually thecontact foreachvolunteer firedepartment
withinthecountytotheregionaldatabase.
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1.2.1.2– Increase theuseofavailableFederalExcessproperty toVDOFandvolunteerfiredepartmentswithinidentifiedhighfireriskareas.
1.2.1.3 – 20 percent of the Commonwealth’s rural volunteer fire departments willreceiveVDOFpass‐throughfinancialassistanceonanannualbasisbasedonneedsandcurrentwildfireresponsecapabilities.
1.2.1.4–Promotecontinueddevelopmentandexpansionofbothstateandlocalwildfiresuppressioncapacities.ProvidelocalizedwildlandfiretrainingineachVDOFregionandat least one statewide training academy to improve the efficiencyofwildlandfireresponse.
Objective1.3–Continuelonghistoryofproactivefirepreventionefforts,particularlyinidentifiedpriorityareas.Measure1.3.1:Numberoffirepreventionpresentations,seminarsand/oroutreachprogramsprovidedbyVDOFpersonnelinidentifiedhigh‐riskareas.
Target:30programs/year
Strategies1.3.1.1–IdentifywildfirehazardsandrisksacrossVirginiaandestablishpriorityareas
forwildfirepreventionandmitigationefforts.
1.3.1.2–CreateapartnershipbetweenVirginia’spublicschoolsandVDOFtopromotewildfirepreventionandpublicsafety.
Goal2:Protect,promoteandenhanceforestedwatersheds,nontidalwetlandsandriparianareas.
GoalSummaryandAlignmentProvide technical services; best management practices information, and silvicultural activityenforcementontheCommonwealth's forestwatersheds,non‐tidalwetlandsandriparianareas tohelpensurethequalityofdrinkingandrecreationalwatersfromtheseareasforfuturegenerations.
Objective2.1–Increasetheamountofforestlandprotectedand/orestablishedinVirginiawatersheds,withapriorityonsignificantwatersheds.Measure 2.1.1: Number of acres of forestland established and/orprotectedinVirginiawatersheds.
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Target:3,500acres/year
Measure 2.1.2: Number of acres of riparian forest protected (acres inriparianforestbuffertaxcredit).
Target:350acres/year
Strategies2.1.1.1 – Work collaboratively with partners, agencies and groups to establish new
buffersasoutlinedintheRiparianForestBufferImplementationPlan.
2.1.1.2–Provideeducationalopportunitiesforthegeneralpublic,SWCDs,privateforestlandowners, the development community and forest products manufacturersthroughmeetings,publishedliteratureandarticles.Theseeducationalopportunitieswillbeaimedatacombinationofpromotinganincreaseinthenumberofriparianplantings; encouraging wider riparian plantings, when possible, and educatinglandownersinsignificantwatershedsontheimportanceofforeststowaterquality.
2.1.1.3 – Use available grants and cost‐share funds to increase accomplishments ofbuffers in rural and urban areas; fund logger BMP cost‐share, and providewatershedprotectionthroughtheregionalgrantprogram.
2.1.1.4 –Make stakeholders aware of the Riparian Forest Buffer Tax Credit program.VDOF foresterswill actively seekandpromoteareas for the riparian forestbuffertax credit, including pre‐harvest plans; harvest inspection process, and forestmanagementplans.
Objective2.2–WewillprotectandenhancewaterqualitybyincreasingcompliancewithBMPsonforestharvestsites.Measure2.2.1:Costtoconductaforestharvestwaterqualityinspection.
Target:$10.34/acre
Measure2.2.2:PercentageofBestManagementPracticesimplementedontimberharvestingoperations.
Target:90percent
Strategies2.2.2.1–Engagewaterqualityspecialiststoprovidemoreconsistencytoregionalstaff
forimplementationandenforcementofthewaterqualitylaw.
2.2.2.2–UtilizecomprehensiveIntegratedForestResourceInformationSystem(IFRIS)to support the water quality law enforcement program that allows for harvestoperationtrackingfrompointofnotificationtoinspectionclose‐out.
2.2.2.3 – Identify BMP implementation rates by individual BMP practice groups andutilize that information to target specific trainingprograms for theSHARPLoggerProgram.
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2.2.2.4–ImprovestatewideBMPimplementationrateontimberharvestingoperationsby educating forest landowners on the value of BMPs and how to encourageharvestingcontractorstousethemwhereappropriate.
Objective2.3–MitigatethewaterqualityimpactofurbanandsuburbanstormwaterandimpervioussurfacesMeasure2.3.1:Numberofwaterqualityimprovementprojectscompleted.
Target:15projects/year
Strategies2.3.1.1 – Encourage and implement tree planting projects and forest management
strategiesthatmitigatetheeffectsofstormwaterrunoffandimprovewaterstorage.
2.3.1.2 – Encourage municipalities to include using forests and trees as a significantcomponentofstormwatermanagementintheirstormwaterplans.
Goal3:ImprovetheStewardship,HealthandDiversityofForestResources
GoalSummaryandAlignmentProvide information, advice and scientific‐based recommendations to help landowners makeinformeddecisionsabouttheirforestresources,whichresultinhealthy,vigoroustreesandforestsonprivateland.
Objective3.1–Wewillincreasethenumberofforestmanagementprojectsimplementedonprivatelandandpromotecostsharefundingforallappropriateprojects.Measure 3.1.1: Number of forestmanagement projects implemented onprivateland.
Target:650projects/quarter
Measure3.1.2: Percentage of eligible Reforestation of Timberlands (RT)incentivereceivedbylandowners.
Target:95percent
Strategies3.1.1.1 – Regenerate and improve forests, with added emphasis in priority areas by
implementingsilviculturalpracticesasoutlinedinforestmanagementplans.Focusproject implementations on tracts covered by active stewardship or equivalent
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plansandpromotecertificationthroughtheCertifiedStewardshipprocessorothercertificationprogram.
3.1.1.2–Developeducationalmaterialsandprogramsandusethesetoraiselandownerawarenessoftheneedforandmethodsavailableforforestlandmanagement.
3.1.1.3 – Focus efforts on afforestation of non‐forested lands in all areas formultipleresourcebenefits.
3.1.1.4 – Implementwildlife habitat projects per plan guidelines and in considerationwiththeStateWildlifeActionPlan.
3.1.1.5–WewilltargetandidentifysitestobeplantedandimprovedunderRTthroughprioritymapsandbyuseofthelogginginspectionprocess.
Objective3.2–IncreaseurbanforestmanagementinVirginiacommunities,particularlystateandlocalcapacitytoaddressurbanforestryissuesandconcerns.Measure3.2.1:Numberof communities assistedwith forest and/or treeresourcemanagement.
Target:110communities/year
Strategies3.2.1.1 – Categorize Virginia communities into the various program levels using US
ForestServiceguidelines.
3.2.1.2 – Target U&CF grants and technical assistance to communities interested inupgradingtheircommunitytreeprogramtothenext level.Whenrequested,assistlocalgovernmentsinestablishingtreeordinancesandpolicies.
3.2.1.3 – Promote the benefits of urban and community forestry to citizens andcommunityofficialsthroughworkshops,conferences,publicationsandothermedia.
3.2.1.4–Withinconstraintsofavailable fundsandstaffing levels, implementactivitiesoutlined in the Virginia Department of Forestry Urban and Community ForestryProgramAreaStrategicPlan.
3.2.1.5 – Establish comprehensive street tree inventory for major municipalities inVirginia(throughForestHealthGrant).
3.2.1.6 – Partner with Virginia State University to increase involvement in U&CFprograms by traditionally underserved citizens. Recruit greater underservedpopulation participation in urban forestry related opportunities, including theVirginia Urban Forest Council and the Virginia Natural Resources LeadershipInstitute.
3.2.1.7 – Through grant funding, professional development activities and professionalcertificationprogramsof the InternationalSocietyofArboriculture(ISA), continuetopromotedevelopmentoftheurbanforestryprofessioninVirginia.
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Objective3.3–IncreasetheamountofforestmanagementassistanceonprivatelandsintheCommonwealth.Measure 3.3.1: Number of acres of all forest management plan typesachievedonprivateandappropriatepublicforestland.
Target:22,000acres/quarter
Strategies3.3.1.1 – Prepare professional management plans for landowners and cooperatively
workwithconsultingforesters;theVirginiaTreeFarmCommittee,andtheNaturalResources Conservation Service to increase forest management planning throughhigh‐quality management plans. Seek to maintain the number of new foreststewardship plans by focusing landowner outreach and contact in high‐priorityareasandwithnewerlandowners.
3.3.1.2 – Update state lands forest management plans on 10 percent of tracts andinitiaterecommendedprojects.
3.3.1.3 – In cooperationwithVirginia StateUniversity andVirginiaTech, reachout toforest landowners, including specific techniques for reaching traditionallyunderservedlandownergroups.
Objective3.4–ImplementactionstoprotectVirginia’sforestresourcefromspecieslossandfromtheimpactsofdetrimentalnativeandinvasiveplantsandpests.Measure 3.4.1: Number of diminished species establishment orimprovement projects implemented on private and non‐federal publiclandsinVirginia.
Target:40projects/year
Strategies3.4.1.1–Addressactivitiesinlongleafandshortleafpineplans, includingdevelopment
of seed source; targeting and outreach; research; database development, andfunding.
3.4.1.2–Continueeffortstodevelopblight‐resistantAmericanchestnutincooperationwithpartnerorganizations.
3.4.1.3 –Utilize available cost‐share funding and technical assistance to establish andimprove longleaf and shortleaf pine and other diminished species, whenappropriate.
3.4.1.4–Promotediminished species restorationeffortson largerblocksof landwithhigher ecosystem services values and within the known historic range of thespecies. Focus diminished species restoration efforts on the greater speciesecosystemtype.
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Measure 3.4.2: Number of activities conducted that are designed toidentify,protectand/orrestoreidentifieddiminishedspecies.
Target:18projects/year
Strategies3.4.2.1–Workingwithnewandexistingpartners,continueto identifyandprotectthe
remaining individual trees or populations of the most threatened native species,such as American chestnut and longleaf pine. Maintain awareness (throughinventory data and mapping) of other declining species, such as shortleaf pine,Atlanticwhite‐cedarandeasternhemlock.
3.4.2.2 – Encourage private conservation of diminished species by promotinglandowner interestandconservationeasementson landswheretargetspeciesareidentified.
3.4.2.3–Developoutreachandeducationalopportunitiesformasternaturalists,mastergardeners, tree stewards, tree farmers, landowners and other stakeholdersimportanttothesuccessofconservationandrestorationefforts.
3.4.2.4–Conductresearchandestablishmethods,goalsandtargetsforre‐establishingspecifictreespeciesandecosystems.
3.4.2.5 – The potential for climate change is a real threat to both current diminishedspeciesandtoothertreespeciesinVirginia,particularlythoseatthesouthernlimitoftheirrange.VDOFwillcontinueitseffortstorestoreexistingdiminishedspecies,andalsomonitorthepotentialeffects.
Measure 3.4.3: Number of surveys and monitoring projects aimed atnativeandexoticinsect,diseaseandweedpests,aswellasotherforestdisturbances.
Target:10majorpestssurveyed/year
Strategies3.4.3.1–Continueaerialandgroundsurveyeffortstomonitortheextentandimpactof
nativeand invasive forestpestsandwork toward localizederadicationof invasiveweeds inhighpriority areas. Survey and/ormonitor for specieswhose entry intoVirginiarepresentsanimminentthreat.
3.4.3.2–Coordinate surveyandmonitoringefforts amongagencypersonnel via IFRISreporting as well as other federal, state, municipal and public agencies, asappropriate.Researchanddevelopmoreefficientmeansofdetectingandmeasuringforesthealthproblemsusingremotesensing.
3.4.3.3 – In conjunction with the appropriate state and federal agencies, develop acitizens’reportingsystemtobroadenthescopeofdetectionofforesthealthissues.
3.4.3.4 – Provide forest health education and outreach to agency personnel and thepublic via publishing the Forest Health review and other publications; pesticiderecertification courses; landowner conferences; regional meetings; MasterNaturalisttraining,andotherappropriategroupsandvenues.
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Measure 3.4.4: Implement forest management practices aimed attreatmentorpreventionofsignificantpestproblems
Target:5,000acres/year
Strategies3.4.4.1 – Provide cost‐share and other assistance for thinning of priority overstocked
pineplantationstomitigatetheimpactsofsouthernpinebeetleandrelatedpests.
3.4.4.2 – Target implementation of invasive weed eradication and pine restorationactivitiesonstateforestlandsandappropriatenon‐industrialprivateforestlands.
3.4.4.3 – Develop a rapid response system to deploy against new invasive speciesthreats.AssistsisteragenciesinupholdingquarantineeffortsforforestpestswithintheCommonwealth.
Goal4:Conservetheforestlandbase
GoalSummaryandAlignmentVDOF will reduce the rate of conversion of forestland to other uses by providing technicalassistance and information on the importance of forestland and on the conservation methodsavailable to protect it. The VDOF will protect forestland from conversion by accepting workingforest conservationeasementsand fee simpleacquisitions.TheVDOFwill identify forestedareasthat provide the greatest combination of economic and environmental benefits and that are themostthreatenedbyconversionandwillfocuseffortsonprotectingthoseacresfirst.
Objective4.1–Increasethenumberofacresofforestlandprotectedfromconversion,focusing,wherepossible,onlandsrankedashighin“ForestConservationValue.”Includeexpandingeffortsinnonpermanentconservation.Measure4.1.1:Numberofacresprotectedfromconversion.
Target:3,500acres/year
Strategies4.1.1.1–UtilizeGISanalysistorankallforestedacresinthestatebypriorityforforest
conservationbasedonthemultiplebenefitsprovidedbythatforestandthethreatofconversionofthatforestedarea.
4.1.1.2 – Assist landowners in placing working forest conservation easements onforested properties, particularly for lands ranked as high in forest conservationvalue.
4.1.1.3 – Utilize funding from federal, state and other sources when available topurchase conservationeasementsor fee simple interest in land, focusingon landsrankedashighinforestconservationvalue.
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4.1.1.4 – Develop and promote voluntarymitigation strategies and plans that includeforestmanagement practices to helpmitigate the loss of forestland as a result oflanddevelopmentandlandconversion.
4.1.1.5–Workwithconservationpartners, localgovernmentsandotherauthoritiestoidentifylandconservationstrategies(i.e.greeninfrastructure)thatcouldfindwiderapplicationatthestateorlocallevel.
Objective4.2–Increaseawarenessoftheimportanceofandneedforforestlandconservationamonglandownersandlocalgovernments.Measure 4.2.1: Number of workshops, presentations, articles and othercontactsdeliveredbyVDOFregardingforestlandconservation.
Target:15eventsorarticles/year
Strategies4.2.1.1–Workwithlegislators,localgovernmentsandlandownerstoencourageforest
conservation through zoning; comprehensive plan updates, and land‐use policies.Include information covering, indetail, emergingecosystemservicesandmarkets.ForestlandConservationDivisiontocoordinatewiththePublicInformationDivisionfor development of language for inclusion in county comprehensive plans. Workwithregionstoidentifylocalitiesthatareconsideringupdatingplansorordinancesandbecomeinvolvedintheprocesstoadvocateforforestconservation.
4.2.1.2–Developeducationmaterialsandprogramsandusethesetoraiseawarenessofthe need for and methods available for forestland conservation. Include specialpromotionoftheVirginialandconservationtaxincentive.
Objective4.3–Managethestateforestlandsonasustainablebasisforresearch,demonstration,educationandmultipleusebenefitswhilestayingwithintheallowableforestharvestlevels.Measure4.3.1:Percentageofannualallowableharvestactuallyharvested.
Target:80percent
Strategies4.3.1.1–DevelopacomprehensiveannualworkplanthatwillmeetthegoalsoftheState
ForestSystemplan.
4.3.1.2 – Develop a survey to assess the best public uses of state forestlands and thereasonsthepublicvisitstheStateForests.
4.3.1.3–DefinethebestlocationsforpublicuseonStateForeststhatcomplementforestmanagementobjectivesandtimbersales.
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Objective4.4–Promotealarger,connectedforestlandscape.Measure 4.4.1: Ability to accurately measure and seek to reduce forestcoverlossinVirginia.
Target: Construction and adoption of appropriate tool to measure annual change inforestcoverfortheCommonwealth.
Strategies4.4.1.1 – Assist localities, development associations and other stakeholders in
understandingwhere key conservation priorities should be, and broadening theirunderstandingoftheimportanceofconnectingforestsacrossparcels.Workingwithpartner agencies, assist localities in mapping their local green infrastructureresources.
4.4.1.2–Promoteestablishmentofregionalandstatewideforestcovergoals,includingurban tree canopy goals,where appropriate. Encourage localities towork towardmeetingthesegoals.
4.4.1.3 – Support and promote state and local greenway initiatives, including GISsupportthroughagency’spublicGISprogram,whendeveloped.
Goal5:Promoteforestindustryanddiversifiedmarketsforforestlandowners,includingecosystemservicemarkets.
GoalSummaryandAlignmentTheforestindustryisthelargestmanufacturingsectorinVirginiaandprovideseconomicbenefitstocommunitiesandcitizensineverycountyandcityinthestate.ThemajorityoftheforestlandinVirginia is owned by private citizens. If forest landowners are to continue to own and manageforestsinahealthy,sustainableway,theywillneedtoreceivebenefitsorforestsmaybeconvertedintootheruses.By fostering a strong forestproducts industry andprovidingdiversifiedmarketsandbenefits,thisgoalalignswiththeagency’smissiontoprotectanddevelophealthy,sustainableforest resources. Markets for ecosystem services, such as water quality, air quality and carbonsequestration, provide a financial opportunity for forest landowners.Thesemarketswill grow inimportanceandcanprovideadditionaltoolsandincentivestocurbthelossofVirginia’sforestland.
Objective5.1–Promotediversificationofforestmarketsandahealthyforestindustrytokeepforestlandinforests.Measure5.1.1: Number of presentations,workshops, events, projects oractivitiespromotingforestindustry,forestproductsormarkets.
Target:20projects/year
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Strategies5.1.1.1–PromoteVirginiaforest industryandproducts.Maintainup‐to‐dateeconomic
andindustrydataontheimportanceofforestsandforestindustry.
5.1.1.2–Workwithexistingforestindustryandotherpartnerstoidentifyconcernsandopportunities,andidentifynewandchangingmarkets.
5.1.1.3 – Develop and participate in conferences, workshops and demonstrations onmarketopportunitiesforlandownersandindustry.
5.1.1.4 – Work with Southern Group of State Foresters, SUM Taskforce MarketingCommittee, andotherpartners topromoteVirginia’s forest industryandproductsandtohelpestablishforestproductsbusinessesinVirginia.
Objective5.2–Increaseawarenessofecosystemservicesprovidedbyforestlandandurbanforesttreecanopytofostermarketdevelopmentandincorporationintolanduseplanning.Measure 5.2.1: Number of presentations, workshops, conferences andprojectsdevelopedtopromotemarketopportunitiesforlandowners.
Target:8projects/year
Strategies5.2.1.1 – Develop and participate in ecosystem services workshops, seminars and
presentationsfor landowners,naturalresourcesmanagersandotherstakeholders.Ensurefullrangeofecosystemservices,bothfromrural forestlandandurbantreecanopy,areaddressedandvalued.
5.2.1.2 – Develop user‐friendly, publicly available tools for quantifying ecosystemservicesthatcanbeusedinland‐useplanning;mitigatinglandconversionactivities,andmarketparticipation.
5.2.1.3 – Participate in various efforts, such as climate change initiatives andmarketdevelopment, thatpromoteecosystemservices.During thisparticipation,promoteinclusion of appropriate financial rewards, including forest carbon sequestration,for private forest landowners thatwillmake forestmanagementmore profitable,productiveandsustainable.
5.2.1.4 – Create awareness of ecosystem services and emerging opportunities formarketingtheseserviceswithforestlandownersbyincludingpertinentlanguageinForestStewardshipManagementPlans.
5.2.1.5–Toincreaseecosystemservicesfromurbanareas,continueurbantreecanopy(UTC) initiative in selected Chesapeake Bay watersheds. Include non‐Baycommunitiesiffundingpermits.
05/01/2010 17
Objective5.3–Managethenurseriestoprovidethebestqualityseedlingtypesdemandedbythecustomer.Measure 5.3.1: Percentage of customers who rate the quality of VDOFseedlingsassatisfactory.
Target:95percent
Strategies5.3.1.1 – Obtain future seedling sales projection and obtain best seed to produce
seedlings.
5.3.1.2 – Implement annual work plan to assure all seed are selected and managedappropriatelyandtimely.
5.3.1.3–Whenpossible,growandsellnurserystockfordiminishedspeciesrestoration.
Objective5.4–ImprovetheefficiencyofVDOFseedlingnurseryproduction.Measure5.4.1:Percentageincreaseinnetrevenuegeneratedbythestatenurseries.
Target:5percent
Strategies5.4.1.1–DevelopandimplementaStateNurserybusinessplan.
5.4.1.2 – Enhance the seedling application, moving toward a complete nurserymanagementinformationsystem.
Objective5.5–PromotestakeholdercooperationingrowingVirginia’sGreenEnergysector.Measure 5.5.1: Number of presentations, workshops, conferences andprojects developed to promote woody biomass energy use,developmentanddefinition.
Target:12projects/year
Strategies5.5.1.1 –As efforts to formulate a consensus‐basedandworkabledefinitionofwoody
biomassmoveforward,VDOFwillparticipateintheseeffortsandseektoinfluencedecisions in ways that will increase benefits for forest landowners. For thedefinition,VDOFwillseektoincludeurbanwoodwasteandstormdebris;in‐woodswaste from all land ownerships, and all materials sustainably harvested fromprivatelands,ataminimum.
05/01/2010 18
5.5.1.2 – Identify and promote opportunities for forestland owners, industry and thepublic to participate in the use of bio‐energy. Work to ensure future biomassproductionisconductedinasustainablemanner.
5.5.1.3–Developandprovideincentivesforlandownerstocultivateandharvestforestproducts suitable for energy production, and for forest industry and otherstakeholders to promote the sustainable use of woody biomass. Where possible,make these incentives comparable in nature to similar incentives for other forestproducts.
Objective5.6–Facilitateopportunitiesforforestcertificationamongprivateforestlandowners.Measure 5.6.1: Number of presentations, workshops, conferences andprojects developed to promote greater participation by non‐industrialprivate forest landowners in existing or emerging certificationprograms.
Target:6projects/year
Strategies5.6.1.1–Withinexistingcertificationsystems,pursueadditionalopportunitiesthatwill
makeforestlandownerparticipationfeasible,practicalandaffordable.
5.6.1.2 – Pursue an expanded role for VDOF in certification by either establishing amethodtocertifyforestlands,ortakingamoreactiveroleincertificationenrollmentandmonitoring.
Goal6:Collect,maintainanddisseminateforestresourceininventoryinformationandappliedresearch.
GoalSummaryandAlignmentVDOF will deliver spatial and statistical forest resource data, coordinated with accurate, timelyfield‐based forestresource information,dedicatedtoremotesensing,andWeb‐based informationandmarketingoutreachtoassurethepublic'sawarenessofthevalueandimportanceofVirginia'sforestsand to improve thehealthandqualityof life forVirginiacitizens.Thisgoalalignsdirectlywiththeagencymissiontoprotectanddevelophealthy,sustainableforestresourcesforVirginians.
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Objective6.1–ProvideresearchinformationonforestresourcesinVirginiatoallstakeholders.Measure 6.1.1: Number of research reports and informationalpresentationsissuedorprovidedannually.
Target:15reportsorpresentations/year
Strategies6.1.1.1 – Develop and implement research projects that apply to a wider landowner
base;addresspracticalforestmanagementproblems,andachieveappropriatedataresultsintimetoaddressemergingissuesandproblems.
6.1.1.2 – Provide and communicate new information and research results tocontinuously improve the health, sustainability and conservation of Virginia’sforests.
6.1.2.1 – Provide demonstration and training opportunities to employees, othertechnicalexperts,studentsandlandowners.
Objective6.2–ProvideaninventoryofforestnaturalresourcesinVirginiaonacontinualbasis.Measure6.2.1:Numberofforestinventorypanelsmeasuredannually.
Target:1panel/year
Strategy6.2.1.1–OrganizeandequiptheFIAinventoryteamtocollectandentertheforestdata
foreachpanelforUSFSanalysis.
Measure6.2.2:Accuracyofforestdatacollectedstatewide.Target:87percent
Strategies6.2.2.1 – Ensure statewide crew average accuracy percentage of collected forest
inventorydatameetsorexceedsUSFSstandards.
6.2.2.2 – Provide appropriate training opportunities and performance feedback fromauditedplotstocorrectanydeficienciesandpromoteimprovedaccuracy.
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Goal7:Manageagencyresourcestoeffectivelyandefficientlyaccomplishthestrategicinitiatives.
GoalSummaryandAlignmentEnsure VDOF has sufficient employees with the right skills and knowledge to be a world‐classforestry organization capable of meeting the challenges and needs in Virginia and who areequipped with technology and tools and possess excellent communication skills to provide thehighest quality forest management assessments and recommendations and ensure a betterinformedprivatelandowner.ProvideforthemosteffectiveandefficientmanagementofVDOFStateForestandNurseryproductionresources.
Objective7.1–Ensureresourcesareusedefficientlyandprogramsaremanagedeffectively,andinamannerconsistentwithapplicablestateandfederalrequirements.Measure 7.1.1: Percent of administrative measures marked by “MeetsExpectations”fortheagency.
Target:100percent
Strategies7.1.1.1–Wewill continue toauditpagesandapplicationsat randomusing theonline
W3CMarkupValidationTool.
7.1.1.2 – We will attract and maintain a talented workforce. Target recruitingadvertisementtoobtainmorefemaleandminorityapplicants.
7.1.1.3–Seekadditionalfundingtoenableouragencytopaycompetitivesalariestotheareaforesters;foresttechnicians;seniormanagers,andexecutivemanagers.
7.1.1.4–Strengthentheinternalcontrolenvironmentbycombiningtheexpertiseofthefiscalandprocurementfunctions,andprovideimmediatefeedbacktothebuyeronissuesofnon‐compliancewithDepartmentofAccountsandDepartmentofGeneralServicesregulationsaspartofthepre‐auditfunction.
7.1.1.5–Wewill followtheCommonwealthITAccessibilityStandard(ITRMGOV103‐00)whencreatingandeditingWebpagesandapplications.
7.1.1.6–Wewillcontinuetoreviewouragency’ssummaryofwebsiteaccessibilityontheVirginiaDepartmentofRehabilitativeServices(DRS)website.
7.1.1.7–Wewillpromotefairnessandequity.
7.1.1.8 – We will annually review positions for eligibility to telework or work analternative schedule and continue to encourage employees in eligible positions toteleworkorworkanalternativeschedule.
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7.1.1.9 – Comply with all federal and state regulations, including but not exclusivelylimitedtolegal,fiscal,procurementandcollectionpracticesauthorizedbytheCodeof Virginia, and whose rules are administered through the state agencies of theOffice of Attorney General; Department of Accounts; Auditor of Public Accounts;DepartmentofPlanning&Budget;theDepartmentofGeneralServices,andothers,andthroughappropriatefederalagencies.
7.1.1.10–WewillcontinuetofollowtheCommonwealthInformationSecuritypolicies,standards and guidelines as presented and directed by the Virginia InformationTechnologyAgency(VITA)whencreatingandeditingWebpagesandapplications.
7.1.1.11 – We will continue to review our agency’s summary in the annual VITACommonwealth of Virginia Information Security Report and make changes asappropriate.
Goal8:Strengthenthecultureofpreparednessacrossstateagencies,theiremployeesandcustomers.
GoalSummaryandAlignmentThis goal ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, policies and procedures forCommonwealthpreparedness,aswellasguidelinespromulgatedbytheAssistanttotheGovernorforCommonwealthPreparedness,incollaborationwiththeGovernor’scabinet;theCommonwealthPreparedness Working Group; the Department of Planning and Budget, and the Council onVirginia’s Future. The goal supports achievement of the Commonwealth’s statewide goal ofprotecting the public’s safety and security; ensuring a fair and effective system of justice, andprovidingapreparedresponsetoemergenciesanddisastersofallkinds.
Objective8.1–WewillbepreparedtoactintheinterestofthecitizensoftheCommonwealthanditsinfrastructureduringemergencysituationsbyactivelyplanningandtrainingbothasanagencyandasindividuals.Measure8.1.1:AgencyPreparednessAssessmentScore.
Target:75percent
Strategies8.1.1.1–VDOFwillcompletetwoannualexercises,withafter‐actionreviews,toidentify
areastoimplementpossibleimprovements.
8.1.1.2–Theagencyemergencycoordinationofficerwillstayinregularcommunicationwith the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness; the Virginia Department ofEmergencyManagement(VDEM),andotherCommonwealthPreparednessWorkingGroupagencies.
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Measure 8.1.2: Agency firefighters and cooperators trained annually tomeet national standards as set by the National Wildfire CoordinatingGroup.
Target:85percent
Strategy8.1.2.1 – VDOF will provide its employees with focused training that meets national
NWCG standards in the areas of wildland fire suppression; all‐risk emergencyresponse,andincidentmanagement.
Objective8.2–WewilltesttheVDOFContinuityofOperationsPlan(COOP)sufficientlyenoughtoencompassheadquarters,regions,StateForestsandnurseriesanddetermineitseffectivenessinatrueemergency.Measure8.2.1:IncreaseinagencyCOOPAssessmentscore.
Target:5percent
Strategy8.2.1.1–UpdatetheCOOPPlanannually.
Objective8.3–Developthecapacityofstateandlocalurbanforestprogramsandprofessionalstoprepareforandrespondtonaturaldisastersaffectingurbanforests.Measure 8.3.1: – Number of communities incorporating urban forestplanninginlocalresponseplans.
Target:3communities/year
Strategies8.3.1.1 – Continue to promote urban forest inventory and master plan development.
WorkwithVDEMtoencourageurbanforestplanninginlocalresponseplans.
8.3.1.2–Assistcommunitiesindevelopingurbanforestemergencyresponseplans.
8.3.1.3–DevelopVDOFcapacity torespondtourban forestemergenciessituationsbytrainingappropriatestaffinUrbanForestStrikeTeamprotocols.
ResourcesNecessarytoAddressStatewideStrategies
Table1:ResourceNeedsMatrix
Objective
StateResourcesinPlaceand
Adequate
IncreaseinStateFunding
IncreasedorNewLocal
Funding
ContinuedFederal
FundingatCurrentLevels
ModerateIncreaseinFederalFunds
SignificantIncreaseinFederalFunds
FederalFundingforaNew
Initiative
Collabora‐tive
LeadershipfromUSDA‐FSorOtherFederalAgency
Collabora‐tionwithOther
StateandLocal
Govern‐ments/Agencies
StateLegislativeAction
FederalLegislativeAction
1.1–Wewillreducetheforestlandburnedbywildfires.
*** ***
1.2–Provideavailablefinancialresourcestoruralvolunteerfiredepartments.
*** *** ***
1.3–Continuelonghistoryofproactivefirepreventionefforts.
*** *** *** *** ***
2.1–Increasetheamountofforestlandprotectedand/orestablishedinVirginiawatersheds.
*** *** *** *** ***
2.2–WewillprotectandenhancewaterqualitybyincreasingcompliancewithBMPsonforestharvestsites.
*** *** *** ***
2.3–Mitigatethewaterqualityimpactofurbanandsuburbanstormwaterandimpervioussurfaces.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
Objective
StateResourcesinPlaceand
Adequate
IncreaseinStateFunding
IncreasedorNewLocal
Funding
ContinuedFederal
FundingatCurrentLevels
ModerateIncreaseinFederalFunds
SignificantIncreaseinFederalFunds
FederalFundingforaNew
Initiative
Collabora‐tive
LeadershipfromUSDA‐FSorOtherFederalAgency
Collabora‐tionwithOther
StateandLocal
Govern‐ments/Agencies
StateLegislativeAction
FederalLegislativeAction
3.1–Wewillincreasethenumberofforestmanagementprojectsimplementedonprivatelandandpromotecost‐sharefundingforallappropriateprojects.
*** *** *** ***
3.2–IncreaseurbanforestmanagementinVirginiacommunities,particularlystateandlocalcapacitytoaddressurbanforestryissuesandconcerns.
*** *** *** *** ***
3.3–IncreasetheamountofforestmanagementassistanceonprivatelandsintheCommonwealth.
*** *** *** ***
3.4–ImplementactionstoprotectVirginia'sforestresourcefromspecieslossandfromtheimpactsofdetrimentalnativeandinvasiveplantsandpests.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
4.1–Increasethenumberofacresofforestlandprotectedfromconversion.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
4.2–Increaseawarenessoftheimportanceofandneedforforestlandconservationamonglandownersandlocalgovernments.
*** *** *** *** ***
Objective
StateResourcesinPlaceand
Adequate
IncreaseinStateFunding
IncreasedorNewLocal
Funding
ContinuedFederal
FundingatCurrentLevels
ModerateIncreaseinFederalFunds
SignificantIncreaseinFederalFunds
FederalFundingforaNew
Initiative
Collabora‐tive
LeadershipfromUSDA‐FSorOtherFederalAgency
Collabora‐tionwithOther
StateandLocal
Govern‐ments/Agencies
StateLegislativeAction
FederalLegislativeAction
4.3–Managethestateforestlandsonasustainablebasisforresearch,demonstration,educationandmultiple‐usebenefits.
*** *** *** ***
4.4–Promotealarger,connectedforestlandscape.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
5.1–Promotediversificationofforestmarketsandahealthyforestindustry.
*** *** ***
5.2‐Increaseawarenessofecosystemservicesprovidedbyforestlandandurbanforesttreecanopy.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
5.3–Managethenurseriestoprovidethebestqualityseedlingtypesdemandedbythecustomer.
*** *** *** ***
5.4–ImprovetheefficiencyofVDOFseedlingnurseryproduction.
*** ***
5.5–PromotestakeholdercooperationingrowingVirginia'sgreenenergysector.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
5.6–Facilitateopportunitiesforforestcertificationamongprivateforestlandowners.
*** *** *** ***
Objective
StateResourcesinPlaceand
Adequate
IncreaseinStateFunding
IncreasedorNewLocal
Funding
ContinuedFederal
FundingatCurrentLevels
ModerateIncreaseinFederalFunds
SignificantIncreaseinFederalFunds
FederalFundingforaNew
Initiative
Collabora‐tive
LeadershipfromUSDA‐FSorOtherFederalAgency
Collabora‐tionwithOther
StateandLocal
Govern‐ments/Agencies
StateLegislativeAction
FederalLegislativeAction
6.1–ProvideresearchinformationonforestresourcesinVirginiatoallstakeholders.
*** *** *** ***
6.2–ProvideaninventoryofforestnaturalresourcesinVirginiaonacontinualbasis.
*** ***
7.1–Ensureresourcesareusedeffectivelyandprogramsmanagedeffectively,andinamannerconsistentwithapplicablestateandfederalrequirements.
*** *** ***
8.1–WewillbepreparedtoactintheinterestofthecitizensontheCommonwealthanditsinfrastructureduringemergencysituations.
*** *** *** ***
8.2–WewilltesttheVDOFCOOPsufficientlyenoughtoencompassHQ,regions,stateforestsandnurseries,anddetermineitseffectivenessinatrueemergency.
*** *** ***
8.3–Developthecapacityofstateandlocalurbanforestryprogramsandprofessionalstoprepareforandrespondtonaturaldisastersaffectingurbanforests.
*** *** *** *** ***
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AppendixA
USForestServiceForestLegacyProgram–VirginiaProgramGuidelinesUpdatedApril2010
IntroductionThis Virginia Program Guidelines document for the Forest LegacyProgram(FLP) inVirginia ispartof the largereffortbytheVirginiaDepartment of Forestry (VDOF) to undertake a StatewideAssessment of Forest Resources. This FLP document is beingincorporatedintotheassessmentdocument,andisintendedtostatetheprogram’sEligibilityCriteria;ForestLegacyArea;requirements,and procedures. This Virginia ProgramGuidelines document, alongwith the associated Statewide Assessment of Forest Resourcesdocument, supersedes the Virginia Forest Legacy ProgramAssessment of Need, dated September 2000, and the Assessment ofNeed(AON)Revisions,datedApril25,2008.
ThisVirginiaProgramGuidelinesdocumentisintendedtocomplementthebookletentitledForestLegacy Program Implementation Guidelines, dated June 30, 2003, and the booklet entitled ForestLegacyProgramUsers’Guide,datedJune2006,bothofwhichareUSForestService(USFS)guidingdocumentsfortheFLP.Thesethreedocuments,usedjointly,guidetheFLPinVirginia.
TheFLPisoneofseveralfederalprogramsthattheVDOFpartnerswiththeUSFSinimplementing,andisaprogramcriticalfortheconservationofimportantforestlandswithintheCommonwealth,anemphasisofStateForesterCarlE.GarrisonIII.
Interim FLP program changes related to the Eligibility Criteria and the Forest LegacyAreawerepresented to the USFS for approval in April 2008, and approved in July 2008. These interimrevisionsareincorporatedintothisdocument,andinaddition,theprocessesfollowedduringtheserevisions are found in the Appendix to fully inform the reader as to the processes followed indevelopingtheEligibilityCriteriaandForestLegacyArea.
Finally, these program procedures include detailed information on: 1) the FLP advisory sub‐committee; 2) program promotion; 3) the application process; 4) project prioritization; 5) grantmanagement; 6) due diligence; 7) deed preparation; 8) closing, and 9) easement monitoring.Previously,detailedFLPprocedureshavenotbeenpresentedinVirginia’sFLPguidingdocuments.
Virginia’sForestLegacyProgramOverviewVirginia’s forests are extremelydiverseandprovideamultitudeof economic, environmental andsocial benefits to Virginians. Of the Commonwealth’s more than 16 million forested acres,approximately 77 percent are in private ownership. The importance of forests in cleansing air;purifyingwater;providingtraditionalforestproducts,andfosteringopportunitiesforrecreationis
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unparalleled.OneprimarygoaloftheFLPinVirginiaistomakeavailabletothecitizensofVirginiathese “working forests” across the Commonwealth providing the multiple benefits inherent tohealthy,productiveforests.
Of Virginia's 25.3 million acres of land area, 15.7 million acres are classified as commercialforestland. Additional forested acreage found in parks;wilderness areas, and scenic and historicresourcesresultinacombinedtotalofmorethan16millionforestedacresprovidingvaluetothecitizensofVirginiaandtheUnitedStates.WhileVirginiansannuallyenjoy,andarebenefitedby,thisabundance of forestland, a sobering fact is that approximately 27,000 acres are lost annually byconversionofforestlandstourbanandsuburbandevelopment.Whilemanyoftheseacresremainforested,theyareessentiallylostasworkingforests,andtheotherforestamenitiesofcleanwater;wildlifehabitat;recreationopportunities,andscenicvistasaresignificantlydiminished.
The FLP assists state governments in the identification of, and protection of, important privateforest tracts that are threatened by conversion to non‐forest uses. The primary protection toolundertheprogram,theconservationeasement,isaneffectivemeansofinfluencingthedispositionofimportantforestlandwhilecontinuingprivateownership.Theprogramalsofundsthefeesimplepurchaseofpropertiesasstateforestsandotherstate‐ownedlandsprotectedfromdevelopment.
TheFLPwasinitiatedinVirginiainOctober1999,whenthen‐Gov.JamesS.GilmoreIIIdesignatedthe VDOF as the state lead agency for the program. The VDOF is responsible for managing theprogramandtheassociatedfederalgrantfundsfortheconservationofimportantstateforestlands.The VDOF believes that diverse, well‐managed working forests are the healthiest and the mostproductiveand,consequently,providethemostpublicbenefitwhenprotectedfromtheeconomicpressurefordevelopment.
ProgramEligibilityCriteriaThe Eligibility Criteria for Virginia’s FLPwere revised during 2007 and 2008 during an interimrevisiontotheprogram’sAssessmentofNeeddocument(seeAppendixA‐1).ThecurrentEligibilityCriteriaforVirginia’sFLP,definedatthetimeoftheseinterimrevisions,are:
♦♦ Threatened by conversion to non‐forest use (fragmentation and reduction inlinkages);
♦♦ Continued production of timber and other forest commodities (local and regionaleconomicbase);
♦♦ Consideration of natural heritage resources (e.g., natural communities; habitat forrare,threatenedandendangeredspecies;significantgeologicfeatures),and
♦♦ Watershed values (water quality;wetlands; riparian buffers; groundwater recharge;publicwatersupplies).
ProgramPriorityAreas(ForestLegacyArea)TheFLPmustbefocusedtobeeffectivewithlimitedfundingavailabilityandtomeetthedemandsof a competitive grant application and approval process. By identifying areas of the state thatpossess thehighestconservationvalue(basedon theprogram’sEligibilityCriteria), limitedgrantfundingcanbebestutilizedtoconservethoseareasmostdeservingofconservation.Thisstrategyalsoputsthestateinapositiontocompetewellatthenationallevel.
Beginning in 2007, Virginia undertook a process to identify the priority areas for the state (seeAppendixA‐1).ThisprocessresultedinthedesignationofarevisedForestLegacyAreaforthestate
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in 2008, as shown in Appendix A‐1, based on the revisions to the Eligibility Criteria, and theresultingGISanalysisatthattime.
Inmid‐2009,itbecameapparentthattheGISanalysisin2008wasflawedbecausesomeofthedatainoneof themodelsusedwasnot converted from100x100meter resolution to30x30meterresolutionbeforetheanalysiswasdone.OncethischangewasmadeinJanuary2010,andtheGISanalysis was repeated, additional hydrologic units ranked highly enough to be included in theForest Legacy Area using the same parameters as in 2008. These corrections resulted in a 19percent increase in land area for theForest LegacyArea for a total areaof 16.0million acres, ofwhich 11.7million acres are forested. The Forest Legacy Area is 63 percent of the land area inVirginia.
Figure1:ForestLegacyArea
ProgramRequirementsBelowarethebasicrequirementsfortractsandlandownersintheVirginiaFLP.
EachtractapprovedintheFLPmustmeetthefollowingstipulations:
♦♦ Thetractoflandmustbeatleast50acresinsize;
♦♦ The tract must be at least 75 percent forested (see note regarding tree planting inlandownerrequirementsectionbelow)[forested landasdefinedbytheStateForesterunder theauthorityof§58.1‐3230etseq.of theCodeofVirginia,andpublished in themostcurrentversionofthe“ManualoftheStateLandEvaluationAdvisoryCouncil”];
♦♦ Thetractmustbewithin,orpartiallyintersect,theForestLegacyArea;
♦♦ Thetitletothelandmustbefreeandclearofanyliensand/orencumbrances,and
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♦♦ For tracts offered for easement, existing mortgage holders must be willing tosubordinatethemortgagetotheeasement.
LandownersparticipatingintheFLPmust:
♦♦ Be“willingsellers;”
♦♦ Bewillingtoparticipateinaperpetualeasementthatallowsforannualmonitoring,orbewillingtoselltheirpropertyinfeesimple;
♦♦ AllowtheForestLegacyMonitoringTeamaccesstothetractforevaluation;
♦♦ Be willing to plant trees on portions of the tract if the tract is less than 75 percentforestedatthetimeofapplication;
♦♦ Bewillingtoselltheeasementorfeesimplerightsatabargainpricenotexceeding75percent of the appraised value according to federal appraisal standards (UniformAppraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; commonly called a Yellow Bookappraisal);
♦♦ Be willing, if necessary, to pay the due diligence costs necessary to acquire theconservationeasementorlandinfeesimple,andtoacceptlessthanthefull75percentallowedundertheprogramtocoverthesecosts[thesecostsareforrequiredtitleworkand closing fees; an environmental site examination; a timber cruise; an appraisalmeeting federal standards;a forestmanagementplanorForestStewardshipPlan (foreasements),andoccasionallyasurvey];
♦♦ Bewilling to sign an option contract or sales contract, prior to national competition,showing commitment and interest in placing a conservation easement restrictingdevelopment rights on their land, or selling their land, to remain as forestland inperpetuity,and
♦♦ In the case of an easement, provide a Forest Stewardship Plan, or multiple‐resourceforest management plan, for review by VDOF and the USFS prior to closing on theeasement.
ProgramProcedures
ForestLegacySubcommitteeThe Forest Legacy Sub‐committee (FLSC) is a sub‐committee of the State Forest StewardshipCoordinatingCommittee(SFSCC).FLSCmembersareaskedtoserveontheFLSCinadditiontotheircontinuedpresenceontheSFSCC.ThemakeupoftheFLSCisintendedtorepresentabroadrangeofforestry stakeholder groups including: landowner; forest industry; land trusts, and state naturalresourceagencies.
BoththeFLSCandtheSFSCCareadvisorycommitteestotheStateForester.
ProgramPromotion
ExternalThepublicismadeawareoftheFLPinVirginiathroughprintedinformation;one‐on‐onecontacts;theVDOFwebsite,andvariouspresentationsmadebyVDOFpersonnel.Additionally,propertiesor
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easements acquired utilizing FLP funds are promoted by newspaper articles, media events andduringotherpublicgatherings.
VDOFhasproducedanarrativedocumentandabriefquestionandanswersheet,bothprovidinggeneral information about Virginia’s FLP. These documents are made available to VDOF countypersonnel for distribution to local landowners, or as pass‐out materials at public presentationsessionsregardinglandconservation.
VDOFfieldpersonnelareencouragedtodiscussthetopicoflandconservation,andinparticulartheFLP,duringone‐on‐onecontactswithlandownersintheirrespectivecounties.Theyareinstructedtodirectspecificinterestin,orinquiriesabout,theFLPtothestatelegacymanagerforVDOF.
InformationabouttheFLPisfoundontheVDOFwebsite(www.dof.virginia.gov):
♦♦ GeneralFLPprograminformation;
♦♦ FrequentlyaskedquestionsabouttheFLP;
♦♦ ThetwoFLPinformationaldocumentsnotedabove,and
♦♦ Applicationinformationandmaterials.
OncethisVirginiaProgramGuidelinesdocumentisapproved,itwillbemadeavailableontheVDOFwebsiteaswell.
Upontheacquisitionofapropertyoraneasement,VDOFpromotestheFLPthroughpublicmedia,eventsandsignage.Theseactivitiesincludethesubmissionofnewsreleasesorwrittenarticlestoprintmedia; the coordination of on‐site interviews or public events, and the posting of programsignsonpropertiesacquiredwithFLPfunds.Inaddition,anFLPsignispresentedtolandownersofFLP‐fundedconservationeasementpropertiesandthelandownerisencouragedtopostthesignina conspicuous location. Every effort is made to make the public aware that Legacy funds wereutilizedtoprotectthepropertyanditsassociatedconservationvalues.
InternalThestate legacymanagervisits thethreeVDOFregionsonanas‐requestedbasisandoutlines forregional and field personnel the FLP, the application procedures, and the ranking and approvalprocess.AllpersonnelareurgedtopromoteandprovideinformationabouttheFLPtoclientsatthelocalorregionallevel.
Application
PreApplicationBecause the Forest Legacy Area does not cover the entire geographic area of the state, the FLPRequest for Application document suggests that the applicant submit a Pre‐Application (SeeAppendix A‐3). This enables the state legacy manager to determine, before a full application issubmitted,whetherornotaparticularprojectfallswithintheForestLegacyArea.Thisisanefforttoavoidundueeffortbytheapplicantinpreparingafullapplication,onlytofindthattheprojectisnotwithintheForestLegacyArea.
Thestate legacymanagercompares themapor sketchsubmittedwith thePre‐Application to theForestLegacyArea,andthennotifiesthepre‐applicantofeligibility.
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ApplicationProgramapplicationmaterialsarepostedtotheVDOFwebsite,andanemailmessageregardingtheavailability of these materials is transmitted to land conservation agencies, land trusts andindividuals who have expressed interest in the program in mid‐March of each year. Also, thesematerialsaresenttotheVaULT(VirginiaUnitedLandTrusts)membergroupthroughthatgroup’slist serve. In addition, the applicationmaterials are available by request to thosewhoprefer theindividualelectronicdocuments.
Theapplicationmaterialsinclude:
♦♦ RequestforApplications(includinginstructionsforapplicationsubmission);
♦♦ Pre‐Application;
♦♦ Application,and
♦♦ LandownerInspectionConsentAgreement.
Examplesofthelatterthreeofthesedocuments,fromtheFY2011year,areshowninAppendicesA‐3,A‐4andA‐5.
Inaddition, theVDOFwebsite includes links to theprojectscoringcriteriaand theForestLegacyAreamaptoassistapplicantsinapplicationconsiderationandpreparation.
DueDatesandApplicationRequirementsPre‐applicationsaredue inearly‐MayandincludethePre‐Applicationandamaporsketchof theproposedproject.Fullapplicationsaredueinlate‐Juneandrequire:
♦♦ Oneoriginal,andsixcopies,ofanApplicationforeachownership(tract)representedintheproject;
♦♦ One original, signed Landowner Inspection Consent Agreement for each ownershiprepresentedintheproject,and
♦♦ Additional items (photos, maps, legal description, etc.) found at the end of theApplication.
OptionalApplicationMethodsApplicationscanbewrittenandsubmittedinoneofthreeways:
1. A conservation group (such as a land trust or conservation organization) completes theapplicationreflectingtheattributesofallthevarioustractsinaproject,andindividualtractlandownersprovidealetterwiththeapplicationstatingthattheyunderstandtheirlandisbeingpresentedforFLPconsideration,or
2. A conservation group can have each individual tract owner complete and sign anapplicationandprovidetheassociatedmapsanddocuments; theconservationgroupthencompiles the individual tract applications into one packet and submits the compiledapplication,or
3. Anindividuallandownercancompleteandsubmitanapplicationfortheirownership(oneormorecombinedtractsorparcels).
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ApplicationReceipt,ReviewandAcceptanceFLPapplicationswillbeacceptedthatfall,whollyorpartially,withintheboundariesoftheForestLegacyArea.
Uponreceiptofanapplication,thestatelegacymanager:
1. SignsanddatesthebeginningoftheApplication;
2. SignsanddatestheLandownerInspectionConsentAgreement;
3. ReviewstheApplicationtomakecertainallessentialinformationhasbeensubmitted;
4. ConfirmsthattheprojectfallswithintheForestLegacyArea,and
5. Notifiestheapplicantoftheapplicationacceptanceorrejection.
EvaluationandPrioritizationofProjects
SiteVisits
Thestatelegacymanagervisitsthesiteofallprojectspresentedfortheprogram.Thevisitincludesmeetingwith theprojectapplicant (ifavailable) todiscussspecificsof theprojectand toaddressquestions the state legacy manager may have about the project or property. Additionally, theproperty visit includes becomingmore familiarwith the site and the surrounding area or othernearbyconservedproperties,photographingkeysitesandstructuresatthesiteforpresentationtotheFLSC,andscoringtheproject.
FieldScoringofProjects
Duringthesitevisit,thestatelegacymanagerscorestheprojectaccordingtothescoringguidelinespresented in theProject Scoring section, utilizing theProject Evaluation shown inAppendixA‐6.ThisscoresheetisusedtoprovideabeginningscoretoeachprojectforconsiderationbytheFLSCduringthestateprojectrankingprocess.
PresentationtoFLSC
ProgramapplicantsareinvitedtothefallFLSCmeetinginlate‐Augusttopresenttheirprojecttothecommittee. The state legacymanager assists with this presentation, when needed, by providingphotographs of the site and additional helpful information gained by the site visit and priordiscussionswiththeapplicant.
ProjectRankingbyFLSC
The FLSC considers themerits of each project; reviews the Project Evaluations for each project;considerstheamountofFLPfundingrequested;rankstheprojectsbasedonthisinformation,andmakesrecommendationstotheSFSCCbasedontheserankings.
PresentationtoSFSCC
ThestatelegacymanagerpresentstheprojectstotheSFSCCattheirfallmeetinginearly‐October;provides theFLSCproject rankings,andanswersanyquestions thatmayarise.TheSFSCCmakesthefinaldecisiononwhichprojects,andinwhatorder,arerecommendedtotheStateForester.
RecommendationtotheStateForester
The state legacymanagerprovides the recommendationsof the SFSCC to the StateForester, anddetermineshis/herdecisionregardingtheprojectsthatshouldbeofferedfornationalcompetition,
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and the rank order of the projects. Virginia usually, but not always, offers the top three rankedprojectsforconsiderationbytheNationalPanel.
InitialDataEntryintoForestLegacyInformationSystem
The state legacymanager enters project information into the Forest Legacy Information Systembeforetheannualdeadline(usuallytheendofNovember).
AssistancetotheNationalPanel
Thestatelegacymanagermakeshimself/herselfavailableduringthetwodaysoftheNationalPanelmeeting(usuallyinJanuary)toprovideadditionalinformationandassistance,ifneeded,duringtheongoingpaneldiscussionsandnationalprojectranking.
GrantManagement
ReceiptofGrantFunding
OnceFLP fundsareappropriated, theVDOFFiscalDivisionreceives thegrantaward letter,alongwith anAwardApproval/Obligation/Acceptance document. The State Forester signs and returnsthe acceptancedocument to theUSFS, obligating theVDOF toutilize andexpend thegrant fundsaccordingtoFederalguidelinesasstatedintheawardletterandothergrant‐relatedstandards.
TrackingofGrantFunding
TheVDOFFiscalDivisiontracksFLPgrantfundsthroughaseriesofspreadsheets.Bothlandgrantfundsandadministrativegrantfundsaretrackedbythismethod.
Filing,RecordKeeping,andReporting
The VDOF Fiscal Division keeps original grant documents, with copies held by the state legacymanager. In addition, both the VDOF Fiscal Division and the state legacy manager maintainspreadsheetsofadministrativegrant fundbalances foreachgrantyear.Thestate legacymanager(in consultation with the VDOF Fiscal Division) submits an annual report for land andadministrative funds to the regional legacy manager (in Atlanta). In addition, the VDOF FiscalDivisionsubmitsannualgrantbalancereportstoappropriatefederalgrantpersonnel.
DataEntryinForestLegacyInformationSystem
Uponawardofgrantfunding,theForestLegacyInformationSystemisupdatedbythestatelegacymanager(orhis/herdesignee)toreflectthegrantfundsandtoupdatetheprojectstatus.
DueDiligence/ProgramRequirements
StateCapitalProjectForms
OnceFLPgrantfundsareawarded,thestatelegacymanager,inconsultationwiththeVDOFFiscalDivision, files a CO‐2 form with the state Bureau of Capital Outlay Management. This form isrequiredbeforetheVDOFcanexpendfundsforFLPprojectduediligencecostsorpurchasecosts.
Title
TractsfundedbytheFLPmusthaveatitlesearch,andsaidsearchmustproveatitlefreeandclearof any encumbrances or clouds on the title. Title insurance, in the dollar amount paid for theeasement or fee, is required. The state legacy manager arranges for the title search and titleinsurance.
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Appraisal
An appraisal to UASFLA (Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions) standards(commonlycalledaYellowBookappraisal)isrequired.Thestatelegacymanagercontractsforthisappraisal. The appraisermustmeet the qualifications found in Appendix H of the Forest LegacyProgram Implementation Guidelines, dated June 30, 2003. In addition to these requirements,preferenceisgiventoanappraiserwhohasearnedtheMAIdesignationawardedbytheAppraisalInstitute.
Theappraisalguidelines foundonpages19and20of theForestLegacyProgramImplementationGuidelines, dated June 30, 2003, are followed during the hiring of an appraiser and during theappraisalprocess.
AppraisalReview
The appraisal must be subjected to a technical review to determine if the appraisal meets theYellowBookappraisalstandards.Thisreviewdoesnotconsider,orcommenton,thevaluesfoundintheappraisal.Thisappraisalreviewcaneitherbeconductedbyafederalappraisalreviewer,orbyanappraisalreviewercontractedbytheVDOF.IfcontractedbytheVDOF,theappraisalreviewermustmeet the qualifications found in Appendix H of theForest Legacy Program ImplementationGuidelines,datedJune30,2003.Whencontractingwithanappraisalreviewer,preferenceisgiventoa reviewerwhohasearned theMAIdesignationawardedby theAppraisal Institute.TheStateLegacyManagermakesarrangementsforthisappraisalreview.
The appraisal review guidelines found on pages 19 and 20 of the Forest Legacy ProgramImplementationGuidelines,datedJune30,2003,arefollowedduringtheappraisalreviewprocess.
TimberCruise
SinceallFLPprojects includeproperties thatare forested,a timbercruise isusuallynecessary toprovide timber value information for use by the appraiser. TheVDOF contracts for a cruise, andprovidesittotheappraiserforproperincorporationintotheappraisalreport.
EnvironmentalAssessment
Tracts are examined during the on‐site visit during the Evaluation and Prioritization of Projectsphasepreviouslydescribed.Thestatelegacymanagerexaminesthesiteonfoot,andalsoexaminesaerialphotographyof thesite,duringthispropertyexamination. Inaddition, theownersof tractsacceptedintotheprogramareexpectedtocompleteashortquestionnaireabouttheirknowledgeofanypastorpresenthazardouswastedumpingonornearthetract.
For a conservation easement, if on‐site scoping indicates a potential issue of concern, a Phase IEnvironmental Site Assessment is performed as part of due diligence for the tract. For a feeacquisition,aPhaseIEnvironmentalSiteAssessmentisrequiredbystateacquisitionguidelines.
StewardshipPlan
Conservation easement properties require a Stewardship Plan, or multiple‐resource forestmanagementplan,forthetract(s)beingofferedpriortoclosing.TheVDOFcanpreparethisplaninsome cases, but if the plan cannot be completed by a VDOF forester due to workload or otherfactors, thestate legacymanagerassists the landownerbyprovidinga listofconsultant foresterswhocanprepare thisplan.TheplanmustbeapprovedbyVDOFprior toclosing.Thisplan isnotrequiredforfeeacquisitionproperties.
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Survey
Tracts offered for the program that are full‐tax parcels (or combinations of full‐tax parcels) aredescribedinthelegaldescriptioninthedeed,anddonotrequireasurvey.Fortractsofferedthatareonlyaportionofataxparcel,asurveyisusuallyrequiredtodefinethelandareabeingoffered.Tractsofferedasafeesimpleacquisitionrequireasurveytomeetstateacquisitionrequirements.
PaymentofDueDiligenceandOtherCostsFLPadministrativegrantfundsareutilizedtopaythecostsofthenecessaryduediligenceandotheracquisition costs. This includes the costs for: 1) title work, title insurance and closing; 2) theappraisal and appraisal review; 3) the timber cruise; 4) the Phase I ESA, if needed, and 5) theStewardshipPlan.
FLPadministrativegrantfundsarefixedeachfiscalyear,soiftheduediligenceandothercostsforatractexceedtheadministrativefundsavailable,thelandownermaybeaskedtopayalloraportionofthesecosts,ortoacceptalesseramountforhis/herlandoreasementtocoverthesecosts.ThelandowneragreestothispaymentarrangementintheApplicationfortheprogram.
Ifasurveyisnecessarytodefinetheareatobeplacedundereasement,thelandownerisexpectedto pay this cost. The landowner agrees to this payment arrangement in the Application for theprogram.TheFLPwillfundrequiredsurveysforfeesimpleacquisitionsundertheprogram.
DeedLanguageandNegotiationsAswithanyrealestatetransaction,adeed isnecessarytorecordthetransferof theproperty(orrightstothepropertyinthecaseofaconservationeasement).AdeedforafeeacquisitionundertheFLP is fairly typical to a standard real estate transaction. However, with the purchase ofdevelopmentrightsunderaconservationeasement,thedeedlanguagenegotiationprocesscanbemore arduous, and requires additional effort by both parties so both can be satisfied by thelanguagefoundinthedeed.
VDOF recommends that legal counsel be sought by landowners entering into a real estatetransaction,andinparticular,aconservationeasement.TheFLPdoesnotpayforthiscounsel;itisacostthatmustbebornebythelandowner.
The FLP requires language in the deed (whether fee simple or easement) that: 1) states thepurposesoftheForestLegacyprogramandthefederalcodesection;2)allowsforreversionofthefundstotheFLPshouldthelandoreasementbesold,exchangedorotherwisedisposedof,and3)requires that a governmental entity hold the property/easement. In addition, an easement deedmustplacetheeasementrestrictionsoverthepropertyinperpetuity.
PreClosingActivities
BaselineDocumentationReport(ConservationEasementsOnly)
In the case of a conservation easement, within a few weeks prior to closing, the state legacymanagervisitsthepropertytoascertaintheconditionoftheproperty(land,forestandstructures)atthetimeoftheeasement.Thisvisitinvolvesbothwrittennotesandphotographyofthesite.
ThestatelegacymanagerpreparestheBaselineDocumentationReportandpresentstwooriginalsofthereporttothelandownerforreviewandconfirmationsignatureimmediatelypriortoclosing.OneoriginaliskeptbythelandownerandtheotherisretainedbyVDOF.
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ProgramLevelApproval
Prior to closing, the state legacy manager submits copies of the deed, title insurance binder,appraisal and appraisal review report to the regional legacy manager for review and approval.Additionally,forconservationeasements,acopyoftheStewardshipPlan,BaselineDocumentationReportandmatchletterareprovided.
OptionalFiscalProcesses
If fundsarenotavailablewithintheVDOFforclosing, theVDOFFiscalDivisionfilespropergrantformswiththeUSFSgrantpersonneltoreceiveanadvanceonthenecessaryfunds.
Closing
Deed
The finaldeed,agreed tobybothparties, iscirculated forsignatures,and is thenprovided to thesettlementagent(atitlecompanyorattorney),forclosing.
Closing
The settlement agent prepares a settlement statement, and circulates it and other requireddocumentation to both parties for signatures. The VDOF Fiscal Division wires funds to thesettlementagentapproximatelytwodaysbeforeclosing.Thesettlementagentrecordsthedeedanddisbursesfundstotheseller.
PostClosingActivities
DocumentFiling
Uponreceiptoftheoriginalrecordeddeedandtitleinsurancepolicyfromthesettlementagent,thestatelegacymanagerfilestheoriginaldeed;theoriginalBaselineDocumentationReport;theVDOForiginalsettlementstatement,andthetitleinsurancepolicyinthefireprooffilingcabinet.
DataEntryinForestLegacyInformationSystem
Afterclosing,theclosingdateandfinaltractacreage,costandconservationvaluesinformationareenteredintotheForestLegacyInformationSystem.
StateCapitalProjectForms
Onceclosingoccurs,thestatelegacymanager,inconsultationwiththeVDOFFiscalDivision,filesastateCO‐14formwiththestateBureauofCapitalOutlayManagementtoreportactualexpendituresfortheproject.
OptionalFiscalProcesses
If an advance on grant funds prior to closing was not necessary, the VDOF Fiscal Division filesproper grant forms with the USFS grant personnel to receive a reimbursement of the fundsnecessaryforclosing.
EasementMonitoring
EasementTracking
RecordedFLPeasementsareaddedtoaVDOFeasementrecordsspreadsheet,anddenotedasbeingfundedbytheFLP.Auniqueeasementnumberisassignedtotheeasement.
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MonitoringScheduleandFieldMonitoringVisits
FLP easements are monitored annually. Upon closing, the state legacy manager records theeasement in a monitoring record file which is used to prompt the state legacy manager, orappropriateVDOFfieldpersonnel,whentheannualmonitoringvisitshouldbescheduled.
Prior to themonitoring visit, every attempt ismade to contact the landowner and to encouragetheirpresenceduringthevisit.
MonitoringReportsandFiling
Monitoring reports are completed during the visit through a series of notes and fill‐in‐the‐blankquestionsonthereportform,andexampleofwhichisshowninAppendixA‐7.Uponreturntotheoffice,thereport iscompletedelectronicallyandthentwooriginalreportsareprintedandsignedby the employeewho performed themonitoring. One original is kept in the permanent file; theotherisprovidedtothelandowner.
ProgramParameterRevisions
EligibilityCriteriaRevisions
TheFLSCmayrecommendamendingtheEligibilityCriteriaonaperiodicbasistoensuretheyarekeptcurrentwithstatewideresourceprioritiesandneeds.
Revisions to the Eligibility Criteria should, at the same time, include a re‐consideration of themodelsandweightsusedinGISmodelingfortheForestLegacyArea,andarevisiontotheForestLegacyArea.
Asaminimum,theEligibilityCriteriaarere‐consideredbytheFLSCduringtheprocessofrevisingtheoverarchingStatewideAssessmentofForestResources.
ForestLegacyAreaRevisions
TheFLSCmayrecommendamendingtheForestLegacyAreaperiodicallyto:
1. FullyencompassapprovedtractswhosegeographicboundariesonlypartiallyintersectthecurrentForestLegacyArea(aminorrevision).
2. UpdatetheForestLegacyArea(amajorrevision):
a. DuetochangestoprogramEligibilityCriteria;
b. TotakeadvantageofnewGISmodelsthatmaybecomeavailable;
c. Tokeepcurrentwithachangingresourcebaseorotherparametersthatmayaffectthedesignationofpriorityconservationareas,and
d. Toincorporateupdatestoconservationpartnergroupfocusareas.
Asaminimum, theForestLegacyAreashouldbereconsideredby theFLSCduring theprocessofrevisingtheoverarchingStatewideAssessmentofForestResources.
MinorForestLegacyAreaRevisionstoIncorporateEntireTracts
Tracts(withinaproject)thataresubmittedforconsiderationundertheprogramare individuallycomparedtothecurrentForestLegacyArea.TractsthatpartiallyintersecttheForestLegacyAreaareconsidered“in,”andareeligibleforparticipationintheFLP.Inthiscase,aminorrevisiontotheForestLegacyAreaismadetoincorporatetheentiretract.
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SubmissionofGISFiles
InthecaseofeitheraminorormajorForestLegacyArearevision,revisedshapefilesaresubmittedbythestatelegacymanagertoUSFSGISpersonnel.
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AppendixA1:AssessmentofNeedInterimRevisionsProcess(20072008)BeginninginJanuary2007,VirginiaembarkedonanextensiveprocesstoamendtheAssessmentofNeed(AON)fortheForestLegacyProgramintheCommonwealth.ThisprocessinvolvedrevisionoftheprogramEligibilityCriteria(EC)andForestLegacyAreas(FLA),andwellassomeproceduralchanges.
The following sections provide a brief overview of the process undertaken by the Forest LegacySub‐committee (FLSC); the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee (SFSCC); the StateForester, and the forest legacymanager to develop the interim changes to theAON approved in2008.
RevisedEligibilityCriteriaChanges to the EC for Virginia’s programwere considered by the FLSC during its January 2007meeting; confirmed by the SFSCC at itsMarch 2007meeting; approved by the State Forester inMarch2007,andapprovedbytheUSFSinJuly2008.Furtherdetailsaboutpublicinputregardingtheserevisionsarefoundbelow.
Thisprocess resulted in the currentEC forVirginia’sprogramstated in thePurposeofVirginia’sForestLegacyProgramsectionabove.
RevisedForestLegacyAreasBasedontherecommendationofthetwocommittees(FLSC,SFSCC),andtheapprovaloftheStateForester, the revised ECwere subjected to GIS analysis using variousmodels and tools (see GISData Layers) during July and August 2007 to derive draft FLA for Virginia. The GIS analysis, asdirected by the committees, weighted the four criteria equally, and ranked the land area of theentirestateaccordingtoconservationvaluesfrom1to12(seeFigure2).Usinghydrologicunitasthe defining geographic unit, a draft FLAmap showing hydrologic units that had a conservationvaluerankingofsixorgreaterwasofferedforpubliccomment.
PublicInputThe proposed revisions to the EC and FLA were distributed for widespread review by landconservationprofessionalsviaemail,andtothepublicviatheagencywebsite,beginninginOctober2007.Theinputreceivedbyemail,letterandinpersonataJanuary2008publicinputsession,wasconsideredbytheFLSCandtheSFSCCindeterminingthenextstepstotakeinrevisionstotheECandFLA.
CallforTargetAreasBased on the information received, the importance of the inclusion of target areas of landconservation stakeholders across the state became apparent. In January 2008, the FLSCrecommendedtotheStateForesterthatthelandconservationcommunitybegiventheopportunitytosubmitGISdataandshapefilesoftheirtargetareasforpossible inclusioninthenewFLA.ThedeadlineforsubmissionwaslateFebruary2008.Submissionsfrom10groupswerereceived.
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ChangeinFLADeterminationAtthetimethatthecallfortargetareaswasmade,theFLSCalsorecommendedthatconsiderationbegiventotheideathat:
1. All areas of the state that possess a high conservation value in the GIS analysis shouldautomaticallybeincludedintheFLA;
2. Targetareasthatfallwithinareasofthestatewhereconservationvaluesrankedinamid‐rangeshouldalsobeincludedintheFLA,and
3. TargetareasthatfallwithinareasofthestatethathavelowconservationvalueintheGISmodelingshouldbeexcludedfromtheFLA.
TargetAreasSubmittedTargetareasubmissionswerereceivedfromthefollowinglandconservationstakeholders:
♦♦ VirginiaDepartmentofConservationandRecreation♦♦ VirginiaDepartmentofGameandInlandFisheries♦♦ NorthernVirginiaConservationTrust♦♦ NewRiverLandTrust♦♦ PotomacConservancy♦♦ PiedmontEnvironmentCouncil♦♦ ShenandoahValleyBattlefieldFoundation♦♦ TheNatureConservancy♦♦ ValleyConservationCouncil♦♦ WestPiedmontPlanningDistrictCommission
Thetargetareasreceivedshowedsignificantoverlapbetweentheareassubmittedbythevariousgroups,andthedraftFLApresentedforpublicreview.
FinalizingtheFLAFollowing the submissionof targetareas,GISmapswereprovided to theFLSC for consideration.These maps included both the hydrologic units that ranked highly and would automatically beincludedintheFLA,andthetargetareasthatweresubmitted.
InApril2008,after considerationof thenewmaps, theFLSCrecommended to theStateForesterthat the revisedFLA should includeareaswith a conservationvalue rankingof sevenor greater,andthetargetedlandsthatfallwithinareasrankedfromfivetoseven.
The resultingFLAmap (shown inFigure3) included13.8million total acres –55percent of thetotal land area in the state – and9.9million acres of forestland,which is 63percent of the totalcommercialforestlandstatewide.
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GISDataLayers
PurposeIdentify areaswhere forestsmeeting the conservation values identified in the Eligibility Criteriashouldbeconserved.
DataLayers1. Streams,shorelinesandfloodplainforests–createdEuclideandistancemodel forNHD
dataandoverlaidstreambuffersupto500meterswithforestedwetlands.
2. Forests in headwaters and steep slopes – ran Euclidean distancemodel onwatershedboundarydataset (usedboundary linesbetweenwatersheds)andoverlaidwithslopes>=25percent.
3. Forest protecting drinking water supplies – used surface water protection areasprovidedbyDOH.
4. Large continuous blocks of forest – used VANLA (Virginia Natural LandscapeAssessment)dataandextractedforestswithatleast100acresofinteriorconditions.
5. Sustainable,managedworkingforests–usedforesteconomicmodeldevelopedbyVDOF–basedonwoodlandsoilproductivity,foresttypesandeconomicvalueoftimber.
6. Index of terrestrial integrity – based on NLCD 2001 data; area of natural cover, river‐streamcorridor,areaofroadsandimperviousness:
a. Indexofterrestrialintegrity=(0.75*NatCov)+(0.25*River/Stream)–(0.25*Roadarea)–(0.25*Imperviousness).
7. Index of aquatic integrity –Greg Garman of the Center for Environmental Studies andDepartment of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, provided Modified Index ofBiotic Integrity (mIBI) for thesixthorderhydrologicunitsof theVirginiaChesapeakeBaywatershed.
The mIBI is computed from six metrics that are used to determine watershed bioticintegrityacrossbroadspatialscales:
♦♦ Numberofintolerantspecies;♦♦ Nativespeciesrichness;♦♦ NumberofRTEspecies;♦♦ Numberofnon‐indigenousspecies;♦♦ NumberofCritical/Significantspecies,and♦♦ NumberofTolerantSpecies.
8. ThreatofForestConversion–basedonTheobald’shousingdensitymodel
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Table2:VirginiaForestLegacyEligibilityCriteria
VirginiaForestLegacyEligibilityCriteria
GISDataLayer
(1)Threatened
ByConversion
(2)Timber&
OtherForestCommodities
(3)NaturalHeritageResources
(4)WatershedValues
(5)PercentWeightinModel
Streams,shorelines&floodplainforests
2 2 4
Forestsinheadwaters&steepslopes
3 3
Forestprotectingdrinkingwatersupplies
4 4
Largecontinuousblocksofforests
6 5 4 15
Sustainable,managedworkingforests
4 2 6
TerrestrialIntegrity 15 4 4 23AquaticIntegrity 12 8 20Threatofforestconversion
25 25
25 25 25 25 100
Figure2:ConservationValueIndex(Ranking:1(lowest)to12(highest))
ConservationValueIndex
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Figure3:ForestLegacyAreas(July2008)
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AppendixA2:SampleRequestforApplicationsCommonwealthofVirginiaForestLegacyProgramProgramYear20111
FORESTLEGACYREQUESTFORAPPLICATIONS
Pre‐ApplicationDeadline:May22,2009ApplicationDeadline:July17,2009
IntroductionThe Forest Legacy Program assists state governments in identifying and protecting importantprivate forestland across the Commonwealth through conservation easements and fee‐simplepurchases.Conservationeasementsallowprivateindividualstoretainownership,whileprovidingfor theconservationofworking forests.Fee‐simplepurchasesprovide foradditionalStateForestproperties that will be maintained and managed as working forests. Both tools allow theCommonwealth of Virginia’s private landowners the opportunity to help conserve importantworkingforests,inperpetuity,forfuturegenerations.
TheVirginiaDepartmentofForestry(VDOF)seeksapplicationsfortheForestLegacyProgramforthefederal2011fiscalyear.Successfulapplicantsmaybeawardedagrantinanamountupto75percentofthefederallyapprovedappraisedvalue.
BackgroundandPurposeThe Forest Legacy Program was created to allow private individuals the opportunity to placeconservationeasementsontheirlandorselltheirlandtoremainasforestlandintoperpetuity.TheUSDA Forest Service delivers the program funding and provides guidance to states. Virginiacompletedall requirements forForestLegacy in2000with the full supportof theGovernor.TheVirginiaDepartmentofForestryadministersVirginia’sForestLegacyProgram.
Virginia’sForestLegacyProgramemphasizesenvironmentallyimportantworkingforests.Workingforests, as noted in the original Virginia Forest Legacy Assessment of Need document, datedSeptember2000,areforeststhatprovidetimberproductsaswellasotherforestcommodities,suchascleanair;purewater;wildlifehabitat,andrecreationalopportunities.
PriorHistoryofForestLegacyinVirginiaVirginia landowners have been awarded Forest Legacy grant funds. Virginia has been verysuccessfulinreceivingForestLegacygrantfunds.ThefollowinglistingprovidesgrantinformationsinceVirginiabecamepartoftheprogram.
1SampleRequestforApplicationsisforprogramfiscalyear2011.
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Table3:VirginiaForestLegacyGrantHistory
VirginiaForestLegacyGrantHistory
Year AmountNumberofApprovedProjects
Type
2001 $967,800 2 FeeSimple&Easement2002 $1,012,000 1 FeeSimple2003 $1,167,000 2 FeeSimple&Easement2004 $2,981,000 2 FeeSimple&Easement2005 $829,000 2 FeeSimple&Easement2006 $229,000 1 Easement2007 $2,100,000 3 Easement2008 $1,485,000 2 FeeSimple&Easement2009 $490,000 2 Easement2010 GrantApprovalsPending
ForestLegacyAreasApplicationswillbeconsideredfromareasoftheCommonwealththatarelocatedwithintheForestLegacyAreas(FLA)forthestate.AmapofthecurrentFLAisattached.Pleaseexaminethemaptodetermineiftheproposedprojectappearstobewithintheseareas.
EligibilityCriteriaTheFLAwasdefinedfortheCommonwealth,usingGeographicInformationSystemanalysisbasedonthefollowingEligibilityCriteria:
♦♦ Threatenedbyconversiontonon‐forestuse(fragmentationandreductioninlinkages);
♦♦ Continued production of timber and other forest commodities (local and regionaleconomicbase);
♦♦ Natural Heritage Resources (e.g. natural communities; habitat for threatened andendangeredspecies;significantgeologicfeatures),and
♦♦ Watershed Values (water quality; wetlands; riparian buffers; groundwater recharge;publicwatersupplies).
ForestLegacyProgramRequirementsEachtractapprovedintheForestLegacyProgrammustmeetthefollowingstipulations:
♦♦ Thetractoflandmustbeatleast20acresinsize.
♦♦ Thetractmustbeatleast80percentforested.
♦♦ Thetitletothelandmustbefreeandclearofanyliensand/orencumbrances.
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LandownersparticipatingintheForestLegacyProgrammust:
♦♦ Be“willingsellers;”
♦♦ Bewillingtoparticipateinaperpetualeasementthatallowsforannualmonitoring,orbewillingtoselltheirpropertyinfeesimple;
♦♦ AllowtheForestLegacyMonitoringTeamaccesstothetractforevaluation;
♦♦ Bewillingtoselltheeasementorfeesimplerightsatabargainpricenotexceeding75percent of the appraised value according to Federal appraisal standards (UniformAppraisalStandardsforFederalLandAcquisitions);
♦♦ Be willing, if necessary, to pay the due diligence costs necessary to acquire theconservationeasementorlandinfeesimple,andtoacceptlessthanthefull75percentallowedundertheprogramtocoverthesecosts[thesecostsareforrequiredtitleworkand closing fees, an environmental site examination, a timber cruise, an appraisalmeetingFederalstandardsandoccasionallyasurvey];
♦♦ Bewilling to sign an option contract or sales contract, prior to national competition,showing commitment and interest in placing a conservation easement restrictingdevelopment rights on their land, or selling their land, to remain as forestland inperpetuity,and
♦♦ In the case of an easement, provide a Forest Stewardship Plan or multiple‐resourceforestmanagement plan for the property for review by VDOF and the USFS prior toclosingontheeasement(theremaybeacosttohavethisplanprepared).
PreApplicationDueDateAllpotentialapplicantsmaysubmittheattachedPre‐ApplicationDataSheetandamap,orsketch,oftheproposedproperty(project)toVDOFfordeterminationastowhethertheprojectislocatedwithinthecurrentFLA.Thesemaps/sketcheswillbecomparedbyVDOFtoGeographicInformationSystem shape files of the FLA tomake this determination. Potential applicants who submit thissheetwillbenotifiedbyVDOFwithintwoweeksofreceiptofthesheetwhetherornottheirprojectis located within the FLA, and thus eligible for participation in the 2011 program. Potentialapplicantscanthenbeginpreparationofafullapplicationfortheprogram.
TheattachedPre‐ApplicationDataSheetandassociatedmap/sketchmustbereceivedbyVDOFbynolaterthanFriday,May22,2009.
Youdonotneed to submit apreapplication to apply for theprogram; thepurposeof thepreapplicationistoletyouknowbeforehandifyourprojectfallswithintheFLAandcanbeconsideredfortheprogram.
ApplicationDueDateToassurethatallqualifyingapplicationsfortheForestLegacy2011programyearcanbeevaluatedandconsidered,theVDOFmustreceiveapplicationsbynolaterthanFriday,July17,2009.
CompletingtheApplication/ApplicationRankingA completed application for the program, and all associated documents listed in the application,mustbesubmittedbytheduedatelistedabove.
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Theapplicationincludesasectionwheretheapplicantprovidesinformationabouthowimportant,threatenedandstrategictheprojectis.AttachedisadraftoftheLegacyscoringcriteriathatwillbeusedduringtheapplicationreviewandrankingprocesses.Byprovidinginformationabouthowtheprojectmeetsthesecriteria,theapplicantcanhelptoimprovetherankingoftheproject.
Ifspecificdocumentsarereferencedintheapplicationwrite‐up,pleaseincludewiththeapplicationcopiesofthespecificpagesinthedocumentthatarereferredto,butnottheentiredocument.Asanexample,ifyoureferencethezoningordinanceforthecounty,onlyincludecopiesofthepartsyoureference,nottheentiredocument
Inadditiontoconsideringtheimportance,threatandstrategicnatureofaproject,itisalsogivenareadinessranking.Theproject’sreadinessrankingisimprovedifoneormoreofthefollowingitemshavebeenaccomplished:
♦♦ Informationhasbeendocumentedtosupportcostestimate,suchascompletedmarketanalysis;preliminaryappraisal,orappraisal;
♦♦ Landownerandeasementholderhaveagreedtoeasementorfeeacquisitionconditions;
♦♦ Cost‐sharecommitmenthasbeenobtainedfromaspecifiedsource;
♦♦ Signedoptionorpurchaseandsalesagreementwiththestatehasbeenexecuted;
♦♦ Titlesearchiscompleted,and
♦♦ Stewardshipplanormulti‐resourcemanagementplaniscompleted.
ApplicationRequirements(andnumberofdocuments)Eachapplicationpacketmustincludetheitemslistedbelow:
♦♦ OnecompletedandsignedLandownerInspectionConsentAgreement,and
♦♦ One manually signed original, and six copies, of a Forest Legacy Application, and allattachedmaterials(aerialphoto,maps,etc.).
ProcessforApplicantstoSubmitApplicationsAllapplicationsmustbecompleted inconformancewithrequirementssetout in thisRequest forApplications. Failure to complete all parts of the requirements found here could result in yourapplicationnotbeingacceptedforreviewandrankingfor2011.
All applicantsmustmail ordeliver theirwritten applications toVirginiaDepartmentof Forestry,Attn: LarryMikkelson, 900NaturalResourcesDrive, Suite 800, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. Ifhanddeliveringyourapplicationmaterials,youmaydeliverthemtothereceptionistlocatedonthefirstfloorof900NaturalResourcesDrive,Charlottesville,VA22903.
Wewillnotaccept facsimileoremaildocuments, asalldocumentsmustbe clearand legibleandappearwithoriginalsignaturesontheapplication.
ApplicationReview/RankingProcessAll application documents will be reviewed by VDOF to assure that they meet the minimumrequirements outlined here. Applications thatmeetminimum requirements will be evaluated inmore detail. The information provided in the applicationmaterials, and information and photos
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secured from a field visit to the project site,will be provided to the Virginia Forest Legacy Sub‐Committee forreviewandrankingat itsAugust18,2009meeting.Applicantswillbeaskedtomake a presentation to the subcommittee on this date. The top three (or less) rankedapplicationswillbeforwardedtotheVirginiaForestStewardshipCommitteeforreview.
The recommendations from theVirginiaForest StewardshipCommitteewill be forwarded to theStateForester for finalreview,approvaland finalranking.TheStateForester’srecommendationswillbeforwardedtotheUSFSforconsiderationbyaNationalPanelfromtheacrossthecountryinJanuary 2010. The final decisions from theNational Panelwill be forwarded to theOffice of thePresidentforfederalfiscalyear2011budgetconsideration.
AdditionalSourcesofInformationandAssistanceUSDAForestServiceForestLegacy;http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop/programs/loa/flp.shtml–thiswebsiteprovideslinkstoadditionalinformationabouttheForestLegacyProgram.
VirginiaDepartmentofForestry;http://www.dof.virginia.gov/mgt/index‐flp.shtml–thiswebsitehascompleteapplicationdocumentsfordownloading.
UnitedStatesHouseDistrict;http://www.house.gov–thiswebsitewillprovideCongressionaldistrictinformation.
ContactInformationLarryMikkelson–ForestLegacyManagerPhone(434)220‐9091FAX(434)296‐2369Email–[email protected]
Attachments♦♦ MapofForestLegacyAreas♦♦ Pre‐Application♦♦ ForestLegacyApplication♦♦ LandownerInspectionConsentAgreement♦♦ ScoringCriteria(draft)
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AppendixA3:SamplePreApplication
CommonwealthofVirginiaForestLegacyProgramProgramYear2011
FORESTLEGACYPRE‐APPLICATION
DescriptionoflandbeingconsideredforapplicationfortheForestLegacyProgram:
County:
LandownerName(s):
GeneralLocation(stateroutename/number;nearbytown,directionfromtownorotherlandmark,etc.):
TotalAcreageofProperty:
AcreageBeingConsideredforForestLegacyProgram:
TaxMapNumber(s):
Attachmaporsketchshowingthepropertyboundaries.Indicatetheareatobeofferedfortheprogramifitislessthantheentireproperty.
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AppendixA4:SampleApplication
FOROFFICEUSEONLY
ReceivedBy: Date:
CommonwealthofVirginiaForestLegacyProgramProgramYear2011
FORESTLEGACYAPPLICATION
APPLICANTINFORMATION
Landowner’sName(s)(listallownersofrecord):
Landowner’sMailingAddress:
DaytimeTelephoneNumber:
Email:
Landowner’sAgent:
Landowner’sAgentMailingAddress:
DaytimeTelephoneNumber:
Email:
Doestheagenthaveauthoritytomakedecisionsinbehalfofthelandowner? Yes No
U.S.HouseDistrict:
PROPERTYINFORMATION
CountyofRecord:
TaxMapParcelNumber(s):
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DeedReferenceBook/Page:
PlatReferenceBook/Page:
CurrentLocalZoningWherePropertyisLocated:
CurrentTaxValuationorRecentAppraisalValue(attachifavailable):
TaxParcelAcreage:
AcreageofForestedLand:
AcreageofCleared/OpenLand:
AcreageOfferedforForestLegacyProgram:
Note:AreaofferedforForestLegacyProgrammustbeatleast80%forested.Plantingoftreesonopenlandtomeetthisrequirementisacceptable.
LANDOWNERGOALSANDOBJECTIVESYouranswerstothefollowingquestionswilldeterminetheimportanceofyourapplicationtotheForestLegacyProgram.Includespecificinformationandsupportingreferencesifavailable.DescribewhyyoubelieveitisimportantthatthispropertybeconsideredfortheForestLegacyProgram.Importantisdefinedasthepublicbenefitsgainedfromtheprotectionandmanagementofthepropertyincludingtheecologicalvaluesandtheeconomicandsocialaspects.
DescribewhyyoubelievethispropertyisthreatenedandshouldbeconsideredfortheForestLegacyProgram.Threatenedisdefinedasconversiontonon‐forestusesislikelyorimminentandwillresultinalossofforestvaluesandpublicbenefits.
DescribewhyyoubelievethispropertyisstrategicandshouldbeconsideredfortheForestLegacyProgram.Strategicisdefinedasfitswithalargerconservationplan,strategy,andinitiativeandenhancespreviousconservationinvestments.
Provideinformationaboutthereadinessoftheproject.ExamplesofthedocumentsortasksthatmayaffectreadinesscanbefoundintheRequestforApplicationsdocument.
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Describeyourlong‐termgoalsandobjectivesfortheproperty.
Describewhathavebeenthetraditionaluse(s)oftheforestlandontheproperty.
Pleasecheckoneofthetwooptionsbelow: Iamwillingtosellmypropertyinfeesimple(sellmylandtothestate).
Iamwillingtosellonlymydevelopmentrightsbyplacingmypropertyunderaconservationeasement(Iwillretainownershipofthelandandalsomyotherrights,suchasfarming,timbering,sellingthepropertyorpassingittomyheirs,etc.).
Pleaseinitialeachstatementbelowtoindicatethatyouhavereadandunderstandthem:
TheForestLegacyProgramwillpayme(us)amaximumof75%oftheappraisedvalueofmy(our)property(oreasement)asappraisedundertheFederalYellowBook(UASFLA)appraisalstandards.
TheForestLegacyProgramrequiresa25%matchtotheFederaldollarsgrantedundertheprogramandI(we)willbeaskedtosignastatementindicatingthatI(we)agreethatthe25%oftheappraisedvaluethatIforegocanbeusedastherequiredmatchfortheprogram.
Itmaybenecessaryforme(us)topaysomeoftheduediligencecosts(appraisals,titlesearch,environmentalsiteassessment,etc.)requiredduringtheacquisitionprocess,andifso,theamountoffundsI(we)receiveformy(our)land(oreasement)willbereducedbythecostoftheseservices.
Pleasestatewhetheryouarereadytosignanoptionorsalesagreement,contingentuponfinalappraisalandapprovalforForestLegacyfunding?
Yes No
DoyoucurrentlyhaveaForestStewardshiporotherForestManagementPlan? Yes No
Ifnot,areyouwillingtoobtainaplanpriortoclosing?
Yes No
LANDOWNERCOMMENTSPleaseprovideanyadditionalinformationthatyoubelievemakesyourpropertyagoodcandidatefortheForestLegacyProgram.
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VALUEESTIMATESWhatistheestimatedvalueoftheland(easement)offeredfortheForestLegacyProgram?Howdidyoudeterminethevalue?(appraisal,landownerestimate,taxassessment,etc.)
LEINSANDENCUMBRANCESListanyandallliensandencumbrancesonthepropertyproposedforenrollmentintheForestLegacyProgram(e.g.utilityeasements,publicrights‐of‐way,waterfloworuserestrictions,septicsystemsorwatereasements,deedrestrictions,taxliens,mineralleases,etc.).
AGREEMENT
Theinformationprovidedaboveistruetothebestofmy/ourknowledgeandbelief.ALLTITLEHOLDERSMUSTSIGN.
Name(print) Signature Date
ForestLegacyApplication–AdditionalItems
YourForestLegacyApplicationshouldalsoincludethefollowing:
♦♦ AerialPhoto (canbeobtainedviaGoogleMapsathttp://maps.google.com,or throughyourlocalFarmServicesAgencyoffice)
♦♦ LegalDescription(ifavailable;maybefoundinyourdeedortitleinsurancepolicy)
♦♦ ListofExistingPermanent Improvementson theTract, includinghouses,barns, lakes,ponds,dams,wells, roads,otherstructuresand the totalnumberofacresoccupiedbyimprovements.
♦♦ MapInformation(provideasmuchmapinformationasisavailable):
•• CopyofRoadMapindicatinglocationoftheproperty•• CopyofPlatorSurveyMapoftheparcelindicatinglocationoftract•• Mapidentifyingalldams,dumps,orwastedisposalsitesontheproperty•• CopyofTaxMap,orportionthereof,containingtheparcel
NOTE:Allmaterialsbecome thepropertyof theCommonwealthofVirginiaandarenonreturnable.
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AppendixA5:SampleLandownerInspectionConsentAgreement
CommonwealthofVirginiaForestLegacyProgramProgramYear2011
FORESTLEGACYLANDOWNERINSPECTIONCONSENTAGREEMENT
I, ,asthelandownerorthelandowner’sauthorizedagent(proofofauthorizationmustaccompanythisdocument),agreetoallowinspection,appraisal,environmentalsiteexamination,timbercruise,andsurveyofmypropertybeingofferedforconsiderationundertheForestLegacyProgram.IagreetoallowemployeesoftheVirginiaDepartmentofForestry(the“Agency”)ormembersoftheVirginiaForestLegacySub‐Committeetoinspectthepropertyasmayberequired,withtheunderstandingthatIshallbenotifiedinadvanceofallinspectionvisits.IagreetoallowcontractorshiredbytheAgencytoenterthepropertytoperformtheserviceslistedabovesolongasIamprovidedcontractorcontactinformationinadvance,andnotifiedinadvanceoftheirvisittotheproperty.
LandownerSignature Date
VirginiaDepartmentofForestrySignature Date
Title
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AppendixA6:ProjectEvaluation
CommonwealthofVirginiaForestLegacyProgramProgramYear2011
FORESTLEGACYPROJECTEVALUATION
Property/Project:
Landowner(s):
County/City:
Acres:
DateofEvaluation:
Evaluator:
READINESSINFORMATION
Yes No CompletedMarketAnalysisorPreliminaryAppraisal?
Yes No BargainSaleof75%agreedto?
Yes No SignedOptionAgreement?
Yes No SignedPurchaseandSalesAgreement?
Yes No HeldbyThirdParty,atRequestoftheState?
Yes No TitleSearchCompleted?
Yes No MineralsDeterminationCompleted?
Yes No ManagementPlanCompletedfortheProperty(CEonly)?
PROGRAMREQUIREMENTS
Yes No OwnedbyWillingSeller(s)?
Yes No SignedConsentAgreement?
Yes No 25%MatchAvailable?
PercentMatchOffered? %
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IMPORTANCESCORING
ForestryandPotentialForestProductivity:
(0‐2points) LandmanagedaccordingtoaForestManagementPlan
(0‐1point) Landisthirdpartycertified
(0‐2points) Forestryactivitycontributestoresource‐basedeconomy
(0‐1point) Containscharacteristics(slope,soils)tosustainaproductiveforest
ThreatenedandEndangeredSpeciesHabitat:
(0‐3points)
PropertycontainsdocumentedT&Especies(considernumbersshowbelowduringscoring)
NumberofFederally‐listedspecies NumberofState‐Only‐listedspecies
Fish,Wildlife,PlantsandUniqueForestCommunities:
(0‐3points)
Containsuniqueforestcommunitiesasdocumentedbyaformalassessmentorwildlifeconservationplanorstrategy
WaterSupplyandWatershedProtection:
(0‐3points)
Providesapublicdrinkingwatersupplybuffer,containsanaquiferrechargearea,orprotectsanecologicallyimportantaquaticormarinearea
(0‐3points)
Containsimportantriparianarea,wetlands,shorelines,riversystemsorsensitivewatershedlands
PublicAccess:
(0‐3points) Willmaintainorestablishaccessbythepublicforrecreation
Scenic:
(0‐3points)
Islocatedwithintheviewshedofaformally‐designatedscenicfeature,suchasatrail,riverorhighway
Historic/Cultural/Tribal:
(0‐3points)
Containsformerly‐documentedfeaturesofhistorical,culturaland/ortribalsignificance
Non‐TimberEconomicBenefits:
(0‐3points)
Providesnon‐timberrevenuetothelocalorregionaleconomythroughhuntingleases,ranching,non‐timberforestproducts(maplesyrup,pinestraw,ginsengcollection),guidedtours(fishing,hunting,birdwatching)andrecreationalrentals(bikes,boats,outdoorgear)
SUBTOTAL (30pointsmaximum)
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STRATEGICSCORING
ConservationStrategy:
(0‐15points)
Fitswithinalargerconservationplan,strategyorinitiativeasdesignatedbyagovernmentornon‐governmententity
SupportsConservationInvestments:
(0‐15points)
Strategicallylinkedtoenhancedpreviousconservationinvestments(pastFLPprojects,protectedfederal,stateorNGOlands)orotherfederallandprotectionefforts(NRCS,NOAA,etc.)
SUBTOTAL (30pointsmaximum)
THREATENEDSCORING
LegalProtection:
(0‐4points)
Legalprotectionsthatcurrentlyexist(zoning,easements);whethertheseprotectionsremovethethreatofconversion,andtowhatextent
LandandLandowner’sCircumstances:
(0‐4points)
Landownercircumstancesincluding:propertyheldinanestate,aginglandowner,futureusebyheirsisuncertain,propertyisforsaleorhasasalepending,purchaseoffersreceived,hasanapprovedsubdivisionplan,orgoodlandstewardinterestedinconservingtheland(nopenaltyforlattertypeoflandowner)
AdjacentLandUse:
(0‐4points)
Useofadjacentlandincluding:currentuseofadjacentland,rateofdevelopmentgrowthorconversion,populationgrowth,rateofchangeinownership
AbilitytoDevelop:
(0‐4points)
Physicalattributesthatwillfacilitateconversion:access,slope,water/sewer,electricity,etc.
ThirdPartyOwnership:
(0‐4points)
Acquiredbyathirdpartyattherequestofthestate(evaluatethreatbasedonsituationbeforethirdpartyacquisition)
SUBTOTAL (20pointsmaximum)
TOTAL (80pointsmaximum)
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AppendixA7:EasementMonitoringReport
CommonwealthofVirginiaForestLegacyProgramProgramYear2011
EASEMENTMONITORINGREPORT
CurrentEasementName:
GENERALINFORMATION
LandownerName:
EasementNumber:
DateofMonitoringVisit:
MonitoredBy:
CONTACTWITHLANDOWNER
Date: Phone Email InPerson
CurrentLandownerInformation(ifchanged):
LandownerName:
MailingAddress:
DaytimeTelephoneNumber:
CellPhone:
Email:
PROPERTYINFORMATION
Location:
NameofOwneronDateofEasement:
DateEasementRecorded:
NameofCurrentOwner:
Page/DateRecorded:
AdditionalPost‐EasementDeeds/Grantee:
Page/DateRecorded:
SubdivisionsofProperty/Grantee:
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Page/DateRecorded:
ConservationValuesProtected:
Restrictions/Requirements:(seeEasementDeedforspecificrestrictionorrequirementlanguage)
Division(describe):
Structures(describe):
Commercial/Industrial(describe):
ForestManagement(describe):
Pesticides(describe):
Grading/Mining(describe):
Trash(describe):
Signs(describe):
RiparianBuffer(describe):
PriorReviewofBoundaryLineAdjustment(BLA)byVDOF:
VDOFtobepartytoBLAdeeds
PriorwrittennotificationtoVDOFbeforebeginninganygroundclearingforconstructionofstructures
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ForestManagementPlanrequiredbeforecommencementofforestmanagementactivities
NotificationtoVDOFbeforeandafteranymaterialforestactivity,includingtimberharvest
PriorreviewbyVDOFofpre‐harvestplans
PriornoticetoVDOFofgrading,blastingorearthremovalgreaterthanoneacre
Deedreferencerequiredindeedsconveyingproperty
PriorwrittennotificationtoVDOFbeforeactionsthatmayhaveadverseaffectonconservationvalues
PriornotificationtoVDOFofsaleaffectingproperty
CompliancewithTermsoftheEasement:
Yes No ComplieswithConservationEasement?
Yes No InvestigationNecessary?
Note:Ifaninvestigationisindicated,afollow‐upreportwillbeissuedaftertheinvestigation.
ADDITIONALCOMMENTSORINFORMATION
ATTACHMENTSTOTHISREPORT
AerialPhoto UpdatedMaps
UpdatedSitePhotos AdditionalPages
Other
Other
VirginiaDepartmentofForestrySignature Date
Title
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AppendixB
VirginiaForestStewardshipOperatingPlan
STEWARDSHIP
The wise application of environmental and economic resourcemanagement principles to maintain and enhance the multiplebenefits of the forest for current and future landowners and thepublic
ThisOperatingPlanwasdevelopedbytheVirginiaDepartmentofForestryincooperationwiththeVirginia Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee to guide forestry professionals in theimplementationoftheForestStewardshipProgram.
StatementofPurposeandCooperatingOrganizationAgreementTheNationalAssociationofStateForestersincooperationwiththeUSDAForestService,StateandPrivateForestryProgram,developedaninitiativecalledtheForestStewardshipProgramin1990.Thepurposeofthisstate‐basedprogramistoimprovethemanagementofPrivateNon‐IndustrialForestlands (PNIF) formultiple resourcebenefits, includingwildlife,water, recreation and forestproducts.
Better coordination and cooperation among resourcemanagement specialists from various stateand federalagenciesand theprivatesectorshouldresult inmoreefficientandeffective technicalassistancetoprivateforestlandowners.Totalmultiple‐useforestresourcemanagementplanswillbepreparedjointlybythecooperatingagencies,consultingforestersorforestindustrylandownerassistanceforestersincorporatingthelandowner’sobjectiveswithsoundconservationpractices.
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Foreststewardsarecustodiansofourbountifulforestresources.Theirthoughtfulmanagementoftheforestsintheircarehelpsprovidemanybenefitstothem;society,andtheworldasawhole.TherighttoownlandisamongthemosttreasuredandmostvaluedrightsofallAmericancitizens.Theownershipoflandnotonlygrantslandownerstheprivilegeofpursuingpersonalgoals,butcarriestheresponsibilityofgoodstewardship.
The increaseddemand for forestamenities,combinedwithashrinking landbaseaccentuates theneed for all forest landowners to actively manage their forested properties. A number ofopportunitiesexistforimprovedresourcemanagement.
PNIF landowners,whoholdnearly11millionacresof forestland inVirginia,present thegreatestopportunity formaking improvementsto thesupplyandconditionof thestate's forestresources.Mostof these forestlandsareunmanaged.Withgoodstewardshipmanagement, these forestlandscouldbetterprovideVirginia'sneedsforcleanwaterandair;healthy, thrivingpopulationsof fishandwildlife;qualityoutdoorrecreationexperiences;essential forestproducts,andtheprotectionofimportantarchaeologicalandotherhistoricresources.Goodstewardshipcontributestonaturalbeauty;guardsagainstsoilerosionanddepletionofsoilproductivity,andprotectswetlands.Goodstewardshipalsoprotects forests from insects,diseases,wildfire,over‐grazingandpoor resourcemanagement.Makingsound,long‐termeconomicdecisionsisalsopartofgoodstewardship.
TheVirginiaForestStewardshipProgramisdesignedtoeducateandguideforestlandownersinthecomplex and rewarding field of resourcemanagement by providing coordinated assistance fromthemanyvariedprofessionalswithan interest inmultiple‐usemanagement.Participatingnaturalresource professionals make a deliberate effort to contact forest landowners to assess theirpersonal objectives and generate interest in stewardshipmanagement. Landowners targeted forcontactareprioritizedasfollows:
1. Thosewhohaveperformedlittleornomanagementoftheirforestlands.
2. Thosewhohavemanagedexclusivelyforoneresourceandwishtodiversifytheiractivities.
3. Thosewho presentlymanage their properties according to the stewardship concept anddeserverecognitionfortheirefforts.
ForestStewardshipCoordinatingCommitteeThe Virginia Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee shall provide direction for theVirginia Forest Stewardship Program administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry. TheCommitteewillmeetbienniallytoaddressstewardshipplanningandimplementationconcernsandoverallprogramcoordination.Normally, committeemembersserve three‐year termsandmaybereappointed for consecutive terms. Terms for persons who by virtue of their positions arecommitteemembers(e.g.,StateConservationists;AgencyDirectors;OfficersofOrganizations,etc.)wouldbeongoingduringtheirtenureintheposition.
Thecommittee’sprimaryresponsibility istoprovidetechnical,proceduralandlogisticalguidancetotheStateForester,whoisresponsiblefortheadministrationoftheForestStewardshipProgram.Therefore,thecommitteewill:
♦♦ ProvideadviceandrecommendationstotheStateForesterconcerningimplementationof the Forest Stewardship Program, and other associated landowner assistance andcost‐shareprograms.
♦♦ Provideassistanceandrecommendationsconcerningthedevelopment,implementationandupdatingoftheStateForestStewardshipOperatingPlan.
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IndividualsfromeachofthefollowingagenciesorgroupsareinvitedtoserveontheVirginiaForestStewardshipCoordinatingCommittee:
Table4:AgenciesandOrganizationsInvitedtoServeontheVirginiaForestStewardshipCoordinatingCommittee
Agencies/OrganizationsVirginiaDepartmentofForestry GeorgeWashingtonJeffersonNationalForestVABoardofForestry VirginiaForestryAssociationVADepartmentofGameandInlandFisheries(DGIF)
USDANaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)
VADepartmentofConservationandRecreation(DCR)
USDAConsolidatedFarmServiceAgency(FSA)
VAAssociationofSoil&WaterConservationDistricts
VirginiaTech–CollegeofForestry&WildlifeResources
VADepartmentofEnvironmentalQuality VACooperativeExtensionServiceVADepartmentofHistoricResources ForestIndustryVADivisionofNaturalHeritage EnvironmentalOrganizationsVADivisionofSoilandWaterConservation ForestLandownersConsultingForesters ConservationOrganizationsLandTrustOrganizations LocalGovernment
ProgramImplementation
StateLevelA state forest stewardship coordinator will administer and coordinate the Virginia ForestStewardship Program. The State Coordinating Committee and coordinator may be assisted asneeded by appointed sub‐committees. These sub‐committees should be comprised ofrepresentatives fromthecommitteewithakey interest in foreststewardship,suchasotherstateand federal agencies; trade or professional associations; consulting foresters; industry foresters,andenvironmentalandconservationorganizations.
AdministrativeObjectives
♦♦ To update program policies, procedures and standards contained in the State ForestStewardshipOperatingPlanasnecessary;
♦♦ Todevelopstrategiesthatcanenhancethesuccessoftheprogram;
♦♦ To assist in meeting statewide program goals and objectives and to monitoraccomplishmentofthosegoals;
♦♦ ToprovideinputtotheVDOFfromawidevarietyofnaturalresource‐relatedinterests;
♦♦ Toincorporateprivatenaturalresourceconcernsinprogramimplementation;
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♦♦ Tocoordinateprogramactivitiessoastocomplementthoseofexistingprograms,suchasTreeFarm;PartnersforFishandWildlife;LandownerIncentivesPrograms,andFarmBillPrograms,and
♦♦ To generatewidespread support for the program from forest landowners, concernedgroupsandthegeneralpublic.
RegionalLevelForpurposesof implementing theVirginiaForestStewardshipProgram, thestatewillbedividedinto threeregionscorresponding to theVirginiaDepartmentofForestry'sadministrativeregions.In each region, a VDOF assistant regional forester will serve as the regional stewardshipcoordinatorforactivitiesintheirrespectiveregions.
Theseregional stewardshipcoordinators,workingwith thestatecoordinator,willberesponsiblefor implementing the state program in their region. They will be responsible for coordinatingpublicityandparticipationoffieldpersonnelinStewardshipPlanpreparation,implementationandpropertyinspections.TheywillreviewStewardshipPlans;reviewnominationsforForestStewardCertification;inspectand,ifdeemedappropriate,approvepropertiesforCertification;publicizetheStewardshipprogram,andconductactivitieswhicharisethatwillpromotetheprogram.
PublicityOn the regional level, the regional stewardship coordinators will direct publicity they deemappropriatethroughradio,television,newspapers,otherprintedmedia,speakingengagementsandmailings.
ProgramOutreachVirginiaisbeginningtofocusoutreacheffortsinimportantforestresourceareasthataredefinedinthe statewide assessment and resource strategy. Within those areas, the Forest StewardshipProgramshouldbeaccessibletoalllandowners.Inaddition,outreacheffortswill:
♦♦ Identifyandaddressunderservedcommunitiesandgroups;
♦♦ Balancetheneedsofcurrentparticipantsandpotentialfutureparticipants;
♦♦ Coordinatewithotherlandownerassistanceprogramstoavoidduplicationandsupportongoingeffortsasappropriate;
♦♦ Identify opportunities for landscape‐scale and/or multiple‐landowner planning andtechnicalassistancedelivery,especiallywhereownershipsarerelativelysmall,and
♦♦ Promoteandfosterthedevelopmentofpeer‐to‐peerlandownernetworks.
OutreachForTraditionallyUnderservedLandowners
TheVDOFrecognizesthattherearetraditionallyunderservedgroupsoflandownersthatmayneedspecificoutreachmethods.Eachyear,theagencycooperatesandprovidesfundingtoVirginiaTechfor landowner outreach. A portion of these funds is specifically set aside for outreach to thesegroups. Specific examples of use of these funds have been minority landowner tours and mini‐grants for specific projects. The Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Tech work withVirginiaStateUniversity(1890School)intheseefforts.Inearly2010,theVDOF,VirginiaStateandVirginiaTechsignedaMemorandumofUnderstanding tocooperateon forestryresearch.Resultsand application of this research will be targeted at underserved landowners. One of the small
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farmer outreach coordinators with Virginia State University serves on, and is vice‐chair of, theVirginia Reforestation of Timberlands Board. Specific efforts are beingmade to recruitminoritystudents to the annual Virginia Department of Forestry Camp at Holiday Lake. It may beappropriate aswell to include aVirginia State representativeon theVirginiaForest StewardshipCommittee.
The Forest Stewardship Program and associated outreach effortsmust adhere to theUSDAnon‐discrimination policy: The USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on thebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,religion,age,disability,politicalbeliefs,sexualorientation,ormaritalorfamilystatus.
TrainingContinued program orientation for new personnel and participating consultant foresters will beconductedbytheregionalcoordinatorswithassistancebythestatecoordinator.
PriorityAreasThe Virginia Department of Forestry has professional field staff located throughout theCommonwealth.Additionally, as a tax‐supportedpublic service agency,we are tasked toprovideservicetolandownersthroughoutthestateinallareas.Wehaveandwillcontinuetodosobaseduponrequests.However,thereisaneedtoconcentratefinitestafftimeandresourcesinamannerthatwillbemosteffectiveandachievethegreatestresults.Thiswillbedonethroughprioritization.
Virginiawilltakeatwo‐levelprioritizationprocessforpriorityareasforForestStewardship.
Level1–LandscapeLevelPriorityAreasWehaveidentifiedbroadlandscape‐scaleareaswithinthestateinwhichwewillidentifyregionallyspecific goals for stewardship delivery,with particular emphasis placed upon implementation ofrecommendedpractices.Theseare:
1. Cumberland Mountains Mixed Mesophytic Hardwood – Emphasis – Planninginitiation, reclaimed landsmanagement. The area is one of themost heavily forestedareas in Virginia. Land‐use has historically been extractive in nature for timber andminerals(coalandnaturalgas)withahighoccurrenceofdamagingwildfire.Emphasisonlong‐term forest management has been limited. Current (2010) USFS S&PF funding isfocusingonmixedmesophytichardwoodrestorationonminedlands.
2. White Pine Highlands – Emphasis – Diversified landscape management. This is theprimary white pine production area in Virginia with history of management and value‐added industries, including furniture; Christmas trees and greenery, and lumber. Theprivateforestlandscapeisfragmentedwithagriculturalusesandprimaryandsecondhomeconstruction. There is growing interest in diversified management, including a forestrycooperative and through a VDOF‐NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant – Total ForestMakeover.
3. Mountain – Valley, Northern Piedmont – Emphasis – Riparian water quality,afforestation, forest improvement, multipleresource management. This is a wide‐spreading and diverse area where forest management is often passive and secondary toother uses, including grazing (cattle and horses), other agriculture and recreational orestateownership.Somenotableexceptionsoccurnearmajorwood‐usingfacilities.Thereis
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highneedandopportunityfor improvedwatershedmanagementthroughforestedbuffersandtreeplantingonmarginalopenland.OngoingandcurrentprojectsthatexemplifythisaretheChesapeakeBayandSouthernRiversriparianforestbufferemphasisandtheForesttoFaucetswatershedprojectnearCharlottesville.Historichigh‐gradingintheareaprovidesmany opportunities for forest improvement. Highly varied ownership objectives offeropportunitiestodevelopdiverseresourcemanagement,includingwildlifemanagement.
4. Blue Ridge – Emphasis – Enhanced hardwood management, invasive speciesmanagement.Theeastern slopesof theBlueRidgeprovide someof themostproductivehardwoodsitesinthestate.Therearelargecoresofnon‐federalmountainland,aswellasdispersed sites well‐suited for quality hardwood management. Invasive species arebeginningtocomplicatemanagementongoodsites.Central location;goodtransportation,andproximitytometropolitan(smallandlarge)areasmakethisareaattractiveforprimaryandrecreationalhomedevelopmentanduse.ThereisampleopportunitytocoordinatewithNationalForestsalongthecentralBlueRidge.
5. Southside–Emphasis–Workingforestdevelopmentandmaintenance.TheSouthernPiedmont has historic and continuing strong production forestry uses. The landscape isaccessibleandfragmentedwithagriculturalusesandsomeextensive(largelot)scaleruralhome development. This area of Virginia has the greatest potential for continued andimproved utilization‐based forestry as well as complementary agricultural and wildliferesourcemanagement.
6. CentralVirginiaCore–Emphasis–Conservingandmanagingcoreforestblocks.Thesehistorically rural but transitioning counties are on the outer ring of Virginia’s highdevelopment crescent.Here, there are anumberof high‐priority core forest blocks, oftenformer forest industry lands.There isawindowofopportunity for landconservationandcontinuedmanagementinfaceoffuturedevelopmentandfragmentation.
7. CoastalPlain–Emphasis–Conservingandenhancingworking lands.There isahighconcentration here of well‐managed forests on productive sites, accessible, with a goodtransportation network, butwith growth pressure frommajormetropolitan areas. Therearewell‐developedwoodmarkets,buttheyarebeginningtotransition.Forestindustrylandownership transition is nearly complete. There are concentrations of unique anddiminishedanimalandplanthabitats,oftenassociatedwithwetlands.Thereisahighneedfor landconservationandcontinuedmanagement.Efforts includestate forestacquisitionsand private land conservation work through several land trusts; conservationorganizations; county Purchase of Development Rights programs, and VDOF’s TomorrowWoods program. Continued forest management is complementary to the potential foragriculturalandwildliferesourcemanagement.
Within these areas, wewill work to develop and emphasize these resource attributes and theirpotential and values. Thiswill be done in recognition and in concertwith the highly varied anddiverseobjectivesofthecitizens;organizations;businesses,andlocalgovernmentsoftheseareas.
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Figure4:GeneralizedForestStewardshipPriorities
Level2–AreaBasedPriorityAreasThe VDOF agency service organization is county‐based. Within counties, field employees aregeneralistsandfunctioninmanycapacitiestoservicethevariednaturalresourcemanagementandprotectionneedsoflandownersandcitizens.Workloadisoftenrequest‐drivenandgeographicallyrandom.Regionalandfieldstaffwillutilizeregionalandcounty‐levelprioritizationmapsto focuslandowneroutreach,planningandimplementationtopriorityareas,basedupontheanalysisdonethrough the Southern Forest Lands Assessment (SFLA). The agency will use the SFLA RegionalBreaks–excludingurban,waterandpublic land–as theprincipleprioritymap.Areaofficeswillhave access to the State Natural Breaks map as well, that can assist them in further focus andprioritization.Exampleswouldbeschedulinglandownerworkshopsinhigh‐priorityareas,orwhenmakingplanning contacts formanagementpractice implementation, focus first on tracts in high‐priorityareas.
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Figure5:ForestResourcePriorityforVirginiafromtheSouthernForestLandAssessmentExcludingUrban,WaterandPublicLand–StateNaturalBreaks
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Figure6:ForestResourcePriorityforVirginiafromtheSouthernForestLandAssessmentExcludingUrban,WaterandPublicLand–RegionalNaturalBreaks
DeliverySystemtoNIPFLandownersImplementationoftheVirginiaForestStewardshipProgramwillprimarilybetheresponsibilityoftheVirginiaDepartmentofForestry(VDOF).
Although several agencies and resource management specialists from the private sector will becooperating to provide multiple‐use management services, the VDOF will coordinate theseactivities so that the landownerswill have a singlepoint of contact.Thiswill help the individualPNIFlandownersimplementtheirplanmoreefficientlyandeffectively.
Virginiahasanoutstandingrecordofaccomplishmentinmultiple‐useforestrypracticedbyprivatelandowners. The Forest Stewardship Program will focus on three major opportunity areas inVirginiawherethegreatestneedexistsforprovidingenhancedmanagementassistancetoprivatelandowners:
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1. Todevelopprogramsandactivitiestoreachnewlandownersandabsenteelandownerswhoare not practicingmultiple‐use forestry or do not have a forestmanagement plan (FMP).LandownerswhoalreadyhaveaFMPwillbeencouragedtoupgradetheirplanto includeconsideration and activities for comprehensive multiple‐use management in accordancewithForestStewardshipProgramguidelines.
2. To provide funding for special projects and programs identified to inform landowners ofservicesavailable for technicalassistance frombothgovernmentagenciesand theprivatesector.
3. Tobettercoordinatemanagementassistanceactivitiesandcooperationamongthevariousagencies, organizations and interest groups, which provide management programs tolandowners. The Stewardship Committee will continually strive to avoid duplication orcompetitionwithestablishedprograms,whileprovidingacooperativecoordinatingroletoincreaseoverallprogrameffectiveness.
TheVDOFareaforestersandtechnicianslocatedinalmostallcountiesoftheCommonwealthwillbetheprincipalcoordinatorswithPNIFlandownerstopromoteandimplementthisprogram.Theywill provide this "on‐the‐ground" technical assistance and expertise in cooperation with othernatural resource agency professionals and natural resourcemanagement professionals from theprivate sector to develop a Forest Stewardship Management Plan (FSMP) for individual forestlandowners.
Action programs on a state‐level will be developed by the state stewardship coordinator toaccomplishstewardshipgoals.Thecombinationofstate‐levelandlocal‐levelactionprogramswillprovide the successful implementation of stewardship management on private forestlands inVirginiaandenhancetheforestandrelatedresourcesforallcitizensoftheCommonwealth.
PlanPreparationProcedures
EligibilityPNIFlandownerswhoownaminimumof10acresofforestlandandhaveadesiretomanagetheirownerships according to the program standards may participate in the Forest StewardshipProgram.Forestlandisdefinedaslandatleast10percentstockedbytreesofanysizeorformerlyhavinghadsuchtreecoverandnotbuilt‐upordevelopedforagriculturaluse.LandownerswhoareinterestedintheForestStewardshipprogrammustenrolltheirentirecontiguouspropertyintotheprogram; however, open pasture, cropland or water body acreage will not be eligible for planpreparationcost‐shareassistance.Awaterbody,withintheVirginiaForestStewardshipProgram,isdefinedasanaturalorman‐madewaterimpoundmentthatisgreaterthanahalfacreinsize.
ProgramEnrollmentLandownerswhoareinterestedintheStewardshipProgramshouldcontacttheirlocalVDOFareaforester; a participating consultant forester, or the local representative from one of the otherparticipating agencies to learn more about the program. It is the responsibility of the agencyrepresentative and/or consultant to carefully explain to each landowner the benefits of theprogramandtheproceduresinvolvedinthedevelopmentoftheirForestStewardshipPlan.
Thenaturalresourceprofessionalwhomadefirstcontactwiththelandownershouldensurethatafollow‐up letterhighlighting thebenefitsof theprogram is sent to the landowner, ifnecessary.A
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copyoftheForestStewardshipProgrambrochureandanapplicationshouldbeincludedwiththeletter.
Landowners should also understand that the purpose of the program is to encourage activeforestlandmanagement.Thisincludesmeasurestoincreasetimbergrowth,butnotnecessarilytheharvest of timber; improvement of wildlife habitat, but not necessarily for hunting, andopportunitiesforrecreationalpursuits,butnotnecessarilypublicaccessforrecreation.
To enroll in the Forest Stewardship Program, the landownerwill be asked to complete andsign aForest Stewardship application that includes a "Stewardship Pledge" to indicate their good faithintentions tomanage their natural resources in accordancewith good Stewardship principals. Thenext step is for landowners to send the application and amap of the property to their localVDOFareaforesterortothestatestewardshipcoordinatorinCharlottesville.
IftheVDOFareaforesterreceivestheapplication,he/shewill:
1. Sendacopytotheregionalstewardshipcoordinator,and
2. Sendacopytothedesignatedconsultantforester,ifoneisidentified.
Ifthestatestewardshipcoordinatorreceivestheapplicationfromthelandownerortheconsultant,he/shewill:
1. Sendacopytotheregionalstewardshipcoordinator,and
2. Sendacopytothedesignatedconsultantforester,ifoneisidentified.
ProfessionalQualificationstoPrepareFSMPsA Forest StewardshipManagement Plan (FSMP) can be prepared by any Virginia Department ofForestry forester. Consulting foresters; forest industry landowner assistance foresters, andforesterswhohavecompletedtheVirginiaForestStewardshipProgramTrainingOrientation,atastatewidemeeting or individually with a regional stewardship coordinator, can also prepare anFSMP.
All FSMPs must be reviewed by a VDOF regional stewardship coordinator to ensure the planincludesalltheinformationspecifiedintheVirginiaForestStewardshipOperatingPlan.
To use the title of forester in connection with any practice of forestry, the person shall hold abaccalaureateorhigherdegreefromacollegeoruniversitycurriculumaccreditedbytheSocietyofAmerican Foresters, and such degree curriculum shall meet theminimum education criteria setforthbytheSocietyinthefieldsofforestecologyandbiology;managementofforestresources,andforestresourcespolicyandadministration.(CodeofVirginia10.1‐1181.9)
InvolvementofConsultantForestersLandowners,whowishtohaveastate‐approvedconsultantforesterwritetheirplan,mustidentifytheconsultantontheStewardshipApplicationformandtheapplicationmustbeapprovedbythestatestewardshipcoordinatorpriortoanyfieldworkbeingstarted.Whentheplaniscomplete, itmustbesubmittedtotheassistantregionalforesterforreviewandrecording.
VDOF foresters should provide landowners with the approved Stewardship Consultant List.Landownerswillbeencouragedtouseconsultantforesterstopreparetheirplans,unless:
♦♦ No consultants are availablewithin the landowner's immediate area to prepare theirplan,and/or
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♦♦ The landowner does not want to use the services of a private natural resourceconsultant. If this is the case, the landowner will be required to pay the VirginiaDepartmentofForestrytheestablishedperacrecharge.
QualificationsforOtherNaturalResourceManagementSpecialistsIf the landowner has chosen primary or secondary objectives in the areas of Wildlife;Environmental and Recreation, or Soil and Water, then the FSMP recommendations can bemadebyanyresourcemanagementspecialistswhoaredeterminedbytheregionalstewardshipcoordinator to be qualified to provide assistance based on needs and resources of the privatelandowner. The regional stewardship coordinator may call upon the various agencies andorganizationsrepresentedon theVirginiaForestStewardshipCoordinatingCommittee foradviceshouldtherebeaquestionontherecommendationsmadebythespecialist.
Inthecasewhere,inthepreparationofaFSMP,theforesterandwildlifebiologistorotherresourcespecialistmakeconflictingorincompatibleresourcemanagementrecommendations,acompromiserecommendationshouldbereachedwiththelandowner'sprimaryobjectivesastheguidingfactorin the recommendation. If an acceptable compromise cannot be reached, the recommendationdecisionwillbearbitratedbytheVDOFregionalstewardshipcoordinator.
PlanPreparationFormatandPlanElementsA Forest Stewardship Management Plan is a multiple‐use document, which contains integratedstrategiesformanagingeachofthemajorresourcecomponentsonthelandowner'spropertyovera10‐year period. Resource specialists from the administering agency and the private sectorcontributetotheplan.Allforestedpropertyisincluded.
Thelandownershallrankhis/herfirstthreeobjectivesforthepropertyasawhole,whileprovidingfor each of the other objectives in a compatible manner. The plan will be based upon thelandowner’s stated objectives; field examinations; observations, and other data. With thelandowner's objectives known, the professional forester can refer to the appropriate minimumstandardsandbasicguidelineswhendevelopingtheplan.Thefollowingcomponentsconstitutetheminimuminformationthatshouldbeincludedinallplans.
1. CoverPage(SeesampleinAppendixB1)
ThecoverpageshallincludeboldterminologyidentifyingtheplanasaForestStewardshipPlan. It shall also include the landowner’s name; address; telephone number; the countywhere the property is located, and the name; address, and phone number of theprofessionalforesterwhopreparedtheplan.
2. IntroductionLetter(SeesampleinAppendixB1)
This letter will briefly explain the importance of good forest management; managementplanning, and how their Forest Stewardship Plan is organized. This letter should alsocongratulatethelandownerforenteringintotheForestStewardshipProgram.
3. TableofContents
Thistablewillprovideaquickreferencetothespecificsectionsofthemanagementplan.
4. Landowner’sObjectives
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The landowner’s primary management objectives for the property, along with the otherresourceconcerns,areidentifiedinseveralparagraphsorinalistformat.Thesegoalsandobjectives should be identified on the Stewardship application and through personalconversationswiththelandowner.
5. LocationandAccessibility
Thisincludesthelandowner'sname;totalpropertyacreage;thecountywherethepropertyislocated,andreferencetotheclosesttownandmajorhighways.Accessibilitymayincludepublicroadaccesstothepropertyaswelltheconditionofaccessintheforestedareasofthepropertyitself.
6. GeneralPropertyDescription
Describe the boundaries; how well they are marked, and briefly describe the currentwoodlandconditions.Thismay includesuch thingsasageneraldescriptionof the timberconditions;wildlifehabitatpresent;existingrecreationalfacilities;invasivespeciesinfo;etc.
7. SummaryofForestManagementNeedsandOpportunities
This section should contain a few short paragraphs which briefly state (not describe orexplain)whatpracticesshouldbeperformedtoachievethelandowner'sgoals.Thissectionshouldnotduplicatedetailedinformationcontainedinthestandrecommendations.Examplesareasfollows:
a. Timber/Forest Products – Identify target cutting schedule and opportunities forreforestation;improvingtimbergrowth,andharvest,consideringtheoverallobjectives.
b. Fish andWildlife – Identify featured species; presence of listed species according tothe screening procedure; desirable habitat types present, and opportunities forimproving desirable habitat, considering the overall objectives. Reference to anythreatenedandendangeredspecieslistsfortheparticularcountythatisincludedintheappendix.
c. ThreatenedorEndangeredPlantorAnimalSpecies–IdentificationofT&EspeciesobservedonthepropertyoranyspeciesthatareknowntooccurinthegeneralvicinityofthepropertyasidentifiedbytheVirginiaDepartmentofGameandInlandFisheriesT&Elists.
d. NaturalHeritageResources–Identifyanyexistingfeatures.
e. SoilandWaterConservation–
1. Identify areas that have existing erosion problems and areas requiring specialconsideration and monitoring (highly‐erodible areas, wetlands, water features,riparianzones,sinkholes,etc.).
2. NoteapplicableBMPconsiderationsandprovidesupplementalBMPinformationintheappendixifneeded.
f. Recreation–Identificationofexistingrecreationalfacilities;presentandpotentialuses,andgeneralstrategiesforenhancingthelandowner'sdesireduses.
g. Aesthetics–Identificationofareasthatareuniquefromascenic,vegetative,geologicalor historical standpoint. Should also include strategies and goals for enhancing theseamenities.
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h. Cultural and Historic Resources – If artifacts are found or the landowner hasknowledgeofarchaeologicalsitesonhis/herpropertyandwishtorecordthemorareinterested indeterminingwhetherknownsitesexiston theirproperty,he/sheshouldbe provided contact information for one of the four regional preservation offices(located in Roanoke, Stephens City, Newport News and Richmond) for the VirginiaDepartmentofHistoricResources.
i. InvasivePlantSpecies–Identificationofareaswhereinvasiveplantspecieshavebeenfoundandtheimportanceofmonitoringand/orcontrollingthem.
j. Fire – Identification of potential benefits that can be achieved through the use ofcontrolled fireandanysteps that canbe taken toavoidpotentialwildfiredamages totheproperty.
8. ExplanationofSizeClassandForestTypes
Provideabriefdescriptionofsiteindexandforesttypesandhowthisinformationisusedintheplan.
9. TopographyandSoilsDescription
Provide a brief description of the primary soil types, slopes and aspects on theproperty.Includesoildescriptionsandpotentialforestproductivity.Identifyanypotentialequipmentlimitations and/or erosionproblems thatmay limitmanagement opportunities. Include asoilsmapifnecessary.
10.StandManagementDescriptionsandRecommendations
Stand management recommendations should integrate the various resource activitieswhichare tobeperformedover thenext10years.Theseactivities shouldbedesigned tocorrespond with the landowner's objectives. They should describe in site‐specific detailwhat, where, when, why and how to perform practices, supplemented with appendixmaterialwhereappropriate.
Thefollowinginformationshouldbeincludedineachstanddescription,ifapplicable.
a. Acreageb. Foresttypec. SpeciesPresentd. Agee. Sizef. Qualityg. Stockinglevelh. GrowthRatei. StandHistoryj. SoilDescription&SiteIndexk. Topographyl. BMPsforknownHistoricResourcesm. Fishand/orWildlifeHabitatn. UniqueorSpecialAreaso. Recommendedtreatment(s)p. Identificationandcontrolofinvasiveplantspecies
11.FiveYearSuggestedScheduleofManagementRecommendations
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Thisinformationwillbeintableformatandwillincludethelandowner’sname,dateandthefollowingcolumnheaders.
ActivityYear Parcel# SuggestedActivity CostShare
12.TopographicStandMap
The standmap should be computer generated or neatly hand drawn over a topographicmap.Thetopographicstandmapshallincludethefollowing:
♦♦ Northarrow♦♦ Landowner’sname♦♦ County♦♦ Planacreage♦♦ Planpreparer’sname♦♦ Propertyboundaries♦♦ Accessroads♦♦ Directionanddistancetonearesttown♦♦ Roadsortrailswithintheproperty♦♦ Fixedimprovementswithintheproperty♦♦ Bodiesofwaterwithinoradjacenttotheproperty♦♦ Mapscale(nolessthan1":1000',ifpossible)♦♦ Clearly‐definedstandboundaries♦♦ UTMsorlatitudeandlongitudecoordinates
13.OverallTractRecommendations(StandardParagraphs)
Eachplanshallincludeinformationaboutthefollowingtopics.
a. BoundaryLinesb. ThreatenedandEndangeredSpeciesc. ForestHealthd. IntegratedPestManagemente. WaterQualityProtectionf. ForestCarbon,AirQualityg. FireManagementandProtectionh. CulturalandHistoricResourcesi. ForestConservationj. BiologicalDiversityk. Cost‐ShareProgramsl. EnvironmentalEvaluationForm–(NRCSPlansonly)
14.Appendices
EachlandownercopyoftheForestStewardshipplanshouldincludetheForestStewardshipProgramappendixset.Thefollowingadditionalappendicesshouldbeincludedifapplicable.
a. InvasivePlantSpeciesInformation
This appendix should contain information about invasive plant species found on thepropertyandspeciesthatcouldpotentiallyinvadetheproperty.
Short information briefs on invasive plant species are available athttp://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasives_plants/weeds/index.shtm)
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AfterthePlanisCompletedTheconsultantforesterortheVDOFareaforesterwillcontacttheForestStewardshiplandownertoencourage and help him/her begin implementing the plan’s recommended practices. The planwriter will also direct him/her to potential sources of financial assistance, such as theReforestation of Timberlands Program (RT); Wildlife Habitat Incentives Programs (WHIP);Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP); Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), orthe Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), should funding be available. Ifnecessary, the resource professional shall return to the site to provide additional technicalassistance.Heorshemayalsohelplandownersfindcontractorstoperformthework,ormaterialsandsuppliestodotheworkthemselves.
FuturePlanRevisionorAddendumsLandowners may request a revision or addendum to their Forest Stewardship Plan under thefollowingcircumstances:
♦♦ Ten years following the plan’s original completion date if/when they have completedtheirmanagementrecommendations;
♦♦ Changeinownershipand/orobjectives,and/or
♦♦ Additionalacreagehasbeenaddedtotheoriginalparcel.
Newplanrequestsduetolandownershipchangeswillbepaidattheregularplanpreparationrates.Allacreageaddendumsandnewplanrequestswillbesubjecttoapprovalbythestatestewardshipcoordinator.
PlanRevisionandAddendumProceduresRevisions and addendums must follow the plan preparation procedures as established in thisoperatingplan.
ThelandownermustcompleteanotherForestStewardshipPlanapplicationformandsendittotheVirginiaDepartmentofForestryheadquartersoffice inCharlottesville.Theword“REVISED”mustbewritten inbold letterson the topof theapplication. Ifaconsultant is involved, the landownermust first receive the approval letter from the state office before the consultant begins thefieldwork.
Asaminimum,updatestothefollowingplancomponentsmustbeincludedinForestStewardshipPlanrevisions.Theseupdatesshouldbeeither incorporatedintothepreviousplanorattachedtotheplanasanaddendum.
1. UpdatedTitlePage–Sameformatastheoriginal,plusthewording“RevisedPlan.”
2. Updated Introduction – Including a short paragraph stating the reasons for the planupdate, defining the scope of the update (i.e.what is includedwithin the update and thelandowner’smanagementobjectives).
3. UpdatedTableofContents–includestheplanupdateasanaddendumtotheoriginalplan.
4. UpdatedForestTypeMap–computergenerated, ifpossible, includinganynewacreage,roadsorchangeinstandtypes.
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5. UpdatedTopographyMap–computergenerated,ifpossible,includingboundarylinesandUTMsorLatitudeandLongitudecoordinates.
6. Updated Stand Descriptions – if the stand characteristics or recommendations havechangedduetomanagementactivitiesorlandownerobjectives.
7. UpdatedFiveyearTimeline–forentireplanacreage.
8. UpdatedOverallTractRecommendations–Includemostcurrentinformationongeneralmanagement recommendations; harvesting recommendations; invasive speciesmanagement;wetlandandriparianzones,andthreatenedandendangeredspecies.
StewardshipForestCertificationCriteriaLandowners who make substantial accomplishments toward implementing their managementrecommendations and reaching their goalswill be recognized as “CertifiedForest Stewards" andpublicly acknowledged for their accomplishments. All landowners enrolled in the ForestStewardshipProgramwillbecomerecipientsofvariousmailingson topicsof interestand shouldremain in close contact with resource professionals so that their accomplishments can bemaintained.
EligibilityTobeeligibleforcertificationasa"CertifiedForestSteward,"propertiesmustbeactivelymanagedwithatrulymultiple‐useforestmanagementapproachbaseduponthelandowner’sprioritiesandobjectives.Thisinvolvesperformingmanagementactivities,whichenhancethefollowingresourceareas:
♦♦ TimberGrowth♦♦ Aesthetics♦♦ SoilandWaterConservation♦♦ WildlifeHabitat♦♦ Recreation♦♦ Historic&CulturalResources
Woodlandlivestockgrazingmayalsobeincludedasoneofalandowner'smanagementobjectivesifaportionofthepropertyisusedforthatpurpose.
It is important tonote thatmultiple‐usebenefitsdonothave tobeobtainedoneveryacre.Someareasmayprovideonlyonebenefit,whileotherareasmayprovidemanyuses.Whenthepropertyisconsideredasawhole,however,thelandownermustdemonstrateactivemanagementforatleasttwo of the above‐mentioned resources. In addition to active management, passive managementwithinforestedwetlandsandstreamsidemanagementzones(SMZ)willbeviewedasgoodoverallmanagementandworthrecognizingduringthecertificationprocess.
Stewardship certification is a subjective decision recommended by the local VDOF area forester;forestry consultant, or other forestry professional, and made by the regional stewardshipcoordinator or the state stewardship coordinator. As a rule of thumb, landowners who havepracticednopreviousactivemanagementbeforeenteringtheprogrammayneedonetothreeyearstobringtheirpropertiesuptoprogramstandards.However, landownersshouldnothavetowaitfor certification until they have performed all practices described in their Forest StewardshipManagementPlans.
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InspectionProcedureAgency representatives, landowners or consultants may request a certification inspection for aparticipatingpropertybycontacting theVDOFarea foresterorregionalstewardshipcoordinator.Thecertification inspection teamwillconsistof theregionalcoordinator; theVDOFarea forester,and any other resourceprofessionalwhohad input into the plan. The landowner should also bepresent,ifpossible.
NominationAny consulting, industrial or VDOF area forester or other natural resource professional who isassistingthelandownerincarryingouttherecommendationsinhisorherFSMPmaynominatethelandownerusingtheForm129VirginiaForestStewardshipCertificationInspectionRecord.
AwardIn recognition of certification as a Forest Steward, the landowner receives a letter ofacknowledgment and congratulations for his/her achievement from the State Forester. Thenominatingforesterschedulesanappropriaterecognitioneventforpresentationofaspeciallaserengravedwalnut Stewardshipplaque; Stewardship lapelpin, anda “StewardshipForest” sign forplacement on the forest property. This special landowner recognition is publicized as deemedappropriatethroughlocalandstatewidemediaandagency/organizationinformationnewsletters.
FollowUpReinspectionThis certificationprogram isongoingand includesperiodic revisitsbyprofessional forestersandother natural resource specialists to keep in touch with the landowner’s progress and to beavailableforfuturestewardshipmanagementactivities.Afteraminimumof10years,theforesterwill revisit the tractwhere an FSMPwas completed and reevaluate the FSMP; the tract, and thelandowner’s progress to ensure that the landowner is continuing to practice good resourcemanagement.
MinimumStandardsandBasicGuidelinesforCertificationThese minimum standards and basic guidelines are designed to help the natural resourcemanager or specialistwith his/her involvement in the Forest Stewardship Program. The naturalresource professional should use these criteria as a measure of the landowner's progress andaccomplishmentstowardsForestStewardshipCertification.
To use the criteria, the natural resource professional must know the landowner's resourcemanagementobjectives.ToqualifyforStewardshipForestcertification,alandownermustmanageoneofhis/herresourcesintensivelyashis/herprimarymanagementobjectiveandalsodesignateatleastonesecondaryresourcemanagementobjective.Withthelandowner'sobjectivesknown,thenaturalresourceprofessionalcanrefertotheappropriateminimumstandardsandbasicguidelinesindeterminingwhetherthepropertyandlandownershouldbecertified.Thoughalandownermaydomuchmorethanthecriterialisted,theseareminimumstandardshe/shemustdotoqualify.Inaddition, a special category of Preliminary Standard Accomplishments is listed. Regardless of a
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landowner'sresourcemanagementobjectives,he/shemustmeetallofthesecriteriatoqualifyforcertification.
PreliminaryStandardAccomplishments♦♦ Protectionfromwildfire,insectsanddisease.
♦♦ Salvage of damaged timber, unless it interfereswith primary and secondary resourcemanagementobjectives.
♦♦ Definite plans to regenerate all lands before final harvest, unless there is a land‐usechange.
♦♦ Primaryandsecondaryresourcesmanaged inaway leastdamagingtootherresourcevalues.
♦♦ WaterqualitymaintainedanderosionminimizedbyfollowingBMPs.
♦♦ Protection of natural heritage resources, including unique plant communities;important wildlife habitat; endangered species habitat; archaeological and historicalresources.
TimberProduction
PrimaryObjectiveCriteria:
♦♦ Activeprotectionofstandfromwildfire,insectsanddiseaseby:
•• Reducingwildfirehazard;•• Salvagingalldamagedtimberinatimelymanner,and•• Managingstandinmannerthatreducesinsectordiseasehazard.
♦♦ Plannedregenerationoccurringsoonafterfinalharvest.
♦♦ Timberharvestedbeforebiologicalmaturityofthestand.
♦♦ Standsthinnedasneededtomaintainvigor.
♦♦ Sizeandshapeofharvestedareascompatiblewithotherobjectives.
♦♦ Treespeciesfavoredandmanagedthatarebestadaptedtospecificsites.
♦♦ Non‐merchantabletreescontrolledascompatiblewithotherobjectives.
♦♦ Standsmanagedtowardachievingfullstocking.
♦♦ LivestockgrazinglimitedtolevelscompatiblewithResourcePlan.
♦♦ ForestryBMPSimplementedwhereappropriate.
SecondaryObjectiveCriteria:
♦♦ Salvageofdamagedtimber,unlessitinterfereswithprimaryobjective.
♦♦ Plannedregenerationoccurringinatimelymannerafterfinalharvest.
♦♦ Standsthinnedasneededtomaintainvigor.
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♦♦ Trees which may reach biological maturity, but harvested before decline becomesevidentinthestand.
♦♦ Tree species favored and managed that are best adapted to specific sites, unless itinterfereswithotherobjectives.
♦♦ Non‐merchantabletreesmanaged,unlessitinterfereswithotherobjectives.
♦♦ Adequate stocking maintained in stands compatible with other objectives and pasthistory.
♦♦ Sizeandshapeofharvestedareascompatiblewithotherobjectives.
♦♦ ForestryBMPSimplementedwhereappropriate.
Wildlife
PrimaryObjectiveCriteria
♦♦ Featurespeciesidentifiedandwildlifemanagementplanfollowed.
♦♦ Enoughsuitablehabitatdeliberatelycreated,maintainedandimprovedtosupportfairlydensepopulationsofdesiredspecies.
♦♦ Wildlifepopulationskeptfrombecomingsodensetheyaredamagingtheirownhabitat,orthehabitatsofotherspecies.
♦♦ Otherresourcesmanagedtoenhancethehabitatoffeaturedwildlifespecies.
SecondaryObjectiveCriteria♦♦ Desiredspeciesidentifiedandwildlifemanagementplanfollowed.
♦♦ Some habitat created, maintained and retained for desired species consistent withprimaryobjective.
♦♦ Wildlifepopulationskeptfrombecomingsodensetheyaredamagingtheirownhabitat,orthehabitatsofotherspecies.
♦♦ Other resourcesmanaged inways that supply some habitat needs of desiredwildlifespecies,consideringthepropertyasawhole.
EnvironmentalAndRecreation
PrimaryObjectiveCriteria♦♦ Develop management plan to protect, enhance, utilize or restore identified natural
heritagehistoricresources.
♦♦ Recreationalusespecifiedandmanagementplanfollowed.
♦♦ Recreationalopportunities,suchaspicnicareas,campsites,ridingorwalkingtrails,orboatdocks,etc.,mustbeactivelymaintained,retainedandcreated.
♦♦ Littercontrolled.
♦♦ Actualrecreationaluseofproperty.
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♦♦ Environmentalimpactofrecreationalactivitiesminimized.
♦♦ Area with hunting as recreational use must show evidence of developing huntingopportunitiesbeyondwildlifemanagement.
♦♦ Significant accomplishments toward maintaining or enhancing aesthetics must beshown.
SecondaryObjectiveCriteria
♦♦ Developmentmanagementplantoprotect,enhance,utilizeorrestoreidentifiednaturalheritageandhistoricresources.
♦♦ Recreationalusespecifiedandmanagementplanfollowed.
♦♦ Recreational opportunities maintained, retained and created as compatible withprimaryobjective.
♦♦ Littercontrolledinrecreationalactivities.
♦♦ Environmentalimpactofrecreationalactivitiesminimized.
♦♦ Areas with hunting as recreation use must show evidence of developing huntingopportunitiesbeyondwildlifesuchashuntingblinds,campingareas,etc.
♦♦ Some accomplishments toward maintaining or enhancing aesthetics must be shown.Examplesincludethefollowing:
•• Retainingtreeswithgoodfallcolors;•• Plantingormaintainingfloweringtrees,shrubsandwildflowers;•• Identifyingandmaintainingscenicoverlooks,uniquegeologicalfeatures,and•• Improvingaccesstoscenicareas.
SoilAndWater
PrimaryObjectiveCriteria
♦♦ Conduct all land management activities on both forest and agricultural lands inaccordancewithBestManagementPractices(BMPs)orfieldofficetechnicalguide(SCS).
♦♦ Significantaccomplishmentstowardsconservingsoilandenhancingwaterqualitymustbeshown.Additionalexamplesincludethefollowing:
•• CompletingprojectssuitableforBMPdemonstrationareas;•• Rehabilitatingcriticalareasandstabilizingoldroads;•• Maintainingstreamsidemanagementzonesandfilterstrips,and•• Managewetlandssoastomaintainorimprovetheirfunctions.
SecondaryObjectiveCriteria♦♦ Accomplishmentmustbe shown toward conserving soil and enhancingwaterquality.
Examplesincludethefollowing:
•• Maintainingcoveronhighlyerodiblelands,and•• UseofBMPsonforestryandotherlandmanagementpractices.
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MonitoringForestStewardshipPlanImplementationSuccessful implementation of landowner Forest Stewardship Management Plans, and thussustainable forestry in practice, provides the best indication that the program is achieving itsprimarypurposeofencouragingthelong‐termstewardshipofnon‐industrialprivateforestlands.
The State Forester will follow a program for periodically monitoring the implementation of arepresentativesampleofcurrent(10yearsandyounger)ForestStewardshipManagementPlansinimportant forest resource areas and other areas as appropriate. Guidelines for an acceptablerandom, representative sampling methodology will be maintained by the State Forester andperiodically reviewedby theUSFS,AtlantaOffice.Acceptable sample sizewill varydependingonthenumber,acreageanddistributionofcurrentForestStewardshipManagementPlans.
Selected propertieswill be visited and assessed by the state forestry staff to verify that currentforest conditions are consistent with landowner stewardship objectives and the result ofsustainablemanagement,asdefinedinthelandowner’sapprovedForestStewardshipManagementPlan.Avisittoapropertywillindicatewhetherornotthatpropertyisbeingmanagedsustainablyas definedby theForest StewardshipManagementPlan.Visits to selectedpropertieswill yield apercentageoftotalacresvisitedthatarebeingmanagedsustainablyasdefinedbyapprovedForestStewardship Management Plans. This percentage will be used as an indication of overallaccomplishmentintermsofacresmanaged.
Visits to selectedpropertiesmaybe conductedby theplanprepareror anothernatural resourceprofessional and the VDOF assistant regional forester. Management plan implementationmonitoring programsmay be conducted in partnershipwith other landowner assistance and/orlandmanagementagenciesandorganizations.
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AppendixB1:SampleForestStewardshipPlan1. CoverPage
FORESTSTEWARDSHIPPLAN
AForestResourcesManagementPlanforthePropertyof
(Mr.andMrs.JohnQLandowner)(DOFTractNumber)
Locatedin(AnyCounty),Virginia
(Address)(Telephone#)
PreparedBy: ForesterAddress: Phone:
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2. IntroductionLetter
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY
900 Natural Resources Drive, Suite 800 Charlottesville VA 22903
434.977.6555 ~ Fax: 434.296.2369 www.dof.virginia.gov
October23,2004
Mr.&Mrs.LandownerPOBox#Orange,VA22960
DearMr.&Mrs.Landowner:
Your property has many potential stewardship opportunities. Your strong concern for theenvironment,yourinterestinconservationandyourdesiretocarryoutstewardshipactivitiesistobe commended. In viewof this, I'mpleased toprovideyou thisForest StewardshipManagementPlan.
Theinformationthatfollowsincludestwocomponents.Thefirstsectionisacustomizedplanthatdescribes your property and includes management options and specific recommendations. Itmatchesyourgoalswith thepotentialofyour land.Theremainder is referencematerial foryourgeneraluse.Thisinformationalsowillassistyouwiththespecificdecisionsneededtocarryouttherecommendations.
Feelfreetocontactmeifyouhaveanyquestionsorneedadditionalinformation.
Sincerely,
JoeForesterAreaForester
Carl E. Garrison III State Forester
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3. TableofContents
4. LandownersObjectives
5. LocationsandAccessibility
6. GeneralPropertyDescription
7. SummaryofForestManagementNeedsandOpportunities
a. Timber/ForestProductsb. FishandWildlifec. ThreatenedorEndangeredPlantorAnimalSpeciesd. NaturalHeritageResourcese. SoilandWaterConservationf. Recreationg. Aestheticsh. CulturalandHistoricResourcesi. InvasivePlantSpeciesj. Fire
8. ExplanationofSizeClassandForestTypes
9. TopographyandSoilsDescription
10.StandManagementDescriptionsandRecommendations
a. Acreageb. Foresttypec. SpeciesPresentd. Agee. Sizef. Qualityg. Stockinglevelh. GrowthRatei. StandHistoryj. SoilDescription&SiteIndexk. Topographyl. BMPsforknownHistoricResourcesm. Fishand/orWildlifeHabitatn. UniqueorSpecialAreaso. Recommendedtreatment(s)p. Identificationandcontrolofinvasiveplantspecies
11.FiveYearSuggestedScheduleofManagementRecommendations
ActivityYear Parcel# SuggestedActivity CostShare
12.TopographicStandMap
13.OverallTractRecommendations(StandardParagraphs)
a. BoundaryLinesb. ThreatenedandEndangeredSpecies
05/01/2010 87
c. ForestHealthd. IntegratedPestManagemente. WaterQualityProtectionf. ForestCarbon,AirQualityg. FireManagementandProtectionh. CulturalandHistoricResourcesi. ForestConservationj. BiologicalDiversityk. Cost‐ShareProgramsl. EnvironmentalEvaluationForm–(NRCSPlansonly)
14.Appendices
a. InvasivePlantSpeciesInformation
Short information briefs on invasive plant species are available athttp://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasives_plants/weeds/index.shtm)
SampleResourceManagementActivityRecord
LANDOWNER: COUNTY:
Date TypeofActivity
AcresInvolved
Species Volumes(Cords/BoardFt.)
Income Cost