“Forests are a sustainable resource and are very important to the economic health of private landowners in the state,” said DOF Director/State Forester Randy Dye. “Most of them depend upon the expertise of our staff of professional foresters in making the decisions that will determine the productivity, longevity and the best uses of the forests on their property.” 

With 12 million acres – nearly 80 percent of its land area – covered with trees, West Virginia is the second most heavily forested state in the nation by land mass, behind only Maine. The majority of this forestland, about 58 percent, is owned by approximately 260,000 private, nonindustrial landowners.

DOF staff work with these woodland owners to increase growth, yields and health of their trees while protecting soil, water and aesthetic values. They also help property owners to reforest idle or eroded open lands by providing technical assistance on vegetation planting or encouraging natural regeneration.

One of the most popular services requested is value assessment. Each year, DOF conducts statewide regional “stumpage” price surveys of managed timberland. Stumpage price, or the value of timber as it stands uncut, is a major factor in determining the property values and the taxes assessed for it. The West Virginia Tax Department then makes appraisals of the property based upon the value of the timber it can produce.

“We provide many services to landowners, but we think the one they appreciate most is the on-site, personalized visits that our foresters make when help is needed,” said Dye. “The responsibilities and rewards of being a woodland owner can be confusing, but help is available all year long just by contacting the closest Division of Forestry regional office.”

For more information about the Landowner Assistance program, contact one of the following offices in your area:

Farmington – (304) 825-6983

Beckley – (304) 256-6775

Milton – (304) 743-6186