The Virginia Department of Forestry’s Riparian Forests for Landowners program (RFFL) is a no-brainer for landowners. The program “provides flexible, no-cost riparian forest buffer installation and one year of maintenance to landowners. The program is being implemented by DOF and partner organizations in a unique watershed-based partnership.”
The program is first come, first served so get your application in now.
DOF is serious about improving and adding riparian forests: “The program covers the planning, site preparation, planting and one year of maintenance for riparian forest buffer plantings.” The requirements for new and expanded forests are:
- Buffers may be pine, hardwood or a mix of both.
- Buffers must be at least 35 feet wide and no greater than 300 feet wide per side from the water’s edge.
- Land must have less than 20% coverage by invasive plant species to qualify for this program.
- The landowner must agree to retain the buffer as forest for 15 years.
This program is perfect for the Northern Neck given the net loss of 707 treed acres between 2014 and 2018. Learn more in the post Net loss of treed acres on NNK contributes to region and Virginia going in the wrong direction.