Virginia Department of Forestry

DOF Watershed Stewardship Specialist Patti Nylander focuses on the important relationship between forests and water. Working alongside landowners and partners like the Upper and Middle James River Consortium, Patti ensures Virginia's waterways offer quality wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and clean drinking water. Learn more about this work and Patti's career from her recent discussion with the Consortium: https://lnkd.in/eM6YHvpB

Thanks to historic federal and state funding, DOF added more than 25,000 acres to its forestland conservation portfolio last year! ????These new projects bring the portfolio total to over 90,000 acres of permanently protected working forests, habitats for endangered wildlife species, outdoor recreation gems, and crucial headwaters, riparian buffers and scenic waterways. ?? ??

Diseases and invasive species are some of the biggest threats to our forests. That’s why DOF has a forest health team dedicated to monitoring Virginia for major forest pests, pathogens, invasives and other forest disturbances. The team recently published its annual report summarizing current threats and management efforts. Check it out ?? https://ow.ly/Rvlo50UQfcP

DOF State Forester Rob Farrell recently gave an update on active forest management in Virginia to the Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus. Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Forestry Policy Director John Culclasure also presented federal active forest management updates. The Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus is an effort of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation to inform elected leaders to assist in protecting and enhancing the rights of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers across the nation. Attendees included: Rob Bloxom (100th House District) Buddy Fowler, Jr. (Co-Chair; 59th House District) Adele McClure (2nd House District) Paul Milde (64th House District) Chad Green (69th House District)

Want to work outside more this year? Branch out with a career in forestry! ??♀???We're hiring technicians, seasonal firefighters and foresters. Explore open positions and apply before they close next week. ?? https://ow.ly/aqEE50UK99N

DOF is hiring! -- Budget Officer ???The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking a Budget Officer responsible for the development, implementation and day-to-day administration of the agency’s operating and capital budgets. This position provides leadership for state budget requirements, including development of state funding requests, preparation of the six-year revenue forecast for the agency, tracking budget amendments through legislation, and preparation of analyses and reports as required by various state entities. ???This opportunity closes on Jan. 17. #vajobs #jobs #wearehiring #forestry #forestryjobs Apply here: https://lnkd.in/e3iZ2WT6

Calling all educators! ?? Join DOF to tour three exciting forest product sites as part of the annual Virginia Association for Environmental Education conference. Details and registration are below:

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at DOF's Charlottesville headquarters! ??This Norway spruce began as a seedling at our Augusta Nursery before being transplanted to an employee's home, where it grew into a beautiful tree for employees and visitors to enjoy.

Fun facts about Christmas trees grown in Virginia: ?? There are nearly 500 ?? farms ?? Grayson County grows the most ?? They generate about $25 million in revenue ?? White pine is the most popular species ?? About 475,000 trees are grown annually, ranking Virginia as the seventh leading U.S. state in terms of total inventory Celebrate with a Virginia-grown tree this holiday season! ???? VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

Our forests give us so many things to be thankful for: jobs, everyday products, shade from the heat and shelter from cold winter winds, clean air and water, solace to hike and relax, and habitat for the wildlife we endear. From our families to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! ??????