The Virginia state forest system includes 26 state-managed forests covering a total of 74,969 acres (117.1 sq mi; 303.4 km2). They are managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry.[1]
The system was created to manage and maintain forests for wildlife, timber production, recreation, water quality, and aesthetics. The system receives no taxpayer funds, and is self-supported by the sale of forest products.[2]
Most Virginia state forests are accessible to the public. Activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing are permitted in some state forests; permissible uses vary between individual state forests. Some activities require the purchase of a "State Forest Use Permit" for individuals ages 16 or older.[3][4]
- ^ "State Forests". Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
- ^ "Virginia's Forests, Our State Forests". Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
- ^ "Recreation". Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
- ^ "Virginia's State Forests" (PDF). Virginia Department of Forestry. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 21, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2016.