Virginia Growing and Protecting Forests Cost-Share Program (GAP)

GAP cost-share targets pine stands and some mixed pine-hardwood stands for improvement practices recommended by a forestry professional, designed to increase growth rate or carbon sequestration, improve forest health or improve wildlife habitat. DOF pays 70% of project cost up to per-acre practice rates. Private non-industrial forest landowners, nonprofits and local governments may apply.

• Private non-industrial forest landowners may apply, including individuals, corporations, LLCs, non-profit organizations and local governments

• Landowners who also own primary wood processing facilities are not eligible

• Before applying, meet with a DOF or trained consulting forester to establish objectives, conduct a site assessment and create a management plan recommending eligible practices

• Minimum 5 acres of forestland (invasive plant control from 1 acre); maximum 100 acres per tract per year and per landowner per year; cannot be combined with another cost share for the same practice on the same acre

70% of total project cost, not to exceed per-acre practice rates; practices completed by May 31 for payment within the June 30 fiscal year.

Published amounts: Cost share is 70% of the total project cost, not to exceed the per acre rate for each practice. Rates (FT0077, April 2026): Crop Tree Release $133 per acre; Pre-Commercial Thinning $175 per acre; Midstory Management $175 per acre; Cull Tree Control $175 per acre; Other Timber Stand Improvement $140 per acre; Prescribed Burning (including firelines) $62 per acre; Prescribed Burn Preparation $70 per acre; Invasive Plant Control $210 per acre; Stand Marking $70 per acre. From 5 acres of forestland up to 100 acres per tract per year and up to 100 acres per landowner per year.

Consult your local DOF forester (Find a DOF Forester); if recommended practices are eligible for incentives, assistance with the application process can also be provided.

Deadline text on the page: DOF financial assistance table: Continuous Sign-up. Practices must be completed by May 31 so they can be verified and payments processed before the end of Virginia’s fiscal year June 30.