Virginia Hardwood Initiative Cost-Share Program

Cost-share for hardwood management practices recommended by a forestry professional, such as crop tree release, pre-commercial thinning, midstory management, cull tree control, prescribed burning, invasive plant control and stand marking. DOF pays 90% of project cost up to a per-acre rate for each practice. Any private forest landowner may apply after meeting with a DOF or trained consulting forester.

• Any private forest landowner may apply, including individuals, corporations, limited liability corporations (LLCs) and non-profit organizations

• Before applying, meet with a forestry professional (DOF or a 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 may be cost-shared on as little as 1 acre); maximum 100 acres per tract per year and 100 acres per landowner per year

• Cannot be combined with another cost share for the same practice on the same acre

90% of total project cost, not to exceed per-acre practice rates; practices must be completed by May 31 for payment within the June 30 fiscal year.

Published amounts: Cost-share is 90% of the total project cost, not to exceed the per acre rate for each practice. Rates (FT0071, April 2026): Crop Tree Release $171 per acre; Pre-Commercial Thinning $225 per acre; Midstory Management $225 per acre; Cull Tree Control $225 per acre; Other Timber Stand Improvement $180 per acre; Prescribed Burning (incl. firelines) $80 per acre; Prescribed Burn Prep $90 per acre; Invasive Plant Control $270 per acre; Stand Marking $90 per acre. Available from 5 acres of forestland up to 100 acres per tract per year and 100 acres per landowner per year.

Consult your local DOF forester (Find a DOF Forester), who can help with the application.

Deadline text on the page: DOF financial assistance table: Continuous Sign-up; Approvals April-May Annually. 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.