Virginia Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Cost-Share Program

Cost-share for Virginia landowners to reduce southern pine beetle risk: pre-commercial thinning of pine stands and longleaf pine restoration (site preparation, planting and post-planting treatments) on appropriate sites. DOF pays 70% (thinning) or 90% (longleaf) of direct costs up to per-acre caps, with a $12,000 per-federal-fiscal-year cap per landowner. Apply through the local DOF forester.

• Pre-Commercial Thinning Program: open to Virginia landowners to encourage thinning pine stands

• Longleaf Pine Restoration Program: open to Virginia landowners who have a site appropriate for successful longleaf pine establishment, growth and survival with proper management

• A W-9 (Taxpayer ID) and a tract map are required with the application

Refund of incentive payments plus a 10% penalty if the project is not completed as prescribed or if residual trees / planted seedlings are intentionally removed or destroyed within ten (10) years, except for a DOF-approved commercial thinning or final harvest; landowner provides receipts or contractor's statement of cost; complete within 12 months of approval (6-month extension via Form 3.11).

Published amounts: Pre-Commercial Thinning: Assistance shall be 70% of direct project costs, not to exceed $175 per acre for pre-commercial pine thinning (Form 6.02). Longleaf Pine Restoration: Assistance shall be 90% of direct project costs, not to exceed $360 per acre, for longleaf pine restoration, which may include costs associated with site preparation, planting or post-planting treatments within the first five years of plantation establishment (Form 6.01). Cost-share payments shall not exceed $12,000 per federal fiscal year (10/01-09/30) per landowner (tax identification entity).

Apply by contacting your local DOF forester (Find a DOF Forester) and submitting Form 6.02 (Pre-Commercial Thinning) or Form 6.01 (Longleaf Pine Restoration) with a State W-9 and tract map; certify completion on Form 3.09.

Deadline text on the page: DOF financial assistance table: Continuous Sign-up. Projects must be completed within 12 months from the date of approval by the Forest Health Budget Manager (Forms 6.01/6.02).