RD56 - 2012 State of the Forest Report


Executive Summary:
I'm pleased to present to you my eighth annual State of the Forest Report. As I reflect over the just-ended fiscal year and the seven previous years I've served as your State Forester, several things have remained constant during this time: the dedication and professionalism of the VDOF staff who protect and serve the citizens of Virginia; budgetary challenges, and, ironically, change.

As you read this report, you'll note a number of successes: from the South's 1 Millionth acre of forestland protected from Southern Pine Beetle and the launch of the Virginia Grown Forest Products program to another Agency reorganization (from counties to areas) and our Going Mobile service delivery model. These achievements have or will have significant impacts on the way we do business and on our mission to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources.

For every success, however, it feels as if another roadblock pops up: from the 22 percent in budget cuts ($18 million operating budget to $14 million) to a loss of 40 positions and the accompanying hiring freeze (going from 280 employees to 240) to a large outbreak of the dreaded invasive pest Emerald Ash Borer. As the population of the state continues to increase, more and more people are moving into forested areas (called the wildland-urban interface) and need our protection from the ravages of wildfire and the pollution of our drinking water. Yet, our firefighting equipment grows older and less reliable, and we have fewer employees to help prevent and suppress these wildfires and to ensure the quality of our water from forested watersheds. Of course, we'll continue to "fight the good fight" in spite of the many challenges we face.

In the pages that follow, be sure to take notice of the work we're doing in forest management, resource protection, nursery operations, our state forests, urban and community forestry, water quality, forest health, land conservation, forest research and conservation education. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the quality and quantity of the work we're performing on your behalf.

Thank you for your interest in and support of the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Sincerely,

/s/ Carl E. Garrison, III
State Forester