Forestry Department offering buffer installations
The Virginia Department of Forestry is offering Virginia landowners free riparian forest buffer installations — plus a year of maintenance — through its Riparian Forests for Landowners (RFFL) program. Riparian forest buffers are specialized plantings that protect rivers, lakes, creeks, and other water features from harmful runoff by capturing sediment and pollutants in the soil before they reach the water.
Now entering its third year, RFFL is possible through partnerships with Friends of the Rappahannock, James River Association, Watershed Restore LLC, and York River Steward. Since the program began in 2024, RFFL has installed approximately 350 acres of buffers. Funding is provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) Act, with $700,000 available for the 2026-2028 contract period.
DOF recently released the second-quarter report for riparian buffer establishment. The agency has surpassed its 2026 riparian buffer goal, with 825 acres established against the statewide target of 597 acres. RFFL contributed 149 of those acres, with the majority of these projects assisting landowners who did not qualify for agricultural cost-share programs. Funded entirely through WQIF, RFFL supports landowners such as these who do not qualify for agricultural cost-share, including urban buffers and non-agricultural producers.
“Landowners and municipalities used more than a dozen different financial incentive programs to complete these riparian planting projects,” said Watershed Program Coordinator Patti Nylander. “This accomplishment highlights the dedication of DOF’s field staff, who work tirelessly to promote these funding opportunities and provide landowners and land managers with the technical assistance needed to implement projects across a diverse array of programs.”
“We encourage all Virginia private property owners to consider applying for Riparian Forests for Landowners funding, including homeowner associations and civic leagues in rural, urban and suburban areas,” said RFFL Program Coordinator Deya Ramsden. “You don’t need to live along a river to apply; properties with, or near, a range of water features, from canals to wetlands, can qualify. This turnkey program covers planning, site preparation and planting of riparian forest buffers, plus a whole year of maintenance. DOF is looking forward to another successful program cycle and helping landowners and managers get more trees in the ground.”
To get started, complete this survey-style Landowner Interest Form, and a DOF forester or partner organization representative will contact you. DOF is accepting continuous sign-ups for this program until funding is depleted. Eligible projects will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis with planned buffer establishment from fall 2026 to spring 2027, with follow-up maintenance support through 2028.
Riparian forests improve quality of life for all Virginians by supporting clean air and water, reducing erosion and flooding, and replenishing underground aquifers. Learn more about RFFL on DOF’s website.
