The DOF Riparian Forests for Landowners (RFFL) program, administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), provides flexible, no-cost riparian forest buffer installation along waterways and features and one year of maintenance to landowners. The program is being implemented by DOF and partner organizations in a unique watershed-based partnership.
Funding is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act through the USDA Forest Service and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Water Quality Improvement Fund Act.
This turnkey program covers the planning, site preparation, planting and one year of maintenance for riparian forest buffer plantings.
- Buffers may be pine, hardwood or a mix of both.
- Buffers must be at least 35 feet wide and no greater than 300 feet wide per side from the water’s edge.
- Land must have less than 20% coverage by invasive plant species to qualify for this program.
- The landowner must agree to retain the buffer as forest for 15 years.
For more information and to apply, please visit dof.virginia.gov/water-quality-protection/water-quality-protection-landowner-assistance/financial-assistance-programs-protecting-water-quality/riparian-forests-for-landowners-program/.