Sustainable Development of Forestlands Project

Sustainable Development in Forestland Settings

The primary intent of the project was to draw upon the knowledge of those who have written about:

  1. the ecological function and structure of forested ecosystems;
  2. the potential hazards associated with developing mountainous terrain;
  3. the opportunities to create highly livable and life-sustaining residential developments; and,
  4. the potential to employ low-impact development techniques in new developments.

Through this project website we desire to promote more sustainable approaches to development, particularly where forest and farmland resources are involved.

Six Principles of Sustainable Forestland Development

Considerations for Forestland Developments

Can a sustainable forestland development plan yield a respectable profit margin in the mountains of southwest Virginia?

In seeking to conserve forest and farmland resources landowners and developers should consider the wide range of potential ways to secure economic returns from the land. It is important to carefully assess the feasibility of alternative development plans in respect to the overall goals and objectives of those who own the land.

The use of conservation easements and other land conservation practices which maintain a property as ag-forest land can be a significant help in reducing year-to-year tax burdens and land management costs.

Planning, Design and Management Considerations:

  • Planning - site analysis, surveying, soil tests, plan approval, appraisals, legal fees, and tax advice.

  • Management - forest management, timber harvesting, agriculture, and recreation plans.

  • Design - site design, road design, lot layout, and septic field siting & design.

  • Infrastructure - roadways (private and/or VDOT regulated, and roads/trails for timber harvesting), walking/hiking trails, wells or other potable water supply systems, stormwater management areas and/or low impact development techniques, and effluent disposal systems.

  • Recreational/Rental/Leased Property - bed & breakfast, cabins/cottages, trail markers, and camp sites.

Income can be derived from:

  • Residential lot sales.
  • Timber sales (when home sites are cleared and over the long-term income, based on the forest management plan).
  • Rental income from bed & breakfast, cabins/cottages, and campsites.
  • Leased income from hayfields and pasture land.
  • Reduced Virginia income tax liability based on tax credit certificates for approved conservation practices. For details see Virginia Department of Taxation at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=TaxCredit

Consider how the following impact marketability and selling price:

  • Lot size and density to maximize profit, while maintaining conservation goals;
  • Harvesting of timber and non-timber resources on land that is used or enjoyed by local residents;
  • Conservation and management of legally protected forest land;
  • Wooded residential home sites (attractiveness, accessibility, safety, etc.);
  • Private, unpaved roads and driveways vs. paved, VDOT-approved roadways;
  • Recreation amenities such as on-site trails and proximity to National Forest or other public land;
  • Residential (family) lots with additional lot assignments;
  • Proximity of rental or leased property to residential homes;
  • Appropriate potable water supply and wastewater treatment systems.

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