CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) 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 second year, RFFL is provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Water Quality Improvement Fund Act, with more than $1.15 million available for the 2025-2027 contract period.

“This turnkey program is available to a variety of landowners and covers planning, site preparation and planting of riparian forest buffers, as well as one year of maintenance,” said RFFL Program Coordinator Deya Ramsden. “Riparian forests improve quality of life for all Virginians by supporting clean air and water, reducing erosion and flooding, and replenishing underground aquifers. Nearly 200 acres of buffers were installed through RFFL last year and we aim to surpass that this year.”

RFFL is open to all Virginia private property owners, including homeowner associations and civic leagues in rural, urban and suburban areas. To get started, complete the 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 2025 to spring 2026, with follow-up maintenance support through 2027.

Learn more about RFFL on DOF’s website.