# Forest Stewardship Program

> Advice and site visits from West Virginia Division of Forestry (State) for WV, United States.

Official page: https://wvforestry.com/management-assistance/stewardship-program/
Source: https://treerm.org/residents/programs/wv-division-of-forestry-forest-stewardship-program · Updated 2026-11-08 · Status: Open

**What you get:** Technical and financial assistance to prepare a Forest Stewardship Management Plan for 10 or more contiguous forested acres

The Forest Stewardship Program offers technical and financial assistance to private landowners who want to plan and manage their forestland for multiple uses such as wood products, wildlife, recreation and aesthetics. A Forest Stewardship Management Plan describes current stand conditions and recommends future activities based on the landowner's goals. The plan must be written by a public or private Stewardship-certified professional forester or technician.

## Who qualifies

Owners of at least 10 acres of contiguous forestland in West Virginia. The land must be rural, with existing tree cover or suitable for growing it. Owners may be individuals, groups, associations, private corporations or other private legal entities.

## How to apply

Complete the Forest Stewardship Program Plan Application (Appendix B, linked on the program page), choose a certified Stewardship forester or technician, and submit the application to the Division of Forestry. You must get written approval from the division before any field work begins. Call 304-558-2788 or a regional office to ask about enrolling.

**For:** Landowners, Farmers

> Note: The page says the program offers financial assistance but does not give amounts; the Managed Timberland page states most private owners can get up to 75 percent cost share for management plans.