Chapter 30. Virginia State Forests Regulations
4VAC10-30-10. Definitions.
A. Section 46.2-100 of the Code of Virginia provides definitions for the following terms and phrases used in this chapter:
"Bicycle"
"Electric personal assistive mobility device"
"Electric power-assisted bicycle"
"Motor vehicle"
B. The following words and terms when used in this chapter have the following meanings unless a different meaning is provided or is plainly required by the context:
"Bike trail" means any road or trail maintained for bicycles.
"Department" means the Department of Forestry, as defined by § 10.1-1100 of the Code of Virginia.
"Firearm," as defined by § 29.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, means any weapon that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by the action of an explosion of a combustible material.
"Forest" means all state-owned lands designated as a state forest, including all sites, roadways, game food patches, ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and recreational areas assigned to the Department of Forestry, for use, development, and administration.
"Group" means several individuals related by a common factor, having structured organization and defined leadership.
"Hiking trail" means any road or trail maintained for pedestrians.
"Hunting" means the lawful hunting of game animals as defined by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
"Multi-use trail" means any trail maintained for use for horseback riding, bicycling, hiking, or walking.
"Owner" means any person, firm, association, co-partnership, or corporation owning, leasing, or having the extensive use of any forest machinery for use in harvesting forest products, vehicle, animal, or any other property under a lease or otherwise.
"Parking area" means any area on a forest designated for parking of motor vehicles of all types, clearly marked on the ground and so indicated by signs or on state forest maps.
"Permits" means any written license issued by or under authority of the department, permitting the performance of a specified act.
"Permittee" means any person, partnership, corporation, company, or association in possession of a valid permit.
"Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, public or private institution, political subdivision, or government agency.
"Road" means any road, logging road, trail, or path used in the harvesting and movement of forest products, hunting, or recreation, irrespective of the state of maintenance.
"Silvicultural activity" means any forest management activity, including harvest of timber, construction of roads and trails for forest management purposes, and preparation of property for reforestation.
"State Forests Superintendent" means the individual designated the State Forests Superintendent by the department or any assistant the State Forests Superintendent authorizes to act for the superintendent.
"Timber sale" means any written signed agreement, pursuant to § 10.1-1107 of the Code of Virginia, wherein the State Forester agrees to sell and the purchaser agrees to purchase any designated forest products or other agricultural crops for a mutually agreed price per unit or lot.
"Unmanned aerial system," "UAS," "unmanned aerial vehicle," or "UAV," also known as a drone, is an aircraft that is remotely controlled and operates without a human pilot on board.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-10 derived from VR215-01-03 § 1; eff. October 14, 1970; amended and renumbered as 4VAC10-30-10, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-20. Construction.
In the interpretation of Virginia State Forests Regulations, their provisions shall be construed as follows:
1. Any terms in the singular shall include the plural;
2. Any term in the masculine shall include the feminine and the neuter;
3. Any requirements or prohibition of any act shall, respectively extend to and include the causing or procuring, directly or indirectly, of such act;
4. No provision hereof shall make unlawful any act necessarily performed by any officer or employee of the department in line of duty or work as such, or by any person, his agents or employees, in the proper and necessary execution of the terms of any agreement with the department;
5. Any act otherwise prohibited by Virginia State Forests Regulations, provided it is not otherwise prohibited by law or local ordinance, shall be lawful if performed under, by virtue of and strictly within the provisions of a permit so to do, and to the extent authorized thereby; and
6. These regulations are in addition to and supplement the State Vehicle and Traffic Laws which are in force in all forests and which are incorporated herein and made a part hereof.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-20 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; amended and renumbered as 4VAC10-30-20, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006.
4VAC10-30-30. Territorial scope.
All Virginia State Forests Regulations shall be effective within and upon all state forests, lands, buildings, roads, sites, ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, beaches, trails, food patches, and recreational areas in the Commonwealth that are under the jurisdiction of the department and shall regulate the use of those areas by all persons. Failure to comply with this chapter and other applicable laws and regulations and agency signage may result in revocation of permits or registrations, forfeiture of applicable prices paid, or a Virginia uniform summons, arrest, or prosecution.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-30 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; amended and renumbered as 4VAC10-30-30, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-40. Permits.
A. The department may issue a permit for activities otherwise prohibited in this chapter.
1. Use permits: A Virginia State Forest Use Permit is required for certain activities allowed by the department and authorized by law. The department may charge a fee for the Virginia State Forest Use Permit in accordance with § 10.1-1152 of the Code of Virginia. The holder of a Virginia State Forest Use Permit must always abide by the conditions and restrictions associated with the Virginia State Forest Use Permit and its associated activity. A State Forest Use Permit shall be valid for one year from the date of purchase.
2. Conditional activity permit: A State Forest Conditional Activity Permit grants authority to individuals or groups for specific activities that are otherwise prohibited on state forest property. An application for permit shall be made on a form prescribed by the department and shall be valid only for the period of time that appears on the Conditional Activity Permit.
3. Organized event permit: An Organized Event Permit grants organizers of a specific group the authority to conduct an organized event on state forest property. An Organized Event Permit shall be made on a form prescribed by the department and shall be valid only for the period of time that appears on the Organized Event Permit. The department may charge a fee for the Organized Event Permit in accordance with § 10.1-1152 of the Code of Virginia. This fee eliminates the requirement for one-time users participating in an organized event to obtain an annual Virginia State Forest Use Permit or a State Forest Conditional Activity Permit. The State Forests Superintendent may waive fees.
B. Any violation by a permit holder or agents or employees of the permit holder of any term or condition of the permit shall constitute grounds for permit revocation by the department or its authorized representative.
In case of revocation of any permit, all moneys paid for or on account of the permit shall, at the option of the department, be forfeited to and be retained by the department. The permit holder and any agents and employees who violated terms and conditions shall be jointly and severally liable to the department for all damages and loss suffered by the department in addition to money forfeited and retained. Neither the forfeiture and retention by the department of the whole or any part of the moneys paid for the permit, nor the recovery or collection of damages shall in any manner relieve persons from liability to punishment for any violation of any provision of any Virginia State Forests Regulation.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-40 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-40, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 4, eff. November 19, 2015; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-50. Preservation of the forest.
A. No person shall remove, destroy, deface, cut down, scar, mutilate, injure, take, or gather in any manner any tree, flower, artifact, fern, shrub, rock, or other plant or mineral in any forest, except for botanical or mineral rock collection and then only with approval of the State Forests Superintendent.
B. Edible fruits, berries, fungi, or nuts may be collected for personal or individual use only.
C. Silvicultural activities performed in accordance with an approved prescription by the State Forests Superintendent are exempt from the provisions of this section.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-50 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-50, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-60. Buildings, signs, structures, or other property.
A. No person shall injure, deface, disturb, destroy, or disfigure any part of any forest or any building, structure, sign, equipment, road, trail, field, parking area, or other property found in the forest.
B. The department may bill any damage to state forest buildings or structures that is not considered normal wear and tear to the person registering for the building or structure on an itemized cost basis in accordance with the reservation acknowledgment or reservation confirmation.
C. No temporary or permanent structure may be constructed unless by permit, except for a temporary tree stand or blind for the purpose of hunting, which may be placed in a manner that does not cause injury or damage to the tree and must be removed at the conclusion of the hunting season during which it was placed. Tree stands and blinds may be placed two weeks prior to the start of hunting season and must be removed one month after the end of the hunting season for which the structure was established, after which the department may remove and dispose of the structure.
D. The department shall not be responsible for any damage occurring to or injury resulting from the use of any temporary structure, stand, or concealment while on any state forest.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-60 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-60, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-70. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-70 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-70, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-80. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-80 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-80, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-90. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-90 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; amended and renumbered as 4VAC10-30-90, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-100. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-100 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-100, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-110. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-110 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-110, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-120. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-120 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-120, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 4, eff. November 19, 2015; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-130. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-130 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-130, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-140. Camping.
No person may maintain a camp, either temporary or permanent, in any forest except under a Conditional Activity Permit and at such places and for such periods as may be designated by the State Forests Superintendent.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-140 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-140, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-150. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-150 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-150, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-160. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-160 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-160, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-170. Explosives and firearms.
No person shall bring into or have in any forest any explosive or explosive substance, as defined by § 59.1-137 of the Code of Virginia. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the lawful carrying of firearms and firearms ammunition. No person shall discharge any firearm except in self-defense or as permitted under lawful hunting activities, as defined by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-170 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-170, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 20, eff. July 7, 2011; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-180. Fires and lighted cigarettes.
No person shall kindle, build, maintain, or use a fire in any forest other than in places provided or designated for such purposes by a Conditional Activity Permit. Any fire shall be continuously under the care and direction of a competent person 16 years of age or older from the time it is kindled until it is extinguished. No person within the confines of any forest shall throw away or discard any lighted match, cigarette, cigar, or other burning object. Any lighted match, cigarette, cigar, campfire, cooking fire, or other burning object must be entirely extinguished before being thrown away, abandoned, or discarded. Individuals must comply with all forest fire laws.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-180 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; amended and renumbered as 4VAC10-30-180, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-190. Smoking.
No person shall smoke in any structure or place in any forest where smoking is prohibited. Smoking may be forbidden by the department or its authorized agent in any part of any forest when it is deemed the fire hazard makes such action advisable.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-190 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-190, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006.
4VAC10-30-200. Hunting and fishing.
A. No person within the confines of any forest shall hunt, trap, shoot, injure, kill, or molest in any way any bird or animal. No person shall possess any bird or animal, dead or alive, within the forest except any bird or animal designated as a game bird or animal by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and the trapping of, hunting of, shooting at, or possession of any such bird or animal is prohibited except during the lawful hunting season set for the forest or forest portion by the DWR and only in those forests or forest portions designated by the State Forests Superintendent as lawful hunting areas.
B. Fishing is permitted in designated areas in each forest. A person fishing must have a valid state fishing license and a current Virginia State Forest Use Permit and comply with DWR regulations.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-200 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-200, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 4, eff. November 19, 2015; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-210. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-210 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-210, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 4, eff. November 19, 2015; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-220. Boating.
Use of boats on ponds, lakes, or streams within forest areas assigned to the administration of the department, in addition to other regulations of other state agencies, must comply with the rules and regulations of the department and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and such use requires a current Virginia State Forest Use Permit. Use of gasoline-fueled motors is prohibited.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-220 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; amended and renumbered as 4VAC10-30-220, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-230. Dogs and other animals.
No person shall cause or permit any animal in that person's custody, except a dog restrained by a leash or harness, to enter any forest. Any animal found at large may be seized and disposed of as provided by the law or ordinance covering disposal of stray animals on highways or public property currently in effect at the place where the animal is seized, except during the lawful hunting season in effect in the particular forest or forest portion. Any owner of an animal that is trained and accompanying the owner for the sole purpose of assisting the owner with mobility is exempt from the provision of this section.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to lawful horse activity as defined in 4VAC10-30-420.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-230 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-230, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-240. Sports and games.
Sports activities, contests, and group events in any forest require an Organized Event Permit issued by the State Forests Superintendent.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-240 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-240, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-250. Vehicles, where permitted.
A. No person shall operate a motorized vehicle anywhere in any forest, except on a road or parking area designated by signs or maps indicating that the road or parking area is open to motorized vehicle traffic.
B. Driving a motorized vehicle on a gated road is prohibited, except by Conditional Activity Permit. Any motorized vehicle used on state forest lands must be a highway-legal vehicle in compliance with Virginia Department of Transportation regulations and insured and licensed pursuant to Department of Motor Vehicles regulations. Any operator of a vehicle must possess a valid driver's license issued by the person's state of residency.
C. Persons engaged in silvicultural or maintenance activities are exempt from the requirements of this section, except legal requirements described in subsection B of this section.
D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of electric personal assistive mobility device or class one or class two electric power-assisted bicycles where traditional bicycles are allowed. Class three electric power-assisted bicycles are prohibited on gated roads and trails.
E. When crossing rivers or streams, bicycle or e-bike use shall be confined to bridges, culverts, and designated fords or crossings, if available.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-250 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-250, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-260. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-260 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-260, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-270. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-270 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-270, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-280. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-280 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-280, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-290. Use of roads.
The State Forests Superintendent may at any time close to public use any forest road, trail, or area.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-290 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-290, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-300. Commercial activity.
No person shall engage in any commercial activity on state forest lands or in state forest structures unless an agreement or permit is made and approved by the department.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-300 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-300, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-310. Advertising.
No person shall (i) erect or post a sign, notice, or advertisement of any nature or (ii) make noise for the purpose of attracting attention to any exhibition of any kind at any place within any state forest. The State Forests Superintendent may authorize exceptions for temporary signs that are coincidental to activities approved by either a Conditional Activity Permit or an Organized Event Permit.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-310 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-310, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-320. Meetings and exhibitions.
No person shall in any forest erect any structure, stand, or platform, hold any meeting, or exhibition, perform any ceremony, make any speech, or address except by permit from the Forest Superintendent.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-320 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-320, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006.
4VAC10-30-330. Gifts and contributions.
No person shall solicit gifts or contributions within any forest for any purpose without written permission by the State Forests Superintendent.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-330 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-330, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-340. Aviation.
No person shall voluntarily land or unlawfully operate within or upon any forest any airplane, remote control model, aircraft, helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle, drone, balloon, parachute, or other apparatus for aviation except by written permission of the State Forests Superintendent.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-340 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-340, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-350. Sale of forest products.
Forest products and agricultural crops may be sold from state forest lands under conditions determined by the department and in accordance with law.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 4VAC5-40-350 derived from VR215-01-03; eff. October 14, 1970; renumbered as 4VAC10-30-350, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-420. Horses and horseback riding.
A. No person shall use, ride, or drive a horse except to, from, or along designated multi-use trails or roads designated for equestrian use, including across bridges, culverts, and designated fords or crossings, if available.
B. Each equestrian user shall remove from designated parking areas all residues, including manure, generated by the equestrian user's horse.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-430. Hours of operation.
State forests are open to public use during daylight hours only, unless the forest user is permitted or engaged in lawful hunting activities as defined by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and for other uses as permitted by the State Forests Superintendent.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-440. Rock climbing and rappelling.
No person shall engage in rock climbing, cliff climbing, or rappelling within the boundaries of a state forest, except at designated areas and only after obtaining a Conditional Activity Permit.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
4VAC10-30-450. Target shooting.
It shall be unlawful to target shoot on any state forest. Target shooting is defined as the discharge of a firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 of the Code of Virginia, a muzzleloader as defined in 4VAC15-50-71, or archery equipment as defined in 4VAC15-40-20 for purposes other than hunting, trapping, or self-defense.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1101 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 9, 2025.
Forms (4VAC10-30)
Application for State Forest Special Use Permit (eff. 7/2025)