Forestry
The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry promotes the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of forest resources throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through programs such as the Forest Stewardship Program and Forest Legacy Program, the division provides landowners with resources and assistance to protect and improve forested lands.
Forest Stewardship Program
The Forest Stewardship Program assists private landowners in managing and improving their forested properties. The program supports conservation practices that protect soil and water, improve wildlife habitats, promote forest health, and encourage sustainable land management.
Eligible landowners may participate in a voluntary forest management plan lasting at least 10 years.
Forest Legacy Program
The Forest Legacy Program helps protect environmentally valuable, forested lands in the U.S. Virgin Islands from development and conversion to non-forest uses.
Participation is voluntary, and eligible properties are evaluated based on their ecological importance, conservation value, and potential threats from development. Landowners may apply to have qualifying forested properties considered for protection through the program.
Farmland Tax Credit Application
Landowners participating in the Forest Stewardship Program may apply for applicable farmland tax benefits, subject to eligibility and approval.
Application Instructions:
1. Complete the top portion of the application.
2. Under “Other Farming Activity,” enter “Forest Stewardship Program.”
3. Have the completed application notarized.