Woodland Owners Association

of West Virginia

Helping Manage Our Forest for Everyone's Future

Woodland Owners Association of WV, Inc
Post Office Box 13695
Sissonville, WV 25360

(304) 532-4351

Background:

The Woodland Owners Association of West Virginia, Inc., (WOA) is a nonprofit membership organization started and continues to be operated exclusively by independent West Virginia woodland owners.

The association is open to anyone interested in improving privately owned West Virginia forest land.

WOA's primary goal is to help West Virginia forest landowners attain the best returns from their woodland ownership and maintain a healthy, productive and beautiful forest. We achieve this goal through:

· education

· lobbying

· cooperation

· communication

· assistance

United We Stand:

More than 76% of West Virginia is forested and 90% of that forested land is owned by 268,000 non-industrial private woodland owners. That translates into a lot of voting power. It also translates into an ability to help each other get the best from our woodlands.

A Proven Program

WOA is one of 31 state woodland owner associations affiliated the National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA).  This link provides our members with access to proven resources and successful programs.  The WOA of WV, Inc. is also a member of the Alliance of Forest & Woodland Owners Associations.

Our Purpose:

Woodland Owners Association of W.Va. was formed in 1997 to:

· Place property owners in direct contact with experienced local woodland owners who have proven they know how to get the best returns from their woodland ownership while maintaining a healthy, beautiful, and productive forest.

· Promote sustainable & sound forest management.

· Advance the skills of West Virginia woodland owners.

· Provide communication and encourage cooperation.

· Serve as an advocate for West Virginia woodland owners in legislative activities.

· Inform the public about the importance of woodland management and what it contributes to the state of West Virginia.

· Participate as an association in litigation of statewide interest to woodland owners.

· Promote The American Tree Farm System.

· Lobby for woodland owners and give them a powerful voice in the legislative process.

· Work to assure the rights of private landowners.

A Managed Forest Provides:

· Timber and wood fiber to help current and future needs.

· Diversity of wildlife habitat.

· Cleaner water.

· Soil conservation.

· Recreational opportunities.

· A healthy forest.

· Employment opportunities.

· Income for forest owners.

A Managed Forest Means:

· Responsible woodland ownership.