An Overview of Forest Ecology and Management in Virginia

The variation of forest types across Virginia reflects the diverse physiography of the state. From the sandy, low-elevation soils of the Coastal Plain to the dry, rocky soils on the southwestern slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia has one of the most diverse landscapes in the East (Fleming et al. 2006). Most forests in this area have been heavily influenced by anthropogenic disturbances such as fire, logging, farming, and introduced species, all of which have altered composition and structure.