June 29, 2009

Staring July 1, 2009 you may have to pay to play in Virginia’s state forests. A new law that goes into effect Wednesday means mountain bikers, horseback riders, hunters, and fishermen must buy a $15 permit before you head out to any state forest.

Money raised from the new permits will go towards maintaining state forests and improving trails and parking areas in them. Until now the Virginia Department of Forestry maintained all 19 state forests only by selling timber from the three biggest ones. But, more demand from people on the land means the cost to maintain state forests keeps going up. State Department of Forestry officials say they are not sure exactly how much money the permits will raise. But, they hope it’s enough to lessen the strain on their budget.

Hikers and anyone who wants to canoe on state forest lakes will not have to buy a permit.