Site index (SI) is a measurement commonly used by foresters to describe the productivity of a site. Typically this measurement is used to describe sites growing well-stocked even-aged forests. Site index is the average height of the dominant and codominant trees on the site, at a given age (base age). Typically, the base age for hardwoods and white pine in Virginia is 50 years, while the base age for loblolly pine is 25 years.

Site index (SI) is a measurement commonly used by foresters to describe the productivity of a site. Typically this measurement is used to describe sites growing well-stocked even-aged forests. Site index is the average height of the dominant1 and codominant2 trees on the site, at a given age (base age). Typically, the base age for hardwoods and white pine in Virginia is 50 years, while the base age for loblolly pine is 25 years. For example, a SI of 75, base age 50, means that the average height of the dominant and codominant trees on a site will be 75 feet when they are 50 years old (SI50=75). The higher the SI, the higher the site productivity (trees will grow faster than on a site with a lower SI).

As a forest landowner interested in selling timber, you are naturally curious about the price you will receive for your product and how that price is determined. In part, the price is determined by how much timber you have to sell. Methods of measuring timber and the units of measurement often differ between buyers, and, as a seller, you should understand these methods, the units of measurement, and have an idea as to a reasonable price for your timber.

Woodlands provide recreational opportunities, ecosystem services such as wildlife habitat and clean water, and can be an important source of income. Many landowners take careful steps to ensure that their property is managed to maximize these benefits. However, all of this work can be easily eradicated by one of Virginia’s most dreaded forest pests: timber thieves.

This publication focuses on non-native invasive plants. It includes characteristics common to many non-native invasive plants, describes several methods of control, and provides resources for readers to learn more.

This publication describes turtles, including their structure and appearance, life cycle, ecology, distribution, and diversity. It describes major threats to turtles, including habitat loss, collection for the pet trade and food markets, invasive species, and urbanization.

Six hundred fifty different species of snails are widely distributed across the streams, rivers, and lakes of North America. There are unique species associated with every type of aquatic habitat from the Canadian Arctic to the Everglades of Florida.