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Hold Your Horses -- Land Clearing Basics

The beautiful forests of Virginia are one of the natural resources that attract people to this part of the country. If your land plans involve horses, you may find you need to clear a portion of your land to create pasture and riding areas. There are many considerations involved, so doing your research is important.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Office offers a comprehensive guide to clearing land that can prove helpful to you as you evaluate your options. Consider these factors:

1. Timber inventories and the ability to harvest the timber for profit could help offset the costs associated with clearing. We can recommend area foresters who can help determine the value of your timber.

2. Privacy may be decreased when timber is cleared. Wooded areas offer buffer zones, and noise concerns may arise when land is cleared. Be sure you are aware of this potential before clearing your land.

3. Wildlife habitats may be protected. Forested areas are home to many native creatures, and many are protected by state and/or federal laws. We will be happy to assist you with the local zoning regulations to help you determine if any approvals are necessary before deforesting.

4. Be sure you have the approvals you need from all authorities before deforesting.

5. Zoning laws may limit your ability to clear land. We recommend whenever purchasing land that you include a study period in your offer to give you time to do your due diligence.

6. Just because your land is clear doesn't mean it makes for a good pasture. Find out about your soils and native plants before assuming your cleared area will provide grazing opportunities for your animals.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension offers help in a wide array of areas impacting your rural land development. Visit their website for complete information on clearing land and pasture management.

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Hold Your Horses -- Land Clearing Basics