Forest-Related Ordinances in Virginia: A Case Study in Regulatory De-evolution.

The article focuses on the legislative bills formulated which relate to forests care in Virginia. Information from a 2005 tally of forest-related country and city ordinances in Virginia shows that the number of ordinances has increased from 44 in 1992 to 377 in 2005. Most of these forest-related ordinances emphasized the problem on erosion and sediment control, prescribed fire, forestry in floodplains and wetlands, timber harvesting and pesticides. Almost all local governments have regulated forestry. Meanwhile, the study focuses on the inconsistency of regulatory standards between municipalities, possible arguments with state mandates and more.