Forestry Management Planning

Forestry management planning offers numerous benefits to landowners and the environment. Proper management plans help new trees grow, improve the habitat for wildlife, help protect the forest from fires, help reduce pests and diseases, and ensure that forests thrive and are enjoyed through the generations.

Proper forest planning involves but is not limited to planting trees, harvesting trees, and planned burns. The methods are decided upon based on the landowners plans and the specific of the land and vegetation. Forest harvesters may increase a certain type of wildlife in the area by clearing an area to provide more fresh food. Invasive species can be removed or burned. We can help landowners achieve their goals and make their forests thrive.

Forestry Management Services utilizes Forestry Best Management Practices. These are guidelines that foresters and loggers followed to protect soil and water quality.

Landowners can start a forestry management plan by putting their ideas for the land on paper, listing the goals they wish to accomplish, and keeping a record of the methods used to achieve the desired results. Our forestry experts can help you develop an effective land management plan.

Generally Accepted Forest Management Practices

Qualified Forest Program

Public Acts 42 and 45 of 2013 is the Qualified Forest Program. It exempts forest owners from paying local millage taxes up to 18 mills in each tax jurisdiction. The landowner must have between 20 and 640 acres, a forest management plan in place, and must agree to comply with that forest management plan. The land harvests must be reported to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

A Forest Stewardship Plan is accepted by the Qualified Forest program. The application deadline to access take benefits for the following year is September 1^st. More information and enrollment forms can be obtained at this link: www.Michigan.gov/QFP

Commercial Forest Program

The Commercial Forest Program offers a property tax of $1.25 per acre (Parts 511 & 512 of Public Act 451, 1994, as amended). The landowners must have a minimum of 40 acres of forest, a forest management plan, conduct commercial harvests described in the plan, and allow public foot access for hunting and fishing. The DNR must be notified before the landowner harvests forest products.

A Forest Stewardship Plan is accepted by the Qualified Forest program. The application deadline to access take benefits for the following year is September 1^st. More information and enrollment forms can be obtained at this link: www.Michigan.gov/QFP