Michigan’s Qualified Forest Program provides a tax exemption aimed at encouraging private landowners to actively manage their forests and woodlands. Landowners enrolled in the program are exempt from school operating taxes for completing timber harvest in accordance with a management Plan.
The District Forester will cover Kent, Ionia and Montcalm counties.
Check out these links about forestry in Michigan:
- Qualified Forest Program – www.michigan.gov/QFP
- Forestry Assistance Program – www.michigan.gov/MIFAP (contains a map of FAP forester locations)
- Qualified Forester Registration – www.michigan.gov/QFR
- Department of Natural Resources – www.michigan.gov/DNR
- Michigan NCRS Forestry – www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/mi/technical/landuse/forestry/
Qualified Forest Program
What is Michigan’s Qualified Forest Program?
The Qualified Forest Program (QFP) provides a property tax exemption for private landowners who actively manage their forests and woodlands for commercial harvest. The goal of the program is to fuel regional economies through timber harvest and individual tax savings.
How does land qualify for the program?
- Parcels must be 20 acres or larger to qualify.
- Parcels from 20-39 acres must be a least 80 percent stocked with forest capable of producing wood products.
- Parcels from 40-640 acres must be at least 50 percent stocked with forest capable of producing wood products.
- A forest management plan is required for the parcels being enrolled.
What are the benefits of enrolling in the QFP?
- A maximum 18 mill reduction of school operating taxes on non-homestead property with the Qualified Forest School Tax Affidavit.
- The Qualified Forest Taxable Value Affidvit prevents the “uncapping” of a property’s taxable value when a parcel currently enrolled in QFP changes ownership.
How to Apply:
Visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Qualified Forest page for more information and to download an application