CLARE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
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  • Home
    • Upcoming Events
  • Gypsy Moth
    • Gypsy Moth News
    • Population Maps
    • FAQ'S
    • Gypsy Moth Identification & Life Cycle
    • Natural Enemies
    • Foray 48b Bacterial Insecticide
    • Landowner Management >
      • Gypsy Moth Traps
      • Removal Guide
    • Links For More Information
  • Soil Erosion
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Permit Fee Schedule
    • Permit Application
    • Best Management Practices >
      • Silt Fence
  • Forestry
    • Qualified Forest Program
    • Project Referrals - Forestry Professionals
    • Meet our Forester!
    • Service Providers
    • Oak Wilt
  • About Us
    • Programs >
      • Farm Bill Programs
      • MAEAP
    • Planting Instructions
    • Staff & Board Members
    • Board Meetings & Minutes
    • Our Partners
    • Donate
  • Newsletter
  • FOIA
  • Cedar River Steering Committee

Michigan's Qualified Forest Program (QFP)

The Qualified Forest Program is a tax incentive program for forestland owners in Michigan. By enrolling, you will save up to 16 mils on your school operating taxes and prevent the uncapping of the properties taxable value

 This brochure provides a basic overview of the program, and the benefits and responsibilities of enrolled landowner.  Additional information about the program is available at www.michigan.gov/qfp, or by calling the Conservation District at 989.539.6401.

Enrolling in the Qualified Forest Program

In order to enroll into the QFP program, you may be required to complete the following steps:
1) Contact your local Conservation District Forester. Nia Becker is the forester for Clare and Gladwin Counties.
  • The forester will conduct an initial site visit to
    A) Verify your property's eligibility for the program.
    B) 
    Write a summary of the property. The summary will assist you in finding a Qualified Forester. A Qualified forester will write a management plan for you.
  • Approximately two weeks after you request a referral, you can expect to receive a list of Qualified Foresters who have expressed an interest in working with you.
2) Contact a few of the Qualified Foresters and(or) choose one to write a plan.  (Please be advised, the Qualified               Foresters are private-sector contractors. These foresters will charge for plan writing.
    Note: Be sure to ask your forester about cost-share programs!)


3) Using the completed plan, fill out the QFP application forms. These forms are available at www.michigan.gov/qfp.         Note: You must complete two forms: the application and the practice schedule.  The practice schedule must include     any timber harvesting mentioned in your plan.

4) Mail your forms, a copy of the management plan, supporting documents, and $50 to the Michigan Department of           Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) in Lansing. MDARD has 90 days to respond to you. In the 90 days,         they will review your management plan and tax documents, and ask your local Conservation District to go out to            your property and verify that you qualify for the program.  If you are approved, you will receive an affidavit.

5) Take the affidavit from MDARD to your local register of deeds, and record it.  Signed copies should go to your local       assessor and MDARD. The letter accompanying the affidavit will contain instructions on proper filing and                       notification, so be sure to read it carefully.
​

6) Follow your management plan!  Make sure to keep MDARD informed of all management activities to prove that you     are following the management schedule in the plan.  (This is important, as failure to comply with the plan may result     in loss of tax exemption and assessment of back taxes.)


Forest* A *Syst

Click Here for more information about the Forest A Syst program.

The Forest A Syst program assists landowners in timber production, wildlife, recreation, & aesthetics, and water quality management plans. 


***If at any point you have questions about the application process, please contact your Conservation District Forester for assistance.***
District Information
Located in the basement of
Clare County Courthouse
PO Box 356
225 W. Main Street 
​Harrison Michigan 48625

​Telephone: 989-539-6401

Fax: 989-539-2182
 OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Sat. & Sunday - by appointment

OFFICE STAFF
Melissa Townsend - Administrator 
Melissa.Townsend@macd.org

Christine Brooks- Soil Erosion Agent
 Christine.Brooks@macd.org 

Nia Becker - District Forester
Nia.Becker@macd.org
OUR MISSION
"To encourage the wise use
 of our natural resources through promotion and education."