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.
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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.)

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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.***