The purpose of the Qualified Forest Program (QFP) is to encourage landowners to actively manage their privately owned forests for commercial harvest, wildlife habitat enhancement, and improvement of other non-forest resources. In exchange for managing their forests in a sustainable fashion, the landowner will receive an exemption from the local school operating millage. 

To qualify, landowners must:

• have 20 acres or more of productive forestland on their property
• have a management plan written by a Qualified Forester
• file the necessary application and corresponding paperwork with MDARD by September 1st to receive benefits for the following tax year
• no other exemptions - Examples: (homestead and agriculture)

Prior to application, landowners should consider:

• speaking with their District Forester to learn more about the program and how to apply
• speaking with a Qualified Forester to develop and write a new management plan, or amending their old plan

Visit MDARD's website for more information 

To contact the Qualified Forest Program directly, please call 517-284-5630 or email us at
MDARD-QFP@michigan.gov.