Qualified Forest Program (QFP)

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.