Forest Management Plan Writing

A Forest Management Plan is document that contains a record of all future management actions for a forested parcel or parcels. Plans are designed to meet landowner goals, and should reflect what a landowner is planning to do to manage their land. Management actions can include planting trees, maintaining trails, protecting and improving wildlife habitat, and forest stand improvement.

Working with a forester to have a management plan written is a great idea for any landowner who wishes to manage their forestland. Forest management plans are private and usually are strictly between a landowner and their forester. However, there are voluntary programs that are sometimes beneficial to forest landowners. Some programs to consider:

• Michigan Qualified Forest Program

• Description: This program allows a landowner to reduce their property taxes and lock-in their current tax rate for future owners of their property. This is a great way to ensure there are no surprise tax increases when the property is sold or transferred. The only requirement is that viable timber harvests must be conducted (which will likely generate revenue for you, the landowner).

• Program link: http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1599_28740-306518--,00.html

• Michigan Commercial Forest Program

• Like the Michigan Qualified Forest Program (QFP), this program reduces the property taxes that a landowner pays. It is a larger tax decrease than with the QFP. The program has a similar timber harvest requirement as the QFP, and also requires that public hunting, fishing, and trapping be allowed on the property. ATV/ORV riding, mushroom and berry picking, hiking, and any uses other than hunting fishing and trapping are still prohibited.

• Program link: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-30301_34240-34016--,00.html

• American Tree Farm System Certification

• American tree farm certification signifies to others that your forest is sustainably managed. Benefits include a voice in state and federal policy making, access to a niche market for selling your SFI certified timber, and  a large recognizable sign to post on your property to show your commitment to your forest.

• Program link: https://www.treefarmsystem.org/certification-american-tree-farm-system

• Michigan Forest Stewardship Program cost-share

• A partnership between the federal and state governments, this program provides cost-share for forest management plans written by certified plan writers. Martell Forestry has certified Forest Stewardship plan writers than can help you qualify for this cost-share, and offset some of the cost of your plan.

• Program link: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-30301_34240-107504--,00.html

• USDA NRCS-Michigan EQIP cost-share

• The Natural Resource Conservation Service offers cost-share for forest management plans written by a USDA technical service provider. Pre-approval from your local Conservation District is necessary before Martell Forestry can write you a plan that will qualify you to receive funds.

• Program link: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/mi/programs/?cid=nrcs141p2_024538