Private landowners own over 11 million acres of forestland in Michigan. The purpose of the Qualified Forest Program (QFP) is to encourage private forestland owners to manage their land in an economically viable and environmentally sustainable manner. Landowners receive an exemption from local school operating taxes and/or exemptions from the uncapping of the taxable value of the property in the event of a change in ownership.

Foresters who are registered as Qualified Foresters are eligible to write forest management plans for landowners interested in being enrolled in the Qualified Forest Program (QFP). Qualified Foresters can enter here to find helpful materials regarding QFP. Foresters interested in obtaining Qualified Forester Registration (QFR) should click here.

The Michigan Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) provides technical assistance to private forestland owners. Conservation district foresters work one-on-one with private forestland owners and private sector foresters to promote sustainable management of the private forest resource. Conservation districts provide promotion and outreach to private forestland owners in their service area by conducting workshops, hosting field days, and writing articles for local publications. The conservation district foresters provide site visits, referrals for silvicultural practices, and provide assistance with QFP applications. Landowners will find materials here regarding FAP and find resource professionals that service their county.