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Qualified Forest Program
Michigan's Qualified Forest Program
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.
Contact the QFP by phone: 517-284-5630, or email: MDARD-QFP@Michigan.gov.
Use ThePayPlace for processing your Qualified Forest payments by credit card.
Enter verification code: QFP2025!
Important Things to Consider Prior to Conducting Your Harvest
Qualified Forest Program Overview
- Qualified Forest Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Qualified Forest Program Rack Card
- Qualified Forest Program Michigan State University Extension Bulletin
- Qualified Forest Program Legislation
- Qualified Forest Recapture Tax Act Legislation
- 2022 Qualified Forestry Program Annual Report
How do I enroll in the Qualified Forest Program? (The deadline to apply is September 1st prior to the year you wish the exemption to take effect)
- Qualified Forest Program Application
- Stand Summary and Harvest Schedule
- Agriculture Use/Forest Combination Brochure
- Agriculture Use/Forest Combination Example
- Treasury Form 5020
Forest Management Plan (FMP) Information
- Forest Management Plan Checklist
- Forest Management Plan Submission Form (PDF)
- Forest Management Plan Submission Form (Word)
- Qualified Forest Program Timber Harvest Report Form
- Forest Management Plan Amendment Request Form
Can someone locally assist me with Qualified Forest Program enrollment or other forest health issues?
How do I find a Qualified Forester to write a FMP?
Information for local units of government (i.e., equalization, assessors, and treasurers)
- Q&A for Assessors, Treasurers, and Equalization Offices
- Qualified Forest Program 2 mill fee payment voucher (For local government use)
Purchasing, selling, or removing land currently enrolled in the Qualified Forest Program
Is there financial assistance available to help pay for a FMP?
- Forest Stewardship Program (MDNR)
- NRCS-Environmental Quality Incentives Program (USDA-NRCS)