Classified Forest and Wildlands Program
馃嚭馃嚫 IN, United States 路 Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry
Reduced property tax assessment, free forester inspections and cost-share priority for 10 or more acres of forest, wetland, shrubland or grassland managed under a plan
Indiana's Classified Forest and Wildlands Program (Indiana Code 6-1.1-6) significantly reduces the assessed value of at least 10 contiguous acres of forest or non-forest wildlife habitat that the owner agrees to manage for timber, wildlife and watershed protection under a professionally written management plan. Enrolled owners get free technical assistance from DNR foresters and wildlife biologists, a reinspection at least every seven years at no cost, priority for cost-share funds, free posting signs and the option to 'green' certify their forest. Enrollment stays with the land when it is sold and does not open it to public hunting.
Who qualifies
At least 10.0 contiguous acres of forest, wetland, shrubland and/or grassland. Native forest needs at least 40 square feet of basal area per acre or at least 1,000 timber-producing trees per acre; plantations need at least 400 well-established timber-producing trees. Grazing by livestock, building houses or sheds, growing Christmas trees and burning outside a written plan are not allowed; timber harvest, firewood cutting, hunting, hiking and horseback riding are allowed.
How to apply
Contact your DNR district forester for an initial inspection, then have a written 5-10 year management plan prepared (by the district forester, a wildlife biologist or a professional forester). Take the application to a registered land surveyor for a legal description (cost varies; an on-the-ground survey is not required), sign it, obtain the county assessor's and State Forester's signatures, and record it at the county courthouse. Owners file an annual report. Withdrawal triggers back taxes for up to 10 years plus 10% per year interest; land entered after June 30, 2006 also pays $100 per withdrawal and $50 per acre withdrawn.
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