Managed Forest Law (MFL)
馃嚭馃嚫 WI, United States 路 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry
Enrolled woodland pays a flat acreage tax instead of regular property tax: $1.90 per acre (open) or $9.49 per acre (closed) for 2023-2027 entries
Wisconsin's Managed Forest Law trades reduced property taxes for a 25- or 50-year commitment to manage private woodland under a plan written by a DNR-certified plan writer. Owners choose whether to keep the land open to public hunting, fishing and hiking (lower tax) or closed (higher tax). It is the only Wisconsin forest tax law still open to new enrollment.
Who qualifies
Private owners of at least 20 contiguous acres under one ownership, or 10 contiguous acres connected to another 10-acre parcel of the same owner, with at least 80% of each parcel in productive forest.
How to apply
Hire a certified plan writer (find one at apps.dnr.wi.gov/fal) to write the management plan and submit the application packet through WisFIRS by June 1, with a nonrefundable $30-per-county fee, proof of ownership and tax bills. Complete applications filed by June 1 are approved or denied by October 1 for enrollment starting the following January 1. Early withdrawal carries a withdrawal tax plus a $300 fee.
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