Managed Timberland Program
馃嚭馃嚫 WV, United States 路 West Virginia Division of Forestry with county assessors and the State Tax Commissioner
Managed timberland property valuation for 10 or more contiguous wooded acres managed under a forester's plan
The Managed Timberland Program gives property tax incentives to owners of nonindustrial private forestland who practice sustainable forestry. Certified land is valued under managed timberland property valuation. Owners must either have a Registered Forester or Forestry Technician manage the timber or follow a plan signed by one; the plan covers the owner's objectives, keeping at least 40 percent forest cover of well-distributed non-invasive trees, continuous timber production, pest monitoring, a species and volume inventory, a stand map and a schedule of silvicultural activities. Most private owners can receive up to 75 percent cost share toward the management plan.
Who qualifies
A minimum of ten contiguous wooded acres. All owners must agree to the management plan; if no plan exists at filing, one is expected by the end of the second year and no harvesting is allowed until a plan is submitted. Falsifying certification or not following a professionally prepared plan results in loss of the managed timberland valuation.
How to apply
File the Initial Contract and Application packet (linked on the program page) before July 1 of any year; the contract stays in effect until cancelled in writing. A separate contract and Application for Certification is needed for each ownership in each county, with notarized signatures of all owners (or one owner with a power of attorney). The owner or the managing forester may file. Certification must be renewed by September 1 every fifth year. Contact the Division of Forestry service forester for your county or state headquarters at (304) 558-2788.
These details come from the provider and change with the seasons. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will check it.