Managed Forest Law (MFL) Enrollment Questions

A list of some primary obligations follows, but keep in mind that this list is not inclusive.

• Follow your MFL management plan.
• Pay MFL tax rates.
• On open land, permit public access for hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, sight-seeing and hiking.
• Submit a cutting notice before harvesting and a cutting report after harvesting.
• Permit field inspections.

• Application fee.
• Copy of recorded proof of ownership.
• Copy of your tax bill(s).
• Copy of any certified survey maps pertinent to your property (if applicable).
• Signed management plan.

You need to find a CPW to prepare the required management plan and application packet for submittal by the June 1 deadline.

A certified plan writer or CPW, is a private consulting forester certified by the DNR to write management plans for the MFL program.

The Forestry Assistance Locator is a resource to help you find a CPW offering services in your area. 

A nonrefundable fee of $30 per county must accompany each application.

Each certified plan writer (CPW) has a different fee schedule. Contact the CPW for payment information.

320 acres per ownership per municipality.

Current MFL tax rates.

You have a choice of a 25-year or 50-year enrollment period.

The rules for buildings on MFL lands depend on the year the land was entered into the program.

For lands enrolled in 2016 or earlier, any building containing five or more of the eight characteristics listed below is considered developed for human residence and the land under and surrounding the building, including the septic system, is not eligible for MFL designation. Storage or workshop buildings are allowed, but if such a building also contains living space, the living space is subject to the eight characteristics listed below.

• Total area of 800 square feet or more, using exterior dimensions of living space—including each level—but excluding porches, decks or uninsulated screen porches.
• Indoor plumbing, including water and sewer piped to either municipal or septic system.
• Central heating or cooling—including electric heat—furnace or other heater with a circulation system.
• Full or partial basement, excluding crawl spaces and frost walls.
• Electrical service by connection to the lines of a power company.
• Attached or separate garage, not to include buildings for vehicles used primarily for work or recreation on the property.
• Telephone service based locally.
• Insulated using common insulation products.

For land entered into the program in 2017 or later, buildings and improvements associated with buildings are not permitted on MFL land unless used exclusively for storage.

If you do not have a copy of your recorded deed in your files, you can contact the county Register of Deeds office [exit DNR].

Landowners must choose whether or not to enroll in the MFL certified group upon enrollment into the MFL program. A fact sheet [PDF] describes the benefits and responsibilities for group members. Group certification focuses on the DNR's administration of the group and quality of management on members' land. Third-party auditors determine if the MFL Group conforms to American Tree Farm System and Forest Stewardship Council principles and performance measures.

Yes, but there are criteria that need to be met for land to be eligible to be added. Contact a tax law forestry specialist for more information.

Yes, but all your FCL land in the municipalities indicated on the MFL application must be converted to MFL.

No.

Yes, however if fishing opportunities don't exist it is likely that the public will not use your lands for fishing.