Forestry Assistance
Why Forestry?
Forestry is an integral component of conservation and natural resource management. Proper forest management often provides benefits for every involved party. Harvesting timber provides an income source to landowners, promotes private industry, and improves forest health in the process. There are numerous ecosystem services that we all enjoy when forest health is improved following best management practices: improved wildlife habitat, better access and improved recreation, increased water quality through filtration and flood control, erosion control and soil stabilization, nutrient cycling and increased soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, as well as pollution control and Oxygen production.
Qualified Forest Program
The Qualified Forest Program (QFP) incentivizes landowners to actively manage private forestland for commercial harvest, wildlife habitat, and general improvement of natural resources. Enrolled landowners receive a 16 mil exemption from the local school operating millage. In order to qualify, tax parcels must be greater than 20 acres and cannot be homesteaded. Visit the MDARD website to learn more, or call Montcalm Conservation District and our district forester will help you through every step of the process.
Forestry Assistance Program
The Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) encourages proper forest management by providing landowners with information resources and technical assistance from our district forester. There are numerous federal, state, and local forest management programs and incentives for which you may qualify. Our forester will identify what is the best fit for you based on your objectives and your specific natural resource needs.