Background
The Managed Forest Law (MFL) program is a tax incentive program for private forestland owners in Wisconsin. This program, enacted in 1985, was developed to take the place of the Woodland Tax Law and Forest Crop Law. Since that time this program has become a very attractive option from many private landowners. The MFL program allows landowners to receive reduced tax rates in exchange for practicing sustainable forestry. Landowners are given the choice in keeping their forestlands open or closed to public access. However, those willing to allow public access on their lands will realize a lower tax rate. Refer to the rates outlined below:
- Open MFL land tax rate: $1.67 per acre
- Closed MFL land tax rate: $8.34 per acre (160 acres allowed "closed" per ownership)
These rates are effective from 2008 to 2012; in 2013 and every fifth year thereafter, both rates will be reevaluated and adjusted using a statutory formula to reflect changing property tax rates.
Important dates
- June 1* (DNR deadline): Application, required documents, and completed management plan due
- January 1: Prefered deadline for landowners to submit their application and required documents to Steigerwaldt Land Services
- Year prior to application: Contact a Certified Plan Writer (CPW) at Steigerwaldt Land Services to discuss the program and get scheduled for an MFL entry year and application timeline
*Deadline beginning June 1, 2011, for 2012 MFL entry year
Certified Plan Writers
Steigerwaldt Land Services has a group of experienced CPWs who can assist you in enrolling your forestland into the MFL program. Our staff of CPWs includes
Please call our office (715.453.3274) and ask for Haakon or Forrest to assist you through the application process.
For more information
Visit the Wisconsin DNR's website for more MFL details and answers to frequently asked questions.