Wisconsin Managed Forest Law

Managed Forest Law Planning for Wisconsin Woodland Owners

MFL can offer meaningful benefits, but enrollment also carries long-term management obligations. Good planning helps you understand both before you apply or renew.

Request an MFL Planning Quote

In plain language

Know what the commitment means for your land

Wisconsin’s Managed Forest Law program provides eligible woodland owners with property-tax incentives in exchange for following an approved long-term forest-management plan.

Program rules and agency requirements can change. Final eligibility and approval are determined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Topics to understand

A plan is more than paperwork

Forests Forward Consulting explains the practical meaning of the plan and its scheduled work, using clear language and property-specific recommendations.

  • 01Program purpose and potential property-tax incentives
  • 02Approved long-term management plans
  • 03Required and scheduled management practices
  • 04Open and closed enrollment considerations
  • 05Acreage, ownership, and eligibility review
  • 06DNR review and approval
  • 07Forest regeneration and recordkeeping
  • 08Ownership changes and plan renewal

Expiring plans

Begin before the final months

Renewal may require records review, fieldwork, mapping, signatures, application materials, and DNR review. Starting early gives the work the time it deserves.

Ask About Your Expiring Plan
Professional designations

Certified Plan Writer & Cooperating Forester

Current MFL deadlines and program requirements should always be confirmed with the Wisconsin DNR.

Planning process

What MFL planning may include

  1. 01Initial landowner interview
  2. 02Current order and plan review
  3. 03Deed and ownership review
  4. 04Property mapping
  5. 05Field inventory
  6. 06Forest-stand evaluation
  7. 07Management-goal discussion
  8. 08Scheduled-practice development
  9. 09Draft-plan review
  10. 10Landowner approval
  11. 11Application coordination
  12. 12DNR submission and revisions when required

Next step

Have an MFL question?

Share your order number and expiration year, if available, so Tyler can better understand the situation before following up.

Request a Consultation920-366-0534forestsforward@gmail.com