County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

Free Forestry Assistance Offered by Conservation District

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If you’re wondering how you might improve the forestland you own or use, the Clare Conservation District’s Forestry Assistance Program can help.  Our Forester, Nia Becker, is available to help family forest owners better manage and achieve the goals for their land. She provides onsite technical assistance with timber harvest planning, forest health, wildlife habitat, management planning and more. The Forestry Assistance Program is grant funded by the state of Michigan, and Nia’s services are available to property owners free of charge.  Having a forester visit your property is a great way to learn how you can improve wildlife habitat to create better hunting experiences.

One of the biggest concerns family forest owners have is the high cost of property taxes and other costs of owning land. Thankfully, there are several ways these costs can be reduced. One very popular program is the Qualified Forest Program (QFP). QFP will lower property taxes in return for having and following a forest management plan. A professional Forester will help you develop a plan that is based on your goals and objectives as a landowner.  QFP will reduce the taxes by up to 16 mils and prevent the taxable value from being uncapped when ownership changes. Structures are allowed (but do not receive tax reduction) and you do not have to allow public access.

If you’re interested in improving habitat or lowering taxes, contact Nia Becker, District Forester for the Clare Conservation District. (989) 539-6401 or Nia.becker@macd.org

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