Managed Forest Law - Purchasing - Division of Forestry - WDNR

Managed Forest Law - Purchasing

When ownership of land enrolled in the Managed Forest Law (MFL) program changes, the new owner must file a Managed Forest Law Notice of Land Conveyance and Petition for Transfer form. By filing this form, the new owner agrees to the MFL entry, associated MFL management plan, and MFL program rules. The new owner is required to complete and send this form within 30 days of the change of ownership.

Failure to submit this form may result in withdrawal from the program and the assessment of a withdrawal tax and fee. If the new owners choose not to continue the land in the MFL program, they may request to withdraw the land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Are there rules for purchasing MFL land?	Yes, land must be purchased according to specific rules. If these rules are not followed, the land may be withdrawn and the owner assessed a withdrawal tax and fee. An entire MFL entry, an entire parcel (contiguous piece) of MFL land, or all of an MFL entry in a legal description (quarter-quarter section, fractional lot, or government lot) must be purchased. Each parcel of purchased land must meet the eligibility requirements of at least 10 contiguous acres and 80% productive forest land.
What obligations will I be subject to if I purchase land in the MFL program?	A list of some of the primary obligations follows, but keep in mind that this list is not inclusive: Follow your MFL management plan. Pay MFL tax rates on the land. 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. Pay yield taxes on your timber harvest based on current rates at the time of harvest. Permit field inspections.
What is the cost to file the transfer form?	A fee of $100.00 per transfer must accompany the form.
What do I need to submit with my transfer form?	Transfer fee A copy of the recorded proof of ownership (e.g. deed) Parcel identification number documentation (e.g. tax bill)
How do I obtain a copy of my deed?	If you do not have a copy of your recorded deed in your files, you can contact the county Register of Deeds office.
Who can assist in filling out the forms?	The local DNR forester can assist and answer questions regarding the transfer of MFL land.
Can I change the public access status (i.e. open/closed) of the land?	Yes, the new owner may change the existing open or closed area(s) at the time of transfer. The owner may also change the status twice during the remainder of the order period by filing a Public Access Modification Request form.
How long will the land be in the MFL program?	At the time of enrollment, the land was entered for a 25-year or 50-year period. The new owner must complete the remainder of this period.
As a new owner, how do I obtain a copy of the existing MFL management plan?	Contact the local DNR forester.
What are the current MFL tax rates?	Current MFL tax rates are here.
Can I have buildings on MFL land?	Buildings that are developed as residence or include landscaping are not permitted on MFL land. Buildings permitted on MFL land will still be taxed as personal property. More information is here.
If wish to withdraw the land from the MFL program, what form do I file?	This page contains more information about withdrawing from the MFL program.

ForestTax
MFL-Purchasing

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Managed Forest Law - Purchasing

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Frequently Asked Questions