Oscoda County Conservation District
Programs
Qualified Forest Program (QFP)
QFP is a property tax incentive program that encourages private landowners to actively manage their forests for commercial harvest, wildlife habitat enhancement, and improvement of other non-timber resources. In exchange, the landowner receives an exemption from the local school operating millage. The land is enrolled in perpetuity or until removed.
Tax Benefits:
- Reduction of school operating taxes on non-homestead property
- Prevents the "uncapping" of a property's taxable value when a parcel currently enrolled under the qualified forest program changes ownership
Requirements:
- Parcels must be 20+ acres of suitable forested land to qualify
- Forest Management Plan written by a Qualified Forester
- Must pay an annual fee
- Does not require public access
- Can have structures on the property but are not eligible for exemption
For more information, reach out to our district forester, Holly Hall, at oscodacd@gmail.com or 989-826-8824.
Forestry Assistance Program
Our Forestry Assistance Program is designed to educate landowners and managers about forest health, tree and shrub planting, forest management and planning, timber harvest and sales, forest tax implications, and wetland and wildlife management, enhancement, and protection. We will help you find the professionals that can facilitate your forest management goals by facilitating a referral process with private forest consultants, industrial foresters, and public agencies that provide cost-share programs.
- Forest management planning and plan writing referrals
- Forest Health Assessments (including oak wilt)
- Harvesting, thinning and forest industry information and referrals
- Wildlife habitat enhancement, protection and restoration
- Speaking engagements for schools & groups interested in forestry, wildlife & conservation topics
- Tree Farm planning, enrollment and inspection
- Assistance with Tax Programs such as Qualified Forest Program and Commercial Forest Program
- Guidance with government cost share programs
Meet the Forester
Holly joined us in December 2025 after working for over a decade in healthcare. She earned a Master of Science in Forestry from Michigan State University. She especially enjoys helping people and is excited to assist private landowners in understanding and navigating their forest questions and needs.
You can reach Holly at 989-826-8824 or oscodacd@gmail.com
Resources
Qualified Forest Program Link
American Tree Farm System Link
Forestry Assistance Program Link
