Any owner of 10 contiguous acres of forestland can apply for the program. Lands must be enrolled for 25 or 50 years and must follow a forest management plan. At least 80 percent of the enrolled property must be of good quality that can grow at least 20 cubic feet of marketable timber each year. Most land in the MFL is available for public hunting, fishing, hiking and other uses. Like the previous programs, when timber is harvested on these lands, the state receives a five-percent yield tax, which helps to fund the program.
Portions also go to municipalities and counties to offset lost tax revenue.
Payments from recreational lands Local government is also compensated when the state purchases parks, hunting grounds, fish hatcheries, game farms, natural areas and other land for recreation. For lands bought before July 1969, DNR pays 88 cents per acre. On lands bought between 1969 and 1991, DNR pays the full property tax the first year, then taxes are reduced by 10 percent each year for 10 years. Local goverment is compensated when lands are purchased for camping and other outdoor recreation. Thereafter, the state compensates locals at 10 percent of the first year s payment or at least 30 cents per acre.