Granholm Signs Forest Legislation
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) signed legislation yesterday that will continue Michigan’s efforts to modernize management policies for our forestland, help create jobs in the timber industry as well as protect and keep access available to the state’s natural resources enjoyed by hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. The six-bill package will encourage additional timber harvest through financial incentives to private landowners.
Michigan has more than 19 million acres of forestland. Despite this abundance, less timber is harvested in Michigan than other Midwestern states that have fewer acres of forest. As a result, wood costs in Michigan are high, putting forestry jobs and the manufacturing jobs our forests support at risk.
The six-bill package signed by Granholm addresses this problem by:
Michigan has more than 19 million acres of forestland. Despite this abundance, less timber is harvested in Michigan than other Midwestern states that have fewer acres of forest. As a result, wood costs in Michigan are high, putting forestry jobs and the manufacturing jobs our forests support at risk.
The six-bill package signed by Granholm addresses this problem by:
- Providing property tax relief to private landowners who harvest their land for timber according to long-term, sustainable management plans;
- Changing the way commercial forestland is taxed, giving private owners a clearer, more predictable tax structure;
- Requiring that commercial forestland be accessible to hunters and fishermen in exchange for the reduced tax status;
- Encouraging development of management plans for private forestland to ensure its sustainability.
