Forest Management & Managed Forest Law (MFL) Plans

A strong forest management plan helps you understand your woods, make informed decisions, and set your property up for long-term health, value, and wildlife habitat. J. Lutz Forest Land Management & Consulting creates clear, actionable forest plans tailored to your goals—whether that’s income, habitat improvement, recreation, timber investment, or stewardship.

Jordan M. Lutz develops plans rooted in sustainable forestry principles and local Wisconsin ecology, ensuring each stand is managed for the next generation while improving your experience as a landowner and hunter.

Managed Forest Law (MFL) Plans

Wisconsin’s Managed Forest Law (MFL) program can reduce property taxes by up to 80% while promoting sound forestry practices. Jordan prepares detailed, compliant MFL plans that meet DNR requirements and reflect your specific land use goals.

Services include:

• New MFL enrollment plans (20- & 25-year options)
• Harvest schedules & stand assessments
• Mandatory practice planning & cutting notices
• MFL renewals, amendments & technical updates
• GIS maps, stand typing & aerial interpretation
• Wildlife and habitat considerations within MFL guidelines

Every plan is field-verified and written with the long-term health of your forest—and your tax savings—in mind.

Forest Management Tailored for Whitetail Deer

For many Wisconsin landowners, growing healthier deer habitat is just as important as growing timber. Jordan integrates whitetail habitat strategies directly into your management plan, ensuring your woods become more attractive to deer—especially mature bucks.

Plans may include:

• Bedding area identification & development
• Travel corridor enhancement based on terrain and wind
• Selective harvest to promote understory browse
• Mast tree protection and release (oak, beech, hazelnut)
• Edge habitat creation & soft cover transitions
• Regeneration strategies to increase natural forage
• Low-impact access planning for hunting

These improvements not only increase deer usage—they help your forest thrive.

Why You Need a Forest Management Plan

A well-crafted plan helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Whether your property is 20 acres or 2,000 acres, a plan ensures your actions today align with the long-term goals you have for your land.

• Identify stand conditions & health issues
• Increase long-term timber value
• Support regeneration of key species like oak
• Improve deer and wildlife habitat
• Qualify for tax benefits through MFL
• Prevent over-harvesting or poor cutting practices
• Better understand your land’s true potential

Frequently Asked Questions