MI HB6039

Exempts qualified forest property from local school district operating taxes, subject to a 1,200,000 acre statewide cap (with phased increases from 300,000 acres in 2008 to 1,200,000 acres by 2011).

Requires property owners to obtain approved forest management plans from qualified foresters and submit applications with a $50 fee to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development by September 1 to claim exemptions.

Imposes a 2-mill fee on exempted qualified forest property collected annually by local tax collecting units and deposited into the private forestland enhancement fund.

Changes the definition of "registered forester" from Article 21 of the Occupational Code to Part 535 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment and is contingent on enactment of HB 6040.