Do I Need a Forest Management Plan?

Fri, June 06, 2025

 

 

If you purchase 5 acres or more of forested land in Washington, and you intend to benefit from forest land property taxes, you are required by your county assessor's office to submit a forest management plan (also known as a forest stewardship plan or timber management plan). If the land you purchased is already designated as forest land, most counties require a signed notice of continuance and a new management plan within 60 days of closing.

Classifying your forested acreage as Timberland or Designated Forest Land (DFL) enables you to apply for a variety of financial incentives, such as the Current Use Taxation program, which can significantly reduce your annual property taxes. When properties are classified as Timberland or DFL, a county assessor determines your land’s value based on timber growing potential. This forestry-based valuation is much lower than the forestland’s fair market value. Annual property taxes are levied on this lower value, saving you up to thousands of dollars in tax owed each year.

Understanding the requirements and benefits of forest land designation early in the process can help you avoid unexpected tax liabilities and ensure a smooth transition into forestland ownership. A forest management plan not only fulfills county requirements but also serves as a useful tool for guiding the long-term care of your property.

Land Classification Programs

Washington State recognizes two primary classifications for forested properties:

• Open Space Timberland (5–20 acres) — RCW 84.34
• Designated Forest Land (20+ acres) — RCW 84.33
• Note: Many counties now allow Designated Forest Land classification for parcels as small as 5 acres.

Example property tax reduction

• Average annual property tax is levied at 0.82% of assessed value.
• The fair market value of your 31 acres of forested land is assessed at $275,000, roughly $8,870 per acre.
• Annual property taxes on fair market value = $275,000 x 0.82% = $2,255.
• If assessed as DFL with average growth potential ($117 per acre), your property’s assessed value would be $3,627.
• Annual property taxes on DFL valuation = $3,627 x 0.82% = $29.74.

Assessing this land as DFL rather than at fair market value would result in an annual property tax reduction of $2,225 per year. This is a result of assessed land reduction from $8,870 per acre to $117 per acre.

What Is a Forest Management Plan?

A forest management plan is a comprehensive, property-specific guide that helps landowners make informed, long-term decisions about the care and use of their forested land. It defines your goals and offers a practical approach for managing the land—whether you're focused on conservation, enhancing wildlife habitat, practicing sustainable timber harvest, or simply maintaining the natural character of your forest. By assessing existing conditions and identifying both challenges and opportunities, a forest management plan supports thoughtful, proactive stewardship. It also serves as a valuable tool for communicating your vision to family members, contractors, or agencies, and may be required to access financial support for land management activities.

A forest management plan can provide:

• Clear strategies to enhance wildlife habitat, water quality, and visual appeal
• Guidance for sustainable timber harvesting and potential sources of income
• A foundation for wildfire risk reduction and invasive species control
• Eligibility for state and federal cost-share programs that fund stewardship work
• A long-term roadmap to help meet both current and future land management goals

How Do I Write a Plan for My Property?

A professional forester can work with you to develop a Forest Management Plan. Resilient Forestry specializes in plans for ecological forest management. We help landowners steward their forests by combining forest science and practical experience. Our management plans are tailored to the unique goals and values of the landowner. Our process includes:

• An introductory call or meeting to understand your forest management goals.
• Assessment of your forest’s current conditions and potential concerns. This can range from quick walkthroughs to intensive forest mensuration and drone-based data collection
• Timely delivery of a forest management plan that meets Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and county standards:
  • Developed by a qualified forester or experienced timber manager.
  • Detailed descriptions of tree species, forest types, age, health, and stocking.
  • Insightful management recommendations including strategies for timber harvest and forest restoration.
  • Maps showing property boundaries, forest stands, roads, soils, and water features.

Plans can also include treatment prescriptions and contract administration with trusted vendors for active management, and/or guidance on accessing financial assistance for management actions supporting forest health and resilience.