A Classified Forest and Wildlands tract is an area of at least ten contiguous acres of forest or non-forest wildlife habitat where the landowner has agreed (by application) to be a good steward of the land and its natural resources. 

In return, the State of Indiana agrees to see that the assessed value of the land is significantly reduced and taxed on that preferential assessment (in 2021 the assessed value was $14.43 per acre). The land is managed for timber production, wildlife habitat, and the protection of watersheds, while conserving other natural resources and values.

Certain activities cannot take place on Classified Forest and Wildlands:

  • Grazing by domestic livestock
  • Building of houses, sheds, etc.
  • Intentional burning unless prescribed under a written management plan
  • Growing Christmas trees

Other activities are allowed and are encouraged when appropriate to meet the landowner's goals and objectives for the land. These activities, however, must not be conducted in a manner detrimental to the health and productivity of the property or its watershed.

Allowed activities include:

  • Wildlife management
  • Maintenance of access roads and trails
  • Timber harvesting
  • Firewood cutting
  • Horseback riding
  • Hiking
  • Hunting

Primary Benefits to the Classified Land Owner

  • Reduced property taxes
  • Regular inspection by a professional forester
  • Annual newsletter and forest and wildlife management literature
  • Timber harvested recognized as “Green Certified”

How to Enter the Program

Contact your district forester to let him/her know you are interested in putting your land into Classification. An initial inspection of your property will be done to determine whether it meets the eligibility requirements. A written management plan, which may be prepared by the district forester or by a wildlife biologist or professional forester, is required prior to application. This plan puts into writing a description of the land, your goals for the land, and prescribes how to reach those goals over the next 5-10 years. This plan is flexible, and may change as your objectives change and/or the property develops over time. The prescription(s) will always consider the health and productivity of the property as activities are done to reach your goals. The actual Classified Forest and Wildlands application must be taken to a registered land surveyor, who will write an exact description of the area being classified. This can usually be done by providing an aerial photograph and a copy of your deed to the surveyor. An ‘on-the-ground’ survey is not required. The cost may vary according to the complexity of the survey and the surveyor. You will also need to sign the application. The county assessor must also sign the application, along with the State Forester. Once these signatures have been completed, the document must be recorded in the county courthouse where the land is located.

General Information

Indiana Division of Forestry