Access Questions
Forest Crop Law (FCL) and Managed Forest Law (MFL)
How can I find MFL-Open or FCL lands?
To locate MFL‐Open or FCL lands, you can use the Public Access Lands Mapping Application. This is a map-based system that allows you to locate and find information on properties open for public access.
Can landowners deny access to MFL-Open or FCL lands?
No, landowners cannot deny access to MFL-Open or FCL lands, including limiting the number of hunters on the land or restricting access to a certain hunting period or season. Landowners can post signs indicating the preferred access route for the public to access the open lands.
What if I am denied access to or asked to leave open MFL/FCL lands?
Anyone denied access to or asked to leave open MFL/FCL lands should report that information to a local DNR tax law forestry specialist or call the DNR call center toll free at 1-888-WDNRINFO (1-888-936-7463).
Do I need permission to access MFL-Open and FCL lands?
You don't need permission from the landowner. However, contacting the landowner is encouraged, especially if the landowner lives near the site or when access is not readily apparent.
If the MFL-Open lands are not on a public road, can I access the property?
Landowners with MFL-Open lands are required to provide access across their MFL-Closed or non-tax law lands if other reasonable access is not readily available. In these situations, landowners may post signs indicating the preferred access route for the public to access the open lands. The public should contact landowners to ask where the access is if it is not readily apparent.
Can I use motorized vehicles on MFL-Open & FCL lands?
No, access to and use by motorized vehicles including trucks, ATVs, UTVs, pickups, ORVs, snowmobiles or motorcycles is prohibited on FCL and MFL-Open lands without the landowner’s permission.
Can I cross lands that are listed in the plat book as "USA" or "USA trust" to access MFL-Open or FCL lands?
Please be aware that federally designated and listed tribal trust lands (which are typically listed as "USA" or "USA trust" in plat books) within or outside of established tribal reservations are not open to public access and that failure to obtain tribal permission to cross those lands could subject you to a trespass citation.
If the landowner has no legal access to the MFL-Open land, how do I access those properties?
Landowners who have no legal access to their own MFL-Open lands will need to change the designation to MFL-Closed or withdraw the land. MFL-Open lands need to be accessible by the public.
Are the MFL-Open/FCL lands signed?
Landowners of MFL-Open/FCL lands are not required to sign their lands as open. Any posting of signs is the landowner's choice. If landowners do post their MFL-Open/FCL lands, signs must clearly identify both the uses that are and are not allowed.
The DNR listing shows lands as MFL-Open or FCL, but when I got to the property, there were "No Trespassing" signs posted. Is the property open to public access or not?
Lands identified on the DNR website as open to public recreation must be open to public recreation for the entire year. If you are sure that you are on the right property and see that the landowner has posted "No Trespassing" signs, please report this occurrence to the local DNR tax law forestry specialist or DNR warden.