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General Questions

Forest Crop Law (FCL) and Managed Forest Law (MFL)

The public may use MFL-Open lands for hunting, fishing, hiking, sight-seeing and cross-country skiing. Only hunting and fishing are allowed on FCL lands. All DNR hunting and fishing regulations and seasons apply. All other uses are prohibited unless the landowner gives permission.
What activities are allowed on MFL-Open and FCL lands?

The public may use MFL-Open lands for hunting, fishing, hiking, sight-seeing and cross-country skiing. Only hunting and fishing are allowed on FCL lands. All DNR hunting and fishing regulations and seasons apply. All other uses are prohibited unless the landowner gives permission.

Can I drive on MFL-Open and FCL lands?

No, access to MFL-Open and FCL lands is allowed for foot travel only. Vehicular traffic, including trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles or other motorized vehicles are not allowed unless the landowner gives permission.

I used to be able to drive on industrial land roads. Now the roads are gated. Can the industrial landowners legally gate the roads while enrolled in the MFL and FCL programs?

Yes, industrial landowners may gate their roads and prevent vehicular traffic. Neither the MFL nor FCL laws required any landowner to allow vehicular traffic by the public on these private roads or trails.

Are industrial landowners allowed to charge a fee to get a key to drive through the gates?

Yes, industrial landowners who gate their roads may charge users a fee to obtain a key for vehicular access. As long as the industrial landowner allows the public foot access to MFL-Open and FCL lands they are in compliance with the MFL program. Getting permission from the landowner to have vehicular access to the property is something that the landowner can control.

Can I mountain bike on MFL-Open or FCL lands?

No, biking on MFL-Open or FCL lands is prohibited without landowner permission.

Where can I get a map of the MFL-Open or FCL lands?

Maps of MFL/FCL lands open to public recreation are recorded at the register of deeds office and are available within the Private Lands Open Public Recreation web mapping application.

How do I contact a landowner under the MFL or FCL programs?

Addresses of the owners of MFL-Open or FCL lands are available within the Private Forest Lands Open to Public Recreation web mapping application.

I don't have any streams or ponds on my property. Do I have to allow fishing on my lands?

Yes, however if fishing opportunities don't exist it is likely that the public will not use your lands for fishing.