ENROLL IN THE SFIA
step 1: obtain a woodland stewardship plan
To begin, you will need to obtain a Woodland Stewardship Plan. Our foresters are Certified Stewardship Plan writers and can complete this process for you. Having a plan is required by the state in order to qualify for the SFIA.
step 2: fill out a covenant
After you have obtained and registered your Woodland Stewardship Plan, you will need to fill out a 8, 20, or 50 year covenant - whichever you choose to be best for you. For this, you will need property parcel legal descriptions or certificate of title numbers, and a map of all parcels you want to be included in your SFIA enrollment. You can use the map on Page 2 of your Stewardship Plan as your SFIA map, unless a SFIA-specific map has been created for you.
Click one of the links below to choose a covenant:
Step 3: sign & Submit Your Covenant to Recorder
Once you have all the necessary information included in Exhibit A and Exhibit B on your covenant, you will now need to sign your covenant and have it notarized. Your county Recorder should be able to do this. Once your covenant is filled out and signed, you will need to submit it to the Recorder or Registrar’s office in the county where your property is located. Submitting your covenant is required in order to receive a Covenant Recording Number, which you will need to enroll in the SFIA.
Step 4: Apply for sfia enrollment
Once you have your Covenant Recording Number from the county, you will now need to fill out an application to enroll in SFIA. You will need a copy of your covenant, your Covenant Recording Number, property tax statements for each parcel listed in the covenant, and a copy of your conservation easement document (if applicable). Specific directions for filling out the application can be found on pages 3 and 4. Click the button below to download the SFIA application.
Step 5: submit application
Once you are finished filling out the application, submit it and all required documentation to the the MN Department of Revenue. Please note: for payments beginning the following year, your enrollment application must be submitted by October 31 of the current year.
Submit application and documentation to the following address:
Minnesota Revenue
Mail Station 3340
St. Paul, MN 55146-3340
do you have questions?
For questions regarding the enrollment process for the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA), contact the Department of Revenue using the information below. You can also click here for more specific FAQ regarding the SFIA program.
Phone: 651-556-6088
Email: proptax.sfia@state.mn.us