Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program can provide substantial property-tax savings on qualifying land. For woodland owners managing forestland for commercial timber production, a professional forest management plan can document current forest conditions, management objectives, and the forestry practices needed to keep the woodland actively managed.

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How Feicht Forestry Helps

Feicht Forestry evaluates the woodland, maps forest stands, documents existing conditions, and develops practical recommendations for managing the property as productive forestland.

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Important Program Note

CAUV eligibility and application decisions are made by the county auditor. The website should avoid promising that a management plan alone guarantees enrollment or tax savings.

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What May Be Included

Depending on the property, recommendations may include invasive species control, grapevine control, timber stand improvement, crop tree release, cull tree removal, regeneration work, access improvements, and future timber management.

Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) for Woodland

The Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) program allows qualifying agricultural land—including woodland—to be taxed based on its productive value rather than its potential development value. For woodland owners, CAUV values your timberland based on its ability to produce timber instead of its highest market value, which can lead to substantial property tax savings.

In counties like Vinton County, land enrolled in CAUV is often taxed at a fraction of what it would be at full market value—commonly reducing the total property tax bill by roughly 50–70% or more depending on soil types and local tax rates. For many woodland owners, this tax break makes owning and managing forestland far more affordable year after year.

Woodland is a long-term investment: trees take decades to mature, yet property taxes are due annually. Without CAUV, woodland is often taxed as if it were ready for development, which can dramatically increase tax bills and reduce the financial return of ownership.
Enrolling in CAUV can:
- Significantly reduce annual property taxes
- Make timber ownership more economically sustainable
- Encourage responsible forest stewardship
- Help keep your land forested rather than pressured for development
CAUV does not transfer ownership, restrict responsible harvesting, or require public access. You retain full control of your property.

To qualify your woodland for CAUV:
- Your property must be 10 acres or more devoted exclusively to timber production.
- You must have a written forest management plan outlining current conditions and future management practices.
- You must apply through your county auditor’s office.
The forest management plan demonstrates that your land is actively managed for timber, which is a key qualification for woodland CAUV.

The first and most important step toward CAUV enrollment is preparing a professional forest management plan.
At Feicht Forestry, we guide you through the entire process:
1. Schedule a Site Visit – We walk your woodland with you (typically 1–2 hours), assess conditions, and discuss your goals.
2. Plan Development – Within two weeks, we prepare a comprehensive forest management plan tailored to your property and compliant with CAUV requirements.
3. Submission & Support – You receive two bound copies of the plan—one for your records and one for submission to the county auditor as part of your CAUV application.
With a professionally written management plan, you not only meet CAUV requirements—you gain a clear roadmap for improving forest health, protecting timber value, and managing your woodland with confidence.
Contact Feicht Forestry today to begin your forest management plan and take the first step toward realizing the tax savings CAUV can offer your woodland.

Forest Management Plan Pricing & CAUV Tax Savings

A 10-Year Plan for Your Woodland

A Forest Management Plan gives you a long-term roadmap for managing your property. Whether your goals include timber production, wildlife habitat, invasive species control, forest health, CAUV enrollment, or simply understanding what you own, the plan identifies the current condition of your woods and lays out management recommendations for the next 10 years.

$12 per forested acre

$600 minimum

$9 per acre for acreage over 200 forested acres

Your management plan is a one-time cost for a 10-year plan— not an annual fee.

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"Working with Bryan was a game-changer. He came in and handled our entire forestry management plan from start to finish. He was super thorough on marking our property lines with no guesswork. Honestly, Bryan’s the kind of guy you trust with your woods. I’d hire him again tomorrow."
"I contacted Bryan of Feicht Forestry to develop a timber management plan for our fifth generation tree farm. We met at our farm, walked the land and he went over our needs and concerns. He personalized a plan to fit our needs with a detailed action plan for each zone. I would highly recommend Feicht Forestry for timber management service needs."
"Every aspect of Bryan Feicht's service has been completely satisfactory. I will not hesitate to call him again for anything related to my woodland management. He has been prompt, professional, and knowledgeable at every turn."
"In 2025, I reached out to Bryan for a forestry management plan. It was easy to set an appointment and Bryan arrived as he said he would. Found him to be very professional and I was very impressed with his service — very high-end. Bryan took time to explain and answer any questions that I might have. I would recommend him and use his service again. Thank you Bryan!"

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Still deciding?

If you own woodland in Southeast Ohio and are considering CAUV, contact Feicht Forestry to discuss your property and forest management planning needs.

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