The current minimum number of acres that must be offered for commercial timber sale in state forests by law is 69,000 acres annually. It was recently raised from 60,000 acres. The timber program is intended to pay its own way with the highest prices received through a competitive bidding process. Commercial timber sales result in revenues for the Forest Management or Fish and Game Protection fund of the MDNR Forest Management Division. How the funds are then spent is usually under the control of the Governor and the Legislature.Tim Karasek of the Michigan Association of Timbermen or State Forester Jerry Theide of the Michigan DNR can provide much more information on this.
