How NJFA Advocates for New Jersey's Forests and Woodland Owners

The New Jersey Forestry Association (NJFA) advocates by tracking, monitoring, and providing input on legislation and rulemaking that affects NJ forests and woodland owners. It is named, through legislation and rulemaking, to several committees involved in forestry, stewardship, and taxation, and it served as one of four co-chairs of the NJ Forest Task Force. This work is aimed at woodland owners, conservationists, and anyone who values New Jersey's forests.

What "Advocacy" Means in Practice

NJFA's advocacy is not limited to public statements. The organization describes its role as the go-to resource for legislators, agencies, and other non-profits seeking comments on legislation and activities affecting NJ's forests. Its work includes:

• Tracking and monitoring legislation and rulemaking that affect NJ forests and woodland owners.
• Providing input on those proposals.
• Serving on committees involved in forestry, stewardship, and taxation — positions it holds because legislation and rulemaking name it to them.
• Collaborating with conservation and outdoor organizations, governmental units, and educational institutions.
• Working jointly with public and private conservation groups.

The board, officers, and committee members who carry out this work include forest landowners, forest professionals, educators, and scientists.

A Concrete Example: Farmland Assessment for Woodlands

The clearest illustration of how NJFA engages with state decision-making is its participation in the State Farmland Evaluation Committee.

On August 12, 2026, that committee held its annual meeting in Trenton to set farmland assessment values. NJFA Vice President Richard Kelsky and Treasurer Steven Spencer attended in person, with other NJFA directors joining online via Teams. Kelsky addressed the committee regarding the minimum gross revenue for woodlands.

The same meeting covered the committee's new online filing portal, which was tested in four counties in 2026, along with forester-assisted filing and data security.

This example shows the pattern: a state body sets values that affect woodland owners, and NJFA shows up — in person and online — to represent those owners' interests.

Why This Matters If You Own Woodland

Rules on farmland assessment, taxation, and stewardship can change what woodland owners owe and what they must do to qualify for certain treatment. NJFA's committee seats and its input on rulemaking give owners a channel into those decisions without having to appear before state bodies individually.

If you want that representation to continue, NJFA welcomes you to join, participate in its activities and programs, or donate — or all three. It is a non-profit tax-exempt organization under IRS 501(c)(3), founded in 1975, and describes itself as the only statewide organization supporting the sustainability and resiliency of NJ's public and private forests through forestry education and science-based forest management.