What is the New Jersey Forestry Association (NJFA)?

Updated

The New Jersey Forestry Association (NJFA) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under IRS 501(c)(3), founded in 1975, and described on its site as the only statewide organization supporting the sustainability and resiliency of New Jersey's public and private forests. It is aimed at woodland owners, conservationists, and anyone who values New Jersey's forests — you do not have to own land to take part. The site welcomes people to join, participate in activities and programs, or donate.

What the NJFA does

Its work combines forestry education with science-based forest management, and it runs several ongoing programs:

  • Backyard Forestry in 90 Minutes — a webinar series
  • Walk-in-the-Woods
  • Tree Planting
  • NJ Woodland Stewards

Beyond programs, the NJFA tracks, monitors, and provides input on legislation and rulemaking affecting New Jersey's forests and woodland owners, produces member newsletters, collaborates with conservation and outdoor organizations, governmental units, and educational institutions, and hosts an annual meeting.

Who it serves and how it is positioned

The organization describes itself as the go-to resource for legislators, agencies, and other nonprofits seeking comments on legislation and activities affecting New Jersey's forests, and it works jointly with public and private conservation groups. Through legislation and rulemaking, it has been named to several committees involved in forestry, stewardship, and taxation, and served as one of four co-chairs of the NJ Forest Task Force.

Its volunteer board, officers, and committee members include forest landowners, forest professionals, educators, and scientists.

An example of its advocacy work

The site reports that on August 12, 2026, the State Farmland Evaluation 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 minimum gross revenue for woodlands. The committee also discussed a new online filing portal tested in four counties in 2026, along with forester-assisted filing and data security.

How to get involved

If you value New Jersey's forests — whether or not you are a landowner — the NJFA offers three main ways to engage:

  1. Join the NJFA as a member
  2. Participate in its activities and programs
  3. Donate to support its efforts

The site notes that membership information is available alongside its news items, webinar postings, video postings, legislative and regulatory highlights, and annual meeting details.