Spotlight on Events
(Scroll down for newsworthy items, Backyard Forestry webinars, video postings, legislative/regulatory highlights, Annual Meeting and membership information)
Register Now for Our Two Upcoming Backyard Forestry Webinars
New SADC Program to Purchase Easements on Private Woodlands
Brian Wilson, Deputy Executive Director of the SADC along with other SADC staffmembers will join NJFA host Richard Kelsky to lay out the core eligibility requirements, easement basics, the ongoing process for developing the rules and regulations for the program, planned public outreach, the general expectations for the program and the ongoing program requirements after an easement is established.
Brian Wilson, Deputy Executive Director, SADC
Register HERE for the May 21 Webinar
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Farmland Assessment of Woodlands in New Jersey
Michael Hart, Supervising Forester, Jeremy Caggiano, Regional Forester and Michael Zsoldos, Assistant Regional Forester of the NJ Forest Service will join NJFA host Richard Kelsky to update us on the prerequisites, types of required plans, the NJ Approved Forester list, ongoing woodland management and stewardship activity and other requirements, inspections, filings, tax assessor involvement and other topics, as well as the changes to the farmland assessment law adopted in January 2026 which include the implementation of a new online portal for filing of farmland assessment applications which will become mandatory next year.
Register HERE for the June 18 Webinar
“What’s that on my tree?” explores some of the more common conditions brought to the attention of forest professionals by landowners and conservationists.
We can all identify with the feelings of concern when we suddenly see something different, amiss, or that we have not noticed before. Are these concerns warranted? Which are benign and which are signs of trouble? We examine common insects, holes in bark, blotches, fungi, bryophytes and other oddities, to help you identify various tree conditions. (Of course, since specific conditions vary in appearance and effect, we suggest that you always check with a professional if you have any concerns about your trees.)
*** Our 51st Annual Meeting (held at Rutgers University in March) was Sold Out! ***
For those on the waitlist who did not get a ticket, watch for announcements next year and register early. We had an amazing array of speakers and panelists, a Keynote Address from Paul Catanzaro of UMass Amherst, presentations by the NJ Forest Service and Forest Fire Service, a comprehensive legislative and regulatory report, and provided CEU credits for Urban & Community Forestry and NJ Board of Tree Experts, and CFE credits for Society of American Foresters.
Congratulations to this year’s Sal Vuocolo Award winner, Sharon Petzinger of NJ Fish & Wildlife.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of this event by Rutgers University/Rutgers Cooperative Extension, event sponsors Echo-USA (echo-usa.com) and Forestry Suppliers, the many donations received from our members, the forest community and our board and officers, the assistance of student volunteers from Rutgers University and Stockton University and the presence of many state and federal officials and collaborating conservation organizations.
Our 2026 Membership Drive (join/renew online or by mail) is now underway. Please click HERE to Join or Renew your membership today. With the constant stream of proposed regulations and legislation affecting forests and forest landowners, the support provided by your membership is more important than ever.
NJFA Addresses Farmland Evaluation Committee on Minimum Gross Revenue for Woodlands
On August 13, the State Farmland Evaluation Committee held its annual meeting to set farmland assessment values. This year, the committee also decided on changes to the minimum gross revenue for each of woodlands and agriculture. Before the legislature went on summer break, legislation was being proposed to raise the minimum gross revenue for woodlands to $1,500 and for agricultural lands to $3,000. The NJFA had strongly opposed that legislation, contacting many legislators to make them aware of the facts concerning woodlands. The NJFA also prepared and circulated a comprehensive white paper on Farmland Assessment of Woodlands in New Jersey.
NJFA Vice President Richard Kelsky addressed the committee regarding the proposed increase on woodlands, presenting the reasons why the current level should be continued. The committee decided to maintain the current minimum gross revenue for woodlands, and increase the minimum gross revenue for agricultural lands to $1,900. The tax year when the agricultural lands change becomes effective will depend upon when the regulations are formally amended.
The committee also unveiled its online portal (which is in development). Richard Kelsky and Steven Spencer (NJFA Treasurer) expressed concerns for those landowners lacking online skills and having inadequate internet service – suggesting that a file-by-paper option be continued. They also discussed forester-assisted filing, data security and privacy issues.
Board members Richard Kelsky and Steven Spencer attended the meeting in-person; board members Elmer Platz (President), Andrew Bennett and David Kientzler attended via Teams.
NJFA Testifies at Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee Hearing
In June, the NJFA was invited (thank you to Assemblyman Inganamort for the invitation) to present at this hearing to examine NJ’s approach to wildfire prevention and prescribed burning. Presentations were made by NJFA Vice President Richard Kelsky, NJFA Directors and NJ Approved Consulting Foresters Andrew Bennett and Vinh Lang, and Dr. Matthew Olson, Assistant Professor, Stockton University. Topics covered included the challenges of expanding and accessing burn programs, the struggles of forest management and regulatory issues, and strategies to expand prescribed burns to better protect New Jersey’s communities and ecosystems. Read more HERE . Listen to the hearing HERE.
Congratulations to John Parke, who received the NJFA’s 2025 Sal Vuocolo Award, which recognizes Passionate Devotion, Dedication and Contribution to the Enhancement and Sustainability of New Jersey’s Forests. The award was presented at our 50th Annual Meeting, on April 15th at Rutgers University.
2026 NJFA Membership Renewal/Join – Please Renew/Join Today
If you have not yet joined/renewed your membership for 2026, please do so right away. Thank you for your support! PLEASE Click HERE to Renew or Join.
Join or renew your NJFA membership for 2026 online by clicking HERE (if you prefer to join/renew by mail, you can find a link to the form below). Your being a member is essential in our work.
As we enter our fifty-first year, the NJFA is the leading resource for New Jersey’s forests and forest landowners. We advocate for all forests in our state by supporting responsible, sustainable use and science-based forest management, benefiting the forest ecosystem and all dependent communities. The NJFA is the only statewide organization that supports the interests of New Jersey’s forests and forest landowners.
We track, comment and report on legislation, regulations, actions and emerging matters affecting forests and forest ownership, stewardship, forest management, invasive species, insects and diseases, carbon sequestration and storage, farmland assessment, taxation, land use, hunting, recreation and outdoor activities, estate and legacy planning, preservation, and conservation, participate on advisory committees, conduct a broad range of outreach and educational programs, and actively work on behalf of private woodland owners.
The NJFA offers monthly online webinars, video libraries, training, meetings, field tours and newsletters. We collaborate with state and federal agencies, legislators, educational institutions, scientific authorities, conservation organizations, landowner organizations, outdoor and sporting groups, and forest professionals. We partner with other organizations such as the NJ State Forest Service, USDA/NRCS, SAF, Tree Farm, Rutgers, and other institutions, to bring programs and information to our membership and others interested in the future of New Jersey’s forests.
Prefer to renew/join by mail (with payment by check)? Click HERE for a printable form.
