Although the New Jersey Community Forestry Council was only officially established as an advisory group to the Governor as of December, 1996, the council and its accomplishments began more than a decade earlier.

In preparation of Urban Forestry Legislation proposed under the Farm Bill that eventually would pass in 1990, New Jersey's State Forester joined 12 additional states in forming the first volunteer community forestry committees. These ad-hoc groups were organized as early as 1988 to aid the State Forest Service in developing and implementing at the local level the US Forest Service's newly introduced Community Forestry Program.

Within the first year of its establishment, the Community Forestry Committee initiated a Community Tree Representative Program, which requested towns and cities statewide to designate a tree contact person to help keep their community up-to-date on the latest Community Forestry information and activities. The committee also created a comprehensive tree planting and proper management manual entitled the Planting and Care of Urban Trees. A copy of the manual was provided free of charge to each participating community that designated a contact person.

For the next five years, the Community Forestry Committee was busy playing an active role in evaluating and overseeing the very successful Small Business Tree Planting Program. More than three million dollars were awarded for tree planting efforts throughout the state. The committee also was instrumental in the passage of a Certified Tree Expert law upgrade, helping to further ensure the integrity and professionalism of shade tree organizations and their activities all across New Jersey.

While their accomplishments and successes have been many over the past 10 years, their greatest achievement was their role in helping to pass the New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act. In December, 1996, the New Jersey Community Forestry Committee became the first council in the nation to be established as an official advisory group to the Governor.

Today, the 20-member council appointed by the State Forester fulfills many duties and requirements of the Assistance Act, including oversight of local community forestry management plans and the Training Skills and Accreditation Program. The council also helps guide and provide leadership for the New Jersey Tree Foundation, Inc. This is a newly established nonprofit organized to promote, enhance and develop community forestry activities through grants, education and outreach.

The Community Forestry Council meets every second Thursday each month. Current information on the legislation and council activities is available through the New Jersey Forest Service.