The mission of the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is to promote sustainable forestry practices and improved stewardship on privately owned woodlands in New York State. NYFOA is a not-for-profit group of people who care about NYS trees and forests and are interested in the thoughtful management of private forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

Through local chapter and statewide activities such as woods walks and tours, the bi-monthly New York Forest Owner magazine, and affiliation with other organizations with similar objectives, NYFOA helps woodland owners to achieve their management objectives for their properties and encourages the appreciation of the qualities and importance of New York’s forests.

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NYFOA 2012 Highlights
Read here about all the great things done in 2012!

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(Jim Minor, Ron Pedersen and Peter Smallidge)

Congratulations to Ron Pedersen
2012 Heiberg Award Winner!

Presenter Peter Smallidge's speech at the March 2013 Annual Membership Meeting had this to say about Ron...

"The 2013 50th Anniversary recipient of the NY Forest Owners Association is a surprise.  A surprise at two levels.    First, it was a surprise to those of us on the nominations committee because when we realized the recipient had not been recognized, we were stunned.  Our surprise is because, as you will see in the comments that follow, the merits of the man (and with great support and involvement of his wife), would suggest he was long since charted in the Heiberg Memorial Award history. Because the recipient serves as a current member of the nominations committee, it was no small effort, over several years, to divert his attention long enough to plug him into the que.  Second, this is a surprise to the recipient because I’m guessing he just figured we fooled him.

Ron Pedersen’s foray into forest management began in the mid-1940’s when he joined his father and brothers on the recently purchased family farm and woodlot. During the early years Ron and his family spent countless hours planting a variety of conifers on numerous rainy cold spring days.  That experience fostered a love of the stewardship of the land and forests that has persisted to this day.  And like all true love, it has involved sacrifice but has also borne fruit.

As those tree seedlings grew taller, Ron’s life took him into service to our country and service with the state.  In NY, Ron’s duties were several, and exposed him to the workings of government that have resulted in great benefits for NYFOA and forestry in NY.  Through the years, Ron remained connected to the family woodlot, watching the trees grow and mature.  In 1963, Ron and Peggy Pedersen were charter members of the fledgling organization “The New York Forest Owners Association.”  In the early years Peggy served on the board and in leadership roles, while Ron’s leadership involvement began in the 1990’s.  I suspect that Ron’s increasing involvement in NYFOA began about the time he retired, which he duly noted with a 40HP 4WD tractor and Farmi winch…some people get a recliner when they retire.

For me personally, I can’t think of Ron and not think of NYFOA and vice versa.  This extends more fully to private woodlands of NY and Ron’s involvement.  Ron has and continues to serve in numerous roles in NYFOA and related organizations, all of which directly speak to his commitment to service and support for forestry in NY.  Beyond serving in these roles, he has and continues to produce numerous pivotal products.  Ron’s roles have included, (but please note this isn’t a comprehensive list): president and vice president of NYFOA, president and secretary of NY Woodland Stewards, NY Tree Farmer of the Year, NYFOA liaison to Tree Farm, a charter or nearly charter volunteer with the Master Forest Owner volunteer program, member of the ForestConnect advisory committee, member of the CU CALS Dean’s advisory council, a research cooperator for both SUNY ESF and Cornell University, and one of only 5 people in NY to be recognized as an honorary member of the Society of American Foresters.

When Ron isn’t busy working in these various roles as a leader, he is busy getting things done…the list is long, but a few highlights include:

• Ron worked with Hugh Canham of SUNY ESF to develop a slide show to raise awareness of the impacts associated with timber theft.  This educational campaign carried over to the Joint Legislative Commission on Rural Resources to inform their statewide hearings on the issue.   Ultimately, NY passed laws that more fully protect the timber resources on private woodlands.
• Ron was instrumental in the efforts to define and establish the first paid executive director for NYFOA, Dan Palm.  The process took several years, but under Ron’s leadership as president NYFOA took the step that resulted in professional and capable staff that brought NYFOA to a new level. 
• In part because of the NYFOA executive director era that Ron shepherded, the organization was in a position to seize the opportunity created by Ron to work more closely with DEC in the implementation of the 2003 Farm Bill.  In this capacity, NYFOA served as the financial partner to disburse cost-share payments to forest owners throughout NY.
• Ron continues to work tirelessly as the VP, a member of the executive committee, the Farm Show committee, and on assorted other committees both formal and ad hoc for the benefit of NY’s private forest owners and to ensure the success of NYFOA and NY forestry."

Congratulations and many thanks to Ron!