About Catskill Forest Association - Catskill Forest Association

Creating Healthy Forests in the Catskills since 1982

Mission Statement:

To connect people to woodlands by providing conservation-based forestry education and services to privately-owned forest ecosystems.

Vision Statement:

To improve the overall health of the Catskill forests through the expansion of educational offerings and innovative services in forest health, wildlife, timber, arboriculture, and recreation, and by establishing the Catskill Forest Association (CFA) as the primary educational and service-based resource for private forest stewards in the Catskill Region.

Growing Benefits From Trees

Just as gardens flourish from regular upkeep, forests benefit, too, from being thinned out. Careful trimming, pruning, and clearing of overcrowded woods, gives trees the sunlight they need to grow healthy and strong. It’s also important to know when it’s time to start forests over by making very intensive harvests. The Catskill Forest Association helps landowners learn how to renew and regenerate forests to “grow benefits,” meaning healthier environments, more diverse habitats for critters, prettier open spaces, and better filters for water and air impurities, such as carbon.

It’s our responsibility to steward the land for future generations—of humans and critters, alike. If you want to help the Catskill Forest Association in this effort, please contact us.

To receive a copy of our most current financial statement (Form 990), please send your request to CFA at [email protected].

Our Team

Ryan Trapani

Director of Forest Services

Ryan was hired as CFA’s Director of Forest Services in March 2017. Ryan had been Education Forester at CFA for the previous ten years. In addition to his duties as Director of Forest Services, he also oversees the day-to-day activities at CFA. He is involved in the creation, administration, and marketing of the Catskill Forest Association’s programs and events. Ryan researches forest-related topics and writes articles for publications such as The Shawangunk Journal, Kaatskill Life, Catskill Mountain News, The Walton Reporter, and CFA News. In addition, he handles the broadcast of CFA’s radio show “From The Forest” on WIOX Roxbury 91.3 FM.

Ryan earned his Associate Degree in Applied Science in Forest Technology from the New York State Ranger School and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Resources Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry in Syracuse, NY. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in June of 1999 and received an honorable discharge in 2005. Prior to being hired by Catskill Forest Association in 2007, Ryan worked at the DEC, the US Forest Service, and Frost Valley YMCA.

Zane Lawyer

Forest Program Manager

Zane was hired full-time June 2020 as a Forest Program Technician. He later changed roles as the Education Arborist. He became the Forest Program Manager in December of 2024 where he oversees, develops, and carries out CFA’s Programs & Services. Zane also helps in the development and creation of written content for CFA programs, events, and newsletter. Zane is an ISA Certified Arborist and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Health with minors in Applied Statistics and Environmental Writing and Philosophy in May of 2016 from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Giovanna D’Angelo

Education Forester

Giovanna was hired full-time as CFA’s Education Forester in December 2024. She earned her Associates of Applied Science in Environmental and Natural Resources from The New York State Ranger School of SUNY ESF in May 2024. She assists in the development, implementation, and marketing of CFA’s programs and events. She additionally creates written content for the CFA newsletter and weekly email blast. She strives to foster reconnection with our lands through education of the public to promote land stewardship.

Jen Betz

Forest Process Efficiency Coordinator

Jen was on our board of directors in 2025 and then transitioned in August of 2025 to staff as our Forest Tech and now is our FPEC. She holds a hybrid position responsible for our Legacy Tree Program, field support, and optimizing our forest management and business systems to enhance productivity and streamline work processes. She has an AAS degree in Park and Rec Mgmt. from SUNY Delhi, and a BA in business administration, and Lean/Six Sigma and Project Mgmt. certs from SNHU and Villanova University. She has over 20 years’ customer service and business process knowledge and is a lifelong resident of the Catskill Mountains. When not working Jen enjoys gardening, hiking, hunting and anything outdoors, spending time on her family farm.

Erik Heidenfelder

Forest Technician

Erik was hired as the CFA’s Forest Technician in January of 2026. Erik holds a bachelor’s degree in forest resource management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His background includes industrial and consulting forestry, as well as arboriculture and forest tree nursery production. Erik will assist in the CFA’s field and educational services. In his time away from work, he enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling.

Cindy Buerge

Office Manager

Cindy was hired in January of 2025 to serve as our Administrative Assistant. She is currently handling our membership services as well, and was promoted to Office Manager in December of 2025. Cindy is a lifelong resident of the Catskill Mountains and graduated from Roxbury Central School in 2003. Cindy brings over 20 years of customer service and member relations experience to the team.