Creating Healthy Forests in the Catskills since 1982

The Catskill Forest Association was incorporated in Arkville, New York, on November 17, 1982. The Association was formed for the purpose of promoting knowledge and understanding of forest ecology and economics; to promote long-term forest management; to educate the public and enhance the economy of the Catskill region; to demonstrate economically feasible and environmentally sound forest practices: to serve as a source of information about forest management; to serve private landowner rights; and to identify and manage private forest lands dedicated to the demonstration and practices of high standards of forestry. The Association receives the majority of its operating funds through private grants, workshops, membership dues and contributions.

Covering a six-county region in Central New York State, the Catskill Forest Association works to protect the health and well being of the forests in our region, which benefits the trees, of course, but all of the flora, fauna, and families living and vacationing here, too.

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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.
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John MacNaught
Forest Program Manager
John began working for The Catskill Forest Association as its summer intern during the summers of 2013 and 2014. He was hired full-time in May of 2015 as a Wildlife Specialist. John now works as CFA’s Forest Program Manager, developing, managing, and implementing CFA’s programs, events, and content. John completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management (Wildlife Concentration) and a second Bachelor of Science degree in General Biology in May of 2015 from Paul Smith’s College. He also received a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Zane Lawyer
Education Arborist
Zane was hired full-time June 2020 as a Forest Program Technician. He assists the Forest Program Manager to develop, coordinate, and implement CFA’s programs and services. Zane also helps in the development and creation of field and 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.
Zahra Bellucci
Education Forester
Zahra joined the Catskill Forest Association team as Education Forester in the spring of 2022. She is originally from Rochester, NY but has spent several years living in the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions working in sustainable agriculture. She assists with CFA’s field programs, provides consultations, contributes articles to the CFA News, and works to develop the forestry education services & content offered by CFA to members and the local community. Zahra received her Associate of Applied Science in Forest Technology in May of 2022 from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Ranger School.
Kathy Fox
Financial Manager
Kathy joined the CFA team in December of 2015 as our Office Manager. She now works as the Financial Manager and performs the administrative duties for CFA’s Director of Forest Services, Board of Directors, and Staff. Kathy brings a vast array of professional skills with her to CFA. She is the friendly voice on the other end of the telephone line when you call! She can facilitate your registration for upcoming events, point you in the right direction if you have a land-management question, or assist you if you simply need additional information regarding the many programs and services CFA has to offer.