New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry

In the state of New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry is part of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. It helps take care of New Jersey's public parks. This includes 42 state parks, 11 state forests, 3 recreation areas, and more than 50 historic sites and districts.

The Division also works to stop wildfires, manage forests, and teach people about taking care of the environment and nature. They grow trees to help keep forests healthy in both rural and urban areas.

New Jersey's parks, forests, and historic sites show the state's rich history and natural beauty. The Division looks after important places like old homes, landscapes, and battlefields where George Washington and the Continental Army spent much of the American Revolutionary War.

History

The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry has a long history of caring for the state's natural spaces. It began in 1905 when Governor Edward C. Stokes founded the Forest Park Reservation Commission. Over the years, it went through many changes in name and structure. By 1971, it became part of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and was named the Division of Parks and Forestry. Today, it continues to manage state parks, forests, and historic sites, ensuring they are protected and enjoyed by everyone.

Agencies

New Jersey State Park Service

See also: List of New Jersey state parks

The State Park Service started in 1923 to care for three state parks, with a small group of workers. Today, it looks after more than 40 special places such as state parks, forests, recreation areas, marinas, and historic sites.

New Jersey Forest Service

New Jersey Forest Fire Service

Started in 1906, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service works to keep people and nature safe from wildfires. It is the biggest firefighting team in New Jersey, with many full-time workers and thousands of trained volunteers ready to help. Its job is to protect lives, property, and natural areas from wildfires. The service looks after a big part of the state, including rural and suburban lands, as well as state parks and forests. In 2014, it helped put out many wildfires and also did careful, planned burns to keep forests healthy.

New Jersey Office of Natural Lands Management

New Jersey State Park Police

Historic Preservation Office