Is the Forest saved? Not quite.

By Judy Kroll and Lydia Chambers

“Congratulations on saving the Forest!”

“Great news on the Forest. Now you can relax.”

“You must be so relieved. Great work!”

Friends of the Drew Forest has received messages like these over the past two months from well-wishers who support our journey to preserve the beloved Drew Forest. 

We wish we could relax.

In November 2024, the Borough of Madison and Drew University published a joint announcement stating that a non-binding term sheet had been signed as a first step in securing the Forest’s future as an environmental, educational, and recreational resource, and that additional, non-forested university land would be sold for development. This was an important first milestone.

But a term sheet is not a contract. Ironing out the contract details remains unfinished, and the Forest has yet to be secured.

So, while there is still uncertainty, there is also good reason to remain optimistic.

• Borough officials and University leaders are working diligently to finalize a contract and we applaud their continued efforts. 

• A significant portion of the funding for the Forest purchase has been raised from county, federal and state sources. These grants have expiry dates which is motivation for parties to reach an agreement before the grants expire.

• There is strong regional support to preserve the entire Forest – residents from all over Morris county and officials of eight surrounding towns have voiced support.

• Drew students and alumni have shown up for the Forest at key meetings and court proceedings.

• Over 15,000 petition signers, dozens of local & national environmental organizations, and local, state & national elected officials are behind us. 

Friends of the Drew Forest encourage all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment to this invaluable natural resource. Together, we can ensure that the Drew Forest continues to thrive as an irreplaceable part of our shared environment and heritage.