During the early years of its existence, the AFA relied on annual reports, occasional bulletins, and the general press for the publication of information about forestry. In 1897 it was incorporated, and it took over from the New Jersey Forestry Association the publication of the periodical "The Forester", changing the title later to "Forestry and Irrigation", then "Conservation", and, finally, "American Forests". By 1920, the AFA had about 10,000 members, and was active and influential in educating public sentiment and in shaping forestry legislation.