In the year 1995, the State Government accorded sanction for establishment of SFRI as Society, duly registered by Registrar of Societies, J & K Government, under Societies Registration Act. VI of 1941 for advance studies and research.

The Board of Governors was Constituted vide G.O. No 38-FST of 2007 Dated 29.01.2007 to be chaired by Hon'ble Minister for Forests J&K as Chairman of Board Of Governors with the following members.

• DG/ MoEF Member
• VC-SKUAST J / K Member
• PCCF, J&K Member
• Commissioner Secretary Forest Member
• Director HFRI Member
• Director Social Forestry Member
• Director Wildlife, J&K Member
• Director JK FRI Member Secretary