U.S. Forest Service Announces Major Overhaul, Closing Numerous Research Stations
The U.S. Forest Service is set to undertake a significant reorganization, which will result in the closure of 23 research and development stations across more than a dozen states. This move aims to reduce costs and refocus efforts in the Western states, according to insights shared by agency officials on Thursday.
In a strategic decision that leaves the Flagstaff Forestry Sciences Laboratory untouched, the agency plans to continue its research activities at alternative locations, confirmed Forest Service Associate Chief Chris French. Initially, 41 additional facilities faced potential closure, but they will remain operational following concerns raised by local officials and Congress since the reorganization announcement in March.
“Our primary goal was to get our facilities costs under control,” French stated to The Associated Press. He emphasized that “We’re not closing any ongoing science activities. We’re not closing any of the experimental forests that are important to our researchers.”
The scope of research conducted by forest service personnel includes studies on topics such as invasive species, water resource protection, and the impact of climate change on wildfires. Bill Avey of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees noted that while some consolidation opportunities exist, the current leadership, including Chief Tom Schultz, should more actively advocate for the importance of forest research.
“He should be doing a much better job of pushing back and justifying and explaining some of the research work,” Avey commented. He attributed the retention of 41 facilities to the advocacy efforts of his group and others.
Despite the closures, the 95 employees working at the affected research stations will be reassigned within their local commuting areas, according to Forest Service Communications Director Chad Douglas. The restructuring, along with the planned closure of regional offices in Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Portland, is projected to save approximately $16 million.
Additionally, the agency’s headquarters will relocate from Washington to Salt Lake City. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins indicated that this move, anticipated to conclude by next summer, is designed to bring leaders closer to the landscapes they manage and the communities reliant on them.
Although the reorganization aims to enhance operational efficiency, conservation groups have voiced concerns that the changes might limit forest access and pose risks to wildlife habitats and the quality of air and water.
The Forest Service has experienced a workforce reduction of about 15% during President Trump’s second term, losing roughly 6,000 employees. These changes are part of broader cuts within agencies managing the country’s natural resources. During Trump’s first term, the Bureau of Land Management was relocated to Colorado for similar reasons, but the decision was reversed by former President Joe Biden’s administration, which moved the headquarters back to Washington after two years.
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