Forest Service reorganization under Trump draws staff concern

The Forest Service announced a reorganization on March 31 that will move its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, replace nine regional offices with 15 state directors and close dozens of research stations; officials say the plan could affect thousands of employees amid existing workforce shortages.

The U.S. Forest Service announced a broad reorganization on March 31 that shifts its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City and replaces nine regional offices with 15 state-based directors. The plan also includes the closure of dozens of research stations and will involve relocations affecting many employees. State officials, timber leaders and long-serving Forest Service staff say they have been given limited details and are concerned about continued workforce losses. This proposal comes after the agency lost roughly 16% of its workforce under the Trump administration. Key facts: - The announcement moves Forest Service leadership to Salt Lake City and restructures regional oversight into state directors. - The plan includes closing 57 research stations and is expected to affect about 5,000 employees through relocations. - The agency has lost about 16% of its workforce (roughly 5,900 employees) in recent years, according to the reporting. - Observers noted the agency is required to seek congressional approval to relocate offices, which could lead to legal or legislative review. Summary: Officials describe the reorganization as a move to bring decision-making closer to the forest level and to rely more on state partnerships, while many partners and agency veterans report uncertainty about staffing and scientific capacity. Undetermined at this time.