A sweeping restructuring of the U.S. Forest Service is underway, prompting concerns from union leaders who warn that public lands “will pay the price.” The overhaul, announced on March 30, involves closing all regional offices and relocating the agency’s headquarters from Washington D.C. To Salt Lake City, Utah.
Significant Changes to Forest Service Structure
The plan as well consolidates 57 research facilities into a single site in Colorado and replaces the existing regional structure with 15 politically appointed “state directors.” The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), which represents 20,000 Forest Service workers, alleges the moves are illegal, citing a section of the fiscal year 2026 budget that prohibits funding for relocations or reorganizations.
The USDA, which oversees the Forest Service, and the Forest Service itself, did not respond to questions regarding the legality of the restructuring. Randy Erwin, national president of the NFFE, stated the administration “cannot dress up a mass workforce disruption as commonsense management,” arguing it will create “chaos” and harm public lands.
The restructuring follows a period of staffing challenges for the agency. In February 2025, the Forest Service attempted to fire 3,400 probationary employees, though a court decision temporarily reinstated them. Only a few dozen were fired, but hundreds of employees left through early retirement or buyouts, resulting in a loss of over a quarter of the agency’s full-time workforce, including as many as 1,400 wildfire-certified employees.
According to Steven Gutierrez, a former US Forest Service firefighter and business representative at the NFFE, the plan feels like a directive to employees to “relocate or resign.” He expressed concern that experienced personnel may be forced to depart, jeopardizing ongoing research into areas like wildfire safety, wood product improvement, and safety equipment.
The USDA stated the changes are intended to “unify research priorities, accelerate the application of science to management decisions and reduce administrative duplication.” The total number of employee relocations remains unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scope of the Forest Service restructuring?
The restructuring includes closing all regional offices, relocating the agency’s headquarters to Salt Lake City, consolidating 57 research facilities, and establishing 15 politically appointed “state directors.”
Is the restructuring facing legal challenges?
The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) argues the restructuring violates a section of the fiscal year 2026 budget that prohibits funding for relocations or reorganizations.
What impact could the restructuring have on the Forest Service workforce?
Union leaders fear the restructuring will force employees to relocate or resign, potentially leading to a loss of experienced personnel and disruption of ongoing research.
As the Forest Service undergoes these significant changes, will the agency be able to maintain its effectiveness in managing and protecting America’s public lands?
