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politics4h ago
Even Trump's allies worried about new admin shake-up causing staff walkouts
- Forest Service announces a large reorganization, moving headquarters to Salt Lake City and shifting authority toward state-level offices.
- Officials say the move aims to bring decision-making closer to forests but trail concerns about staffing shortages and implementation details.
- State foresters embrace closer collaboration but fear attrition as hundreds may relocate or shift duties amid staffing cuts.
- Critics warn the headquarters move could undermine federal land management, with some calling it a step toward weakening federal oversight.
- Agency argues the restructure will reduce bureaucracy and bring forest decisions to the local level.
- Officials emphasize partnerships with states, tribes, and nonprofits as a key tool for managing federal lands.
- Some observers fear the changes will trigger more staff attrition during a critical wildfire season.
- The forest service’s West-centric reorganization follows Trump-era workforce reductions and budget pressures.
- Some argue the move could centralize control away from federal lands in states with hostile attitudes toward ownership.
- Supporters say placing leaders closer to forests will improve coordination on timber, wildfire, and habitat issues.
- The agency says the plan responds to a need for state-led management to meet multiple-use mandates on federal lands.
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