The U.S. Forest Service is preparing to reduce its workforce by as many as 7,000 employees in the coming months through forced reductions and early retirements. This move follows the recent termination of approximately 3,400 probationary employees and aims to decentralize decision-making from Washington to local offices.
Prior to these reductions, the Forest Service employed around 30,000 individuals. The anticipated cuts could significantly affect various missions, including research initiatives that promote healthier forests. One employee expressed concern over the agency’s vulnerability to POLITICO’s E&E News, stating, “We are sheep headed to slaughter when it comes to our innocence compared to other agencies.”
These layoffs are part of a broader federal workforce reduction under the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. The initiative seeks to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget by eliminating numerous agencies and terminating many employees, particularly those in probationary periods.
The reductions have raised concerns about the agency’s capacity to manage public lands effectively. The loss of experienced personnel could hinder the Forest Service’s ability to perform essential functions, such as wildfire prevention, trail maintenance, and environmental conservation efforts.
As the Forest Service braces for these substantial layoffs, the long-term implications for forest management and public land stewardship remain uncertain. The agency’s efforts to adapt to a reduced workforce will be closely monitored in the coming months.