In brief
President Donald Trump's administration plans to relocate the U.S. Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City by 2027, closing facilities in 31 states and focusing resources in the Western U.S. Advocates, including environmental groups, express concerns over the impact on forest management and access to public lands amid ongoing challenges like wildfires and climate change.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration will relocate the U.S. Forest Service headquarters from the nation's capital to Salt Lake City as part of an organizational overhaul that includes closing research facilities in 31 states and concentrating resources in the West, the agency announced Tuesday. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted that bringing leaders closer to the landscapes they manage will enhance effective stewardship and management on the ground. Current estimates suggest that nearly 90% of National Forest System land is located in the West, although Utah ranks 11th for national forest coverage.During his first term, Trump relocated the Bureau of Land Management to Colorado for similar reasons, but the Biden administration reversed this decision after two years. The USDA has been working to streamline operations by moving thousands of employees from Washington and eliminating management layers. With this transition to Utah, approximately 260 positions currently in Washington will be moved, while 130 will remain in the capital.Utah Governor Spencer Cox celebrated the move as a victory, however, environmental advocates warn it might dismantle the agency's ability to effectively manage public lands. Experts fear this shift could lead to less access to national forests and increased threats to wildlife habitats and water resources, especially amidst worsening wildfire conditions. U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández expressed concern over the timing of the reorganization given the current climate challenges in the Mountain West but remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for improved local responsiveness.As changes continue, the Forest Service has yet to clarify the impact on regional office staffing and whether layoffs will occur. As the situation develops, Congress remains engaged in reviewing the implications of this significant administrative shift.
