A major reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service is prompting concern across the West, as the agency prepares to rely more heavily on states to help manage nearly 200 million acres of federal land.
The plan would move the Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, eliminate its nine regional offices, create 15 state-based director positions and close 57 research stations. State foresters and industry leaders say they have received few details but expect states to take on a larger role as the agency grapples with staffing shortages following workforce cuts under the Trump administration.
Supporters say the shift recognizes the growing importance of partnerships with states, tribes and local governments. Critics warn it could accelerate employee attrition, weaken scientific research and undermine federal land management, especially as wildfire season approaches amid drought and record heat.
Several states say they welcome deeper collaboration but are concerned about ongoing understaffing and uncertainty over authority under the new structure. Some forestry veterans also question the relocation of headquarters to Utah, citing the state’s opposition to federal land ownership.
The Forest Service says the reorganization will streamline decision-making and bring leadership closer to the forests, though skeptics fear long-term impacts to wildfire preparedness, research and conservation priorities.
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