The future of the U.S. Forest Service's research division hangs in the balance, and the proposed reorganization could deal a devastating blow to the agency's scientific legacy. This is a story about the potential loss of invaluable research, the disruption of long-term ecological studies, and the impact on communities and the environment.
The Forest Service's Research Network
The Forest Service boasts the world's largest forestry research network, with over 1,000 employees working across the country. These researchers are based in various facilities, from greenhouses and laboratories in urban areas to cabins near the vast national forests and grasslands under the agency's management. Their work covers a wide range of projects, from restoring native trees in Hawaii to learning how to prevent wildfires in Montana.
Proposed Reorganization and Budget Cuts
On March 31, the Forest Service announced a reorganization that includes closing research facilities, such as the one in Baltimore. This announcement was followed by President Trump's 2027 budget proposal, which allocated $0 for Forest Service research, a significant decrease from the $309 million allocated in 2026. More than 100 facilities are now being evaluated for potential closure.
Forest Service Chief Schulz justified these changes by citing the need for "fiscal responsibility" and bringing employees closer to the land they manage. However, the proposed relocation of the agency's headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, along with the closure of all regional offices, raises concerns about the impact on research and local partnerships.
The Cost of Research Facilities
Documents obtained by NPR reveal that many of the Forest Service's research facilities are already cost-effective. The government owns most of the buildings, and some leases cost the agency less than $1 in rent annually. For example, the lease for a 30,000-acre lot in Hilo, Hawaii, signed in 2002, required a one-time fee of just $1 for a 65-year term.
In contrast, the proposed relocation site in Fort Collins, Colorado, would cost the Forest Service $1 million a year in rent. This discrepancy suggests that the agency's decision-making process may have been flawed, prioritizing locations for relocation without considering the existing assets and causing unnecessary panic among staff.
Impact on Research and Local Communities
Scientists working in the affected facilities emphasize the importance of their research being hyperlocal and unique to specific landscapes. Moving to a new location would disrupt their work and stop ongoing studies. For instance, Dr. Morgan Grove, who supported the wood recycling facility Camp Small in Baltimore, highlights the importance of local relationships and the convener role played by the Forest Service.
"If you're trying to convene from Denver or Salt Lake City, they no longer see you as being part of their community," Grove said. This sentiment is shared by other researchers, who believe that the proposed changes would result in the loss of irreplaceable data sets and vital information.
Potential Consequences and Union Opposition
The union representing Forest Service employees argues that the proposed reorganization violates a law requiring advance notification and approval by House and Senate appropriations committees. They are currently negotiating with Forest Service leadership, but employees fear that the reorganization, if carried out, will lead to the collapse of the system and a loss of critical information for keeping national forests healthy and protecting communities from wildfires.
Researchers like Hessburg, who has worked in forestry for 40 years, express concern about the long-term damage these cuts could cause to public lands. "If you eliminate the largest [forestry] research organization in the world, it has impacts," he said.
This story highlights the potential consequences of budget cuts and reorganization on scientific research, local communities, and the environment. It raises questions about the value of long-term ecological studies and the role of the Forest Service in convening and supporting local interests. The future of this research network hangs in the balance, and the impact could be felt for decades to come.
