Union Leaders Decry 'Illegal' Overhaul of US Forest Service Under Trump Administration
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, union officials have accused the Trump administration of pushing an "illegal" restructuring of the US Forest Service that could plunge the management of America's vast public lands into chaos. The sweeping overhaul, announced on March 30, includes the closure of all regional offices, the relocation of the agency's headquarters from Washington DC to Salt Lake City, Utah, and the consolidation of research facilities, sparking fierce backlash from workers and advocates.
Massive Scale of Changes Threatens Agency Stability
The US Forest Service oversees approximately 78 million hectares (193 million acres) of land, an area comparable in size to the state of Texas. Since Trump's return to power last year, the agency has already shed hundreds of staff members, and the latest plan aims to replace regional offices with 15 politically appointed "state directors." Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), which represents 20,000 Forest Service workers, condemned the moves as unlawful, citing fiscal year 2026 appropriations that prohibit funding for such relocations or reorganizations.
"Trump's moves are illegal because this kind of activity was explicitly prohibited in the budget," Lenkart asserted. "The Republican Congress is allowing the White House to break the law and violate the constitution without so much as a peep from our so-called freedom-seeking Republicans. They won't even uphold their own oaths to defend against tyranny."
Workforce Disruption and Public Land Risks
Randy Erwin, national president of the NFFE, slammed the restructuring as a disguised mass workforce disruption. "Uprooting careers and blowing up the structure they work within is not reform; it is chaos, and the American public and our public lands will pay the price," he warned. Steven Gutierrez, a former Forest Service firefighter and business representative, echoed these concerns, noting that employees feel pressured to "relocate or resign," with many facing moves from rural areas to cities, which could hinder critical fieldwork and research.
The agency's research efforts, focused on safety equipment, wood products, and fire safety, are at risk if experienced workers depart. Gutierrez emphasized, "You don't strengthen the Forest Service by pushing experienced public servants out the door. How much confidence can you have in keeping a job after being forced to move?"
Previous Cuts and Declining Performance
Under the second Trump administration, the Forest Service has already endured significant cuts. In February 2025, an attempt to fire 3,400 probationary employees was blocked by a court, but hundreds left through early retirements or buyouts, reducing the full-time workforce by over a quarter, including up to 1,400 wildfire-certified staff. An analysis revealed a 38% decline in wildfire mitigation work in 2025, and an internal report showed trail maintenance dropped by 22%, hitting its lowest level in 15 years.
Government Response and Justifications
In response to criticism, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins defended the restructuring, stating, "Establishing a western headquarters in Salt Lake City and streamlining the Forest Service's organization will position leaders closer to the landscapes we manage and the people who depend on them." A USDA spokesperson added that the changes aim to unify research priorities and reduce administrative duplication, though the total number of relocations remains unknown. The agency did not address allegations of illegality, leaving union leaders and workers in limbo as the overhaul progresses.
