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Tom Schultz Becomes 21st U.S. Forest Service Chief

2/28/2025

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Summary

Schultz Leads Forest Service

Tom Schultz steps into the role of the 21st chief of the U.S. Forest Service, taking the reins from Randy Moore after his remarkable 40-year tenure. With a wealth of land management expertise, Schultz is set to champion the health of 154 national forests and 20 grasslands, prioritizing outdoor recreation and wildfire suppression across 43 states.

Summary

Forest Service Struggles

The U.S. Forest Service grapples with the fallout from mass layoffs under the Trump administration, jeopardizing its wildfire management and forest upkeep. With thousands of employees gone, experts raise alarms about worsening conditions on federal lands, posing threats to public safety and environmental health as summer visitation surges.

History

Historical Context

Tom Schultz becomes the 21st chief of the U.S. Forest Service, succeeding Randy Moore. Historical policies have shaped the agency's wildfire management, notably the shift from aggressive fire suppression to recognizing fire's ecological role since the 1960s. This change aims to address the increased wildfire risks linked to climate change and past practices, echoing earlier conservation movements that prioritized forest health and public safety.

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Schultz Leads Forest Service

Tom Schultz steps into the role of the 21st chief of the U.S. Forest Service, taking the reins from Randy Moore after his remarkable 40-year tenure. With a wealth of land management expertise, Schultz is set to champion the health of 154 national forests and 20 grasslands, prioritizing outdoor recreation and wildfire suppression across 43 states.

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