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U.S. Forest Service Closes 57 Research Offices, Sparks Concerns

4/11/2026

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Forest Service Restructuring

The U.S. Forest Service's reorganization plan, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, will close 57 of its 77 research offices, including several in California.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials say local operations will remain unaffected.
Researchers warn reduced capacity could hinder wildfire science and risk assessment.
Cal Fire officials say firefighting operations will not be immediately impacted, but preparations for the upcoming fire season remain critical.

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Trump Restructures Forest Service

U.S. President Donald Trump leads a plan to restructure the U.S. Forest Service by closing regional offices and relocating headquarters to Salt Lake City, affecting hundreds of employees.
Critics say the move would violate fiscal year 2026 budget restrictions and force staff to choose between relocation or resignation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defends the changes as improving operations and aligning research, though total relocations remain unclear.

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Forest Service Restructuring

The U.S. Forest Service's reorganization plan, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, will close 57 of its 77 research offices, including several in California.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials say local operations will remain unaffected.
Researchers warn reduced capacity could hinder wildfire science and risk assessment.
Cal Fire officials say firefighting operations will not be immediately impacted, but preparations for the upcoming fire season remain critical.

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