Forest Service Shutters Two Dozen Research Facilities in Reorganization
The U.S. Forest Service announced it will close 23 research sites with minimal staffing as part of a broader consolidation. The agency says the closures will not require layoffs and will save $8.8 million annually in lease costs and over $8 million in deferred maintenance. The move follows the relocation of its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City.
The closures follow a systematic review of 64 research facilities, with the agency determining that the 23 selected sites had minimal staffing levels. Employees assigned to these locations will be relocated to nearby facilities where they can commute, preserving the workforce without forced layoffs.
The reorganization extends beyond research sites. The Forest Service previously announced its headquarters would relocate from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, transferring 260 positions. Combined, these moves reflect a broader effort to reduce physical infrastructure costs while maintaining research capacity.
The consolidation could affect rural communities where Forest Service research stations serve as local employers and scientific anchors. Researchers may face longer commutes or reduced on-site resources, potentially slowing field studies. The savings, however, could redirect funds toward active research programs. Communities