The Forest Service’s Major Overhaul: What It Means for Wisconsin and Beyond
In a bid to increase efficiency and cut costs, the U.S. Forest Service is undergoing a significant transformation. The agency is relocating its headquarters to Salt Lake City and closing nine regional offices, including the one in Milwaukee. This move is part of a broader strategy that will shift administrative and technical support to six operational service centers, with one in Madison, and appoint 15 state directors.
This restructuring has raised concerns among employees, particularly those represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees Local 2165. Brian Haas, the union’s president, highlighted that the changes predominantly impact employees in the Milwaukee area. Union estimates suggest that around 50 workers might be affected.
“The regional office actually already was hit a lot harder by people leaving, retiring, taking the different buyouts,” Haas remarked, emphasizing that the office is already understaffed.
As the Forest Service aims to streamline operations, employees have been informed they can remain with the agency if they are open to relocation or a change in job roles. This follows a reorganization announcement that prompted many to transfer or relocate, especially with the administration’s “return-to-office” directive.
Federal data indicates a decline in Forest Service employees in Wisconsin, dropping from 645 to 539 between fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This is part of a nationwide shift that includes moving around 260 Washington-based employees to Salt Lake City.
According to Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, the aim is to build a “nimble, efficient, effective” service that is closer to the communities it serves.
The Trump administration believes this will enhance forest management, save taxpayer dollars, and improve recruitment. However, Haas expressed concerns: “The official stance from the administration is that it is not a reduction in force, but the reality on the ground is that it is going to continue to drive people to leave the agency.”
Although the exact number of staff relocations beyond Washington is unknown, the USDA assures employees will receive details on timelines and support resources.
No Immediate Impact on Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Despite these sweeping changes, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) appears unaffected, with its 150 to 200 employees retaining their positions. Kaleigh Maze, a forest spokesperson, confirmed there will be no staffing changes, asserting the forest’s commitment to uninterrupted operations, including wildfire response.
However, Forest Service research facilities in 31 states will consolidate into a single organization in Colorado. While the Rhinelander and Madison research sites in Wisconsin will remain, Rhinelander employees might face relocation. As of 2023, Madison’s Forest Products Lab employed 80 scientists and 168 support staff.
Two other Wisconsin facilities, in Wisconsin Rapids and Prairie du Chien, are earmarked for closure, though questions remain about their inclusion in the reorganization.
The merger aims to quicken scientific application in forest management and cut redundancy. But concerns persist about the impact on ongoing research and the pressure on employees, as highlighted by former forest supervisor Paul Strong.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to centralize firefighting efforts under one agency, a move that would affect thousands if approved. Former U.S. Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck, who served during the Clinton era, supports streamlining but warns that restructuring could lead to staff losses and challenges in managing national forests.
“I think this will be a real wake-up call to what the real values of national forests are,” Dombeck commented, questioning the administration’s long-term objectives.
