The US Forest Service is undergoing a major reorganization, with a new state-based model that will bring the agency closer to the people it serves, according to Chief Tom Schultz. The reorganization will dissolve regional offices and create 15 new state director jobs, with Wyoming’s office coming to Cheyenne.

Background

The reorganization has been in the works for nearly two decades, with the concept of a state-focused system being discussed since 2008. The Trump administration’s pick to lead the Forest Service, Tom Schultz, has been a key proponent of the change, which aims to concentrate resources and decision-making in the states and communities where national forestland is located.

Schultz, a former Idaho Department of Lands director, has said that the reorganization will empower folks closest to the ground, such as district rangers, to make decisions. The new state directors will be hired into career positions and will not be political appointees, according to Schultz.

Reaction

The reorganization has been met with criticism from some, including retired Forest Service employees, who have expressed concerns about the potential for increased politicization of the agency. Bill Avey, chair of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees, has said that the new structure will lead to the Forest Service becoming beholden to state politics.

However, Schultz has argued that the reorganization will bring the Forest Service closer to the people it serves and will promote coordination on forest and rangeland management, recreational use, and wildfire mitigation and response.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.