The Dismantling of the Forest Service
4 hours ago
- #Conservation
- #Forest Service
- #Public Lands
- The Landline newsletter covers land, water, wildlife, climate, and conservation in the Western U.S.
- In the 1880s, large cattle companies overgrazed Western lands, leading to environmental degradation and conflicts.
- The Forest Reserve Act of 1891 and the creation of the Forest Service in 1905 marked early conservation efforts.
- The Trump administration seeks to shift the Forest Service's focus toward resource extraction and reduce its regulatory role.
- Proposals include relocating USDA employees, eliminating regional offices, and increasing timber production.
- Emergency declarations are being used to bypass environmental protections for logging and other activities.
- Budget cuts and staff reductions threaten the Forest Service's ability to manage forests and fight wildfires.
- The administration's changes could fundamentally alter the agency's mission and effectiveness.