Forest Service Reorganization Plan Draws Concerns from Democrats

Senate Democrats raised concerns about the US Forest Service’s reorganization plan during a hearing with agency chief Tom Schultz on Tuesday.

The Agriculture Department earlier this year announced it was moving the agency’s headquarters from Washington to Salt Lake City, reorganizing it under 15 state-based leaders, and closing dozens of research stations. The proposed move has drawn scrutiny from Democrats, who are worried it will negatively impact staffing numbers and critical programs.

During the hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) acknowledged the Forest Service had been plagued by “inefficiencies” and that Congress needed to provide it ...