Forest Service Reorg - Progress or Politics

[Laszlo Cravensworth]

Closing a ton of research and development centers:

Forest Service Reorganization | US Forest Service

As part of the USDA reorganization plan, the Forest Service is realigning its organizational structure to strengthen local leadership, streamline operations, and improve mission delivery. The changes include moving headquarters to Salt Lake City, transitioning to a state-based leadership model...

www.fs.usda.gov

Moving regional management to political appointee state directors.

Sarcasm font: If there's one thing citizens of western states love it's their capital cities.

 

[44hunter45]

When I carried a tool bag and essentially lived out of a van down by the river. (A company van driving tech vendor for USFS. ) I had a dream job traveling to the remote SO and RS to service IT. It often meant a 4 hour plus drive one way and fishing my way back home. It took me to very many of the coolest USFS facilities in the Northern Rockies.

My point is that life is gone. It has been diminishing for years, but now it is truly dead. We saw it with the consolidation of NCRS and FSA offices over the years also. This is not just a government problem. It impacts all sorts of service vendors as well. As the service base erodes, they simply cannot afford to play.

 

[GigiBobert]

Between Mike Lee and Utah Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (Cliven Bundy's niece, really!) running the public lands in Utah, we may be headed up shiite creek. Maybe Lee will push Kid Rock for director of the FS state office. He would be required to wear different underwear though! On second thought, Jason Chaffetz may be interested in the job.

 

[quarterhorse]

The move is politics at best. The worst may be helping to achieve an agenda item for those wishing to dismantle the agency.

The DC staff is there to interact with Congress, interpret direction that comes from congress, and align the troops with that direction. They don't go anywhere near the land and wouldn't know a tree if it fell on them. Their job is to work in the DC swamp and try to lead the agency.

I foresee fat travel budgets so they can go between SLC and DC.

 

[Dougfirtree]

Closing a ton of research and development centers:

Forest Service Reorganization | US Forest Service

As part of the USDA reorganization plan, the Forest Service is realigning its organizational structure to strengthen local leadership, streamline operations, and improve mission delivery. The changes include moving headquarters to Salt Lake City, transitioning to a state-based leadership model...

www.fs.usda.gov

Moving regional management to political appointee state directors.

Sarcasm font: If there's one thing citizens of western states love it's their capital cities.

Do we know anything about how state directors will be appointed? Seems like this could be one of the key mechanisms to do a lot of damage..

 

[44hunter45]

Between Mike Lee and Utah Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (Cliven Bundy's niece, really!) running the public lands in Utah, we may be headed up shiite creek. Maybe Lee will push Kid Rock for director of the FS state office. He would be required to wear different underwear though! On second thought, Jason Chaffetz may be interested in the job.

Well that explains her crazy attempt to steal water last year.

 

[Bonasababy]

I received the below today. A member I know summed up what I think most feel--Baker was being respectful and tactful but employees see nothing good coming out of this.

View this email in your browser ​

The USDA Forest Service announced it will relocate its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah. The agency will also begin a comprehensive restructuring. As an organization, the Society of American Foresters recognizes the significant impact of the restructuring on the sector and federal employees. During this challenging time, SAF remains dedicated to offering you stability in the forestry and natural resources community. SAF recognizes and honors the cumulative years of service our members have contributed to the health and sustainability of our nation’s forests. Your dedication, passion, and expertise in advancing the forestry and natural resources sector are invaluable. Everyone at SAF reaffirms our commitment to all forestry and natural resource professionals affected by these changes, both federal and non-federal. SAF’s CEO, Terry Baker, shares this message: “Change of this scale will inevitably reshape how the Forest Service operates and how forestry professionals engage in their work. As an organization built on supporting professionals and providing resources in this space, we take this news as a challenge to strengthen community, and an opportunity to support those who may be feeling a loss of connection. Like many others, I entered federal service for the resources, sense of service, and stability. The longer I stayed, the more I knew I was there for the people. At its core, this transition is about people, dedicated public servants whose careers, families, and communities may be deeply affected by these changes. For many, this announcement builds upon changes that federal employees have already been experiencing. We recognize the weight of this moment and honor the decades of service our members have given to stewarding the nation’s forests. I and SAF are committed to maintaining connection and community to support the transitions ahead.” At this time, we do not yet know the true extent of the reorganization’s impacts. However, we do know it may require tough decisions for families and careers. In these times of change, our connections with colleagues and friends are of the utmost importance. SAF offers resources to support career transitions, including credentialing, professional development, career center, and networking. SAF will continue to monitor this process closely (you can view the full press release on our website), and we encourage you to reach out to [email protected] with questions or concerns. In response, we will do our best to provide you with answers that reflect the most current information available. Thank you for your service and dedication to our forests and our future. Sincerely, The Society of American Foresters

 

[elkduds]

This "plan" moves FS Research to CSU Ft. Collins.

 

[Wildabeest]

I foresee fat travel budgets so they can go between SLC and DC.

I do that flight about once a month. It ain’t cheap.