Ground Truth: Forest Service Research · Episode 10 of 10 · 37 min
Dismantling a Century of Forest Science
In 2025 and 2026 the century of Forest Service science traced in this series is being taken apart or, in the agency's framing, transformed. The story covers a proposed zero-dollar research budget, planned closure of most research facilities, a headquarters move and a wave of departing scientists, all during worsening wildfire seasons. It weighs both views and closes on how such institutions produce people as well as data.
Who's who
- Brooke Rollins+4 more episodesSecretary of Agriculture who announced and defends the reorganization
- Tom Schultz+1 more episodeForest Service Chief who said the plan could proceed without congressional approval
- Geoffrey DonovanEconomist who took a buyout from the Pacific Northwest station
Where it happens
- Salt Lake City, Utah+1 more episodeAnnounced new headquarters for the Forest Service
- Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire+1 more episodeResearch forest reported as staying open
- Bartlett Experimental Forest, New HampshireSite whose closure plan was put under review
Timeline
- Early 2025Buyouts, early retirements and position cuts begin thinning the workforce
- July 2025Rollins issues a memorandum framing a broad USDA reorganization
- March 31, 2026USDA announces headquarters move to Salt Lake City and closure of regional offices
- April 2026Budget proposal seeks zero dollars for forest research, down from about $309 million
- May 2026Some closure plans placed under reevaluation
- June 2026Reorganization proceeds amid hearings and threatened litigation
Still debated
Whether this is reorganization or dismantling is unresolved, as is whether the agency may proceed without congressional approval. Closure counts and staffing figures differ by report, and it is unproven that universities or the private sector will sustain long-term monitoring.
Connected episodes in other series
The Greatest Good? How the Forest Service Promised to Manage Public LandThe Long Run · Episode 1Also features Brooke Rollins
The BargainThe Restoration Bargain · Episode 12Also features Tom Schultz
Why Taxpayers Pay Billions to Log the Tongass RainforestThe Uncosted West · Episode 11Also features Brooke Rollins