- Agriculture Department deputy secretary Stephen Vaden refuted claims the Trump administration is dismantling the Forest Service.
- Concerns arose over facility closures and political appointees, but Vaden assured continuity.
- Vaden emphasized the reorganization aims to enhance mission delivery and maintain scientific research.
SALT LAKE CITY — The deputy secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Stephen Vaden, rebutted allegations on Thursday that the Trump administration was effectively destroying the Forest Service.
Hatch Magazine claimed that the U.S. Forest Service's relocation from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City would be a "chainsaw in broad daylight" to its workforce. The Forest Service has reasoned that since 87% of the land it manages is in the West, employees should be there too.
Addressing concerns about the Forest Service reorganization
In an X thread, Vaden addressed each of the magazine's concerns regarding the agency's reorganization.
The New York Times reported last Friday that the Forest Service is closing 57 of its 77 facilities in 31 states, "threatening science that looked at how wildfires, drought, pests and global warming are putting pressure on forests."
Vaden countered, "Closing some research facilities does NOT mean we're ending research."
"These moves do not cut scientists, end research programs, or shrink our nationwide presence. Research continues across the country. In many cities, the so-called 'closures' are just relocating small teams out of individual buildings into shared, more efficient facilities, where scientific collaboration can flourish. Same people. Same work. Smarter setup," he wrote.
More Than Just Parks similarly criticized the agency's hiring of "15 political appointees called 'state directors.'"
Vaden responded, "State Directors are NOT political appointees. These positions will be filled by career federal employees. They exist to put experienced leaders right where the work is happening, with the right span of control over forests and programs. The authority they need to do the job stays exactly the same. Current USFS employees will have the chance to apply as these roles are phased in."
Hatch Magazine expressed concerns that some states would influence the agency for the worse if given more of a voice.
"The states are our PARTNERS," Vaden responded. "Our commitment to stewardship of national forests and grasslands has not changed one bit. Stronger partnerships with states help us deliver services more effectively on our federal forests. The entire purpose is to improve how we deliver on our mission by getting leadership closer to the ground."
The reorganization is about 'better mission delivery'
As Vaden concluded his X response, he wrote, "Bottom line: This reorganization is about better mission delivery, efficiency, and keeping our focus on sustainable management of public lands for all Americans. Science stays strong. Leadership stays professional."
"Don't let the hype distract from the facts," he continued. "We're here to serve the public and steward these lands for generations to come."
The Forest Service has not announced when its relocation to Salt Lake City will occur, but Forest Service chief Tom Schultz previously told the Deseret News that there would be no change to this summer's fire program.
