US Forest Service

The recently announced major restructure of the U.S. Forest Service may disrupt a number of forestry positions in Idaho. But the details as to how those positions will be affected and what work will continue or be eliminated under the plan remain unclear.

Late last month, the Forest Service announced plans to close 57 of its 77 research stations, located across 31 states, merging them into a single organization in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Recently announced changes to the U.S. Forest Service are prompting concern and also some cautious optimism from Idahoans interested in protecting the Gem State’s vast forests.

Many forestry veterans fear the shake-up will cause more attrition in an agency that’s already shrunk because of Trump’s cuts to the federal workforce.

The facilities in Wenatchee and Seattle will be shuttered as part of a major reorganization over the coming year.

The National Conservation Legacy Center will be a world-class museum and learning center to highlight the history and conservation efforts of the U.S. Forest Service.

Under a federal judge’s order on Friday, the U.S. Forest Service may continue fighting wildfires with aerial retardants while obtaining the required permit under the Clean Water Act.

By Jim Harmon/Missoula Current A Missoula Current reader recently asked, “Has there ever been a story about the Blue Mountain Trailhead south of Missoula? We hike there a lot and know that it was part of a ranch and then the Army? Used it for a range?” ...