U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Amy Klobuchar expressed strong concerns to the USDA regarding plans to terminate 7,000 Forest Service workers essential for wildfire prevention and watershed restoration. They emphasized the importance of these personnel in managing the vast National Forest System, especially as incidents of wildfires increase with extreme weather. The senators highlighted that the proposed staff reductions would undermine the Forest Service’s capacity to respond to wildfires and ensure public safety. They requested clarification on whether wildland firefighters are included in these cuts, the certification status of those affected, and any analyses conducted regarding the impact of staff reductions on wildfire prevention and response efforts. The senators reiterated the necessity of maintaining adequate Forest Service staffing to manage wildfire risks effectively.
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Heinrich and Klobuchar Urge USDA to Protect Forest Service Workers Amid Trump’s Wildfire Prevention Cuts
By Terrain News
