The U.S. Forest Service has announced plans to close 23 research and development facilities to cut building and maintenance costs.
The decision follows the conclusion of a national review of the agency’s facilities, which it began undertaking in March. The purpose of the assessment was to identify underused research stations where the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) could consolidate its footprint without disrupting its research and development work, according to a press release. Some 64 agency locations were reviewed in total, of which 23 were identified for closure.
“Local facility consolidation will help us put more of our funding toward mission delivery and cutting-edge research, rather than brick and mortar we no longer need,” said USFS Chief Tom Schultz.
The agency expects that the consolidation will produce $16 million in cost savings. Officials say that employees at the affected locations will be transferred to other facilities within their local commuting areas.
The move is part of a sweeping reorganization of the agency by the Trump administration. Additionally, the USFS reaffirmed intentions to close regional offices in Atlanta, Milwaukee and Portland. The agency is currently evaluating its other facilities related to the National Forest System and other operations.
