The USDA said it would proceed with a Forest Service reorganization, including moving its headquarters
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the department is “full-bore ahead” with its Forest Service reorganization despite a district court stay. The stay bars office closures and employee or position moves outside local commuting areas. The proposal would move Forest Service headquarters from Washington to Salt Lake City, shutter 23 research stations and replace many regional offices with state offices.
More context
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is moving “full-bore ahead” with its Forest Service reorganization despite a federal judge’s stay on some reorganization steps, Government Executive reported.
Under the proposal, 23 research stations would be shut and regional offices consolidated into state offices, while the Forest Service’s headquarters would be transferred from Washington to Salt Lake City, the Associated Press reported. The Forest Service changes are part of a broader USDA realignment that would also affect food and nutrition, rural development and other services.
Government Executive reported that U.S. District Court Judge Chhabria’s stay bars closing or eliminating offices at affected USDA component agencies and moving employees, positions or functions outside their local commuting areas. It does not bar reassignment within the Washington, D.C., area.
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Reporting
- jamoke.news — Rollins says USDA is 'full-bore ahead' on Forest Service reorganization | Jamoke News
- jhnewsandguide.com (with Associated Press) — Agriculture secretary says agency is 'full-bore ahead' on Forest Service reorganization | State and Regional | jhnewsandguide.com
- govexec.com — USDA, undeterred by judge’s stay, moves ‘full-bore ahead’ with reorganization steps - Government Executive
Verifier’s note
The results report that USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the Forest Service reorganization would proceed, and Jackson Hole News&Guide specifies the proposed headquarters move to Salt Lake City. The reports are current and do not contradict the claim.