Trump to move Forest Service headquarters from DC to Salt Lake City

Key Points:

• The U.S. Forest Service headquarters will relocate from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City by summer 2027, as part of a reorganization focusing resources in the Western U.S. and closing research facilities in 31 states.
• Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz emphasize the move will bring leadership closer to the forests and communities they manage, with nearly 90% of National Forest System land located in the West.
• The relocation will affect approximately 260 Forest Service employees currently in Washington, while 130 will remain; many regional offices will close, consolidating research at a single site in Fort Collins, Colorado.
• The move has drawn mixed reactions: Utah officials welcome it as beneficial for regional responsiveness, while environmental groups warn it could weaken federal oversight, reduce access to public lands, and lead to loss of experienced staff.
• Some lawmakers express concern about the timing amid increasing wildfire risks and climate challenges, though there is cautious optimism that bringing leadership closer to affected states could improve forest management.