Forest Service research station closures raise wildfire preparedness concerns
Forest Service plans to close 57 research stations spark fears about wildfire readiness as experts warn vital fire behavior and management research could be lost.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — The U.S. Forest Service’s decision to close 57 of its 77 research stations nationwide has raised concerns among forestry experts about the potential impact on wildfire preparedness as the fire season approaches.
The Forest Service announced the closure plan late last month, affecting research stations in 31 states that will be merged into a single organization in Fort Collins, Colorado. The agency described the move as a consolidation effort to “unify research priorities” rather than reduce scientific work.
Research Critical to Fire Management
Many of the research stations scheduled for closure conduct essential work studying fire behavior, forecasting smoke dispersal, and helping inform evacuation decisions. The closures have prompted warnings from forestry professionals about the potential loss of decades of research into timber production, soil health, pests and diseases, watersheds and wildlife.
“The research arm of the Forest Service is one of the unsung heroes in forest management around the world,” said Mike Dombeck, who served as chief of the Forest Service under President Bill Clinton and remains a vocal conservation advocate. “It is the premier forest research entity in the world, on everything from invasive species to wildland fire risk, watershed protection, basic silviculture and harvest methods.”
Broader Agency Reorganization
The research station closures are part of a larger Forest Service reorganization expected to relocate approximately 5,000 employees to new outposts. The agency will also move its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City and restructure its regional management system.
Forest Service leaders have attributed the closures to budget constraints, specifically citing a facilities budget that Congress has reduced. They maintain the consolidation aims to reduce the agency’s real estate footprint while preserving scientific capabilities.
Impact on Forest Management
Forestry professionals warn that the closures could undermine research that has served as the foundation for forest management decisions by state agencies, timber companies and tribal organizations. The timing of the announcement has heightened concerns as the nation prepares for another wildfire season.
The number of scientists who will be affected by the transition remains unclear. The Forest Service has emphasized that the reorganization is designed to consolidate rather than eliminate research functions, though critics question whether the centralized approach will maintain the same level of regional expertise and local knowledge.
