WASHINGTON, D.C. – The headquarters of the U.S. Forest Service will move from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday, a move the agency described as a “common-sense approach to improve mission delivery.”
Noting that the lands, partners and operational challenges it serves are overwhelmingly in the West, the agency said in a news release it hopes to “begin a sweeping restructuring” of the office by moving its leadership closer to the forests and communities it serves.
“Effective stewardship and active management are achieved on the ground, where forests and communities are found — not just behind a desk in the capital. Through this transition, we will strengthen our connection to the forests and the people who depend on them, while supporting our employees and honoring the dedication that has always defined our service,” Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said in a statement…