The U.S. Department of Agriculture and United States Forest Service will undergo a large restructuring process that will close all four forest research facilities in Michigan.
Last week, the USDA announced plans to move its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah, alongside the sweeping restructuring of the agency. The restructuring will close more than 50 USFS research and development facilities across the country.
Under the new model, the agency plans to have 15 state directors spread across the nation to oversee forest service operations in one or more states. After the closure of forest research facilities in Michigan — located in East Lansing, Houghton, L’Anse and Wellston — the state’s forest service will be managed by offices in Wisconsin…