Why It Matters
The Forest Service is executing a sweeping reorganization that fundamentally reshapes how the agency manages the nation's forests, and Congress is only now examining what that means.
The agency has eliminated regional offices in favor of six operational hubs and shifted to a state-based leadership model, all while cutting nearly 3,400 positions through DOGE reductions that have slashed forest-thinning and prescribed fire projects by 38 percent. The administration is betting that partnerships with states, tribes, and local entities can fill the operational void, but the National Forest hearing scheduled for June 25 suggests lawmakers want to understand whether that strategy is viable.
The timing reflects real pressure. Congress rejected a Forest Service-Interior Department merger in this year's spending deal, signaling skepticism about wholesale reorganization. Yet the Forest Service proceeded anyway, stating it would carry out its restructuring with or without Congressional approval. Meanwhile, senators raised concerns in May about budget cuts arriving during active fire season, and the administration has leaned heavily on partnership rhetoric to defend the cuts.
The Big Picture
The hearing, titled "Reviewing Partnerships To Enhance Management Of The National Forest System," centers on whether the agency's pivot to partnerships can sustain forest management operations. The Forest Service's FY2026 priorities explicitly emphasize partnerships as a core mechanism for managing year-round fires and strengthening communities.
The National Association of State Foresters has expressed support for the state-based model, but the 38 percent decline in forest-thinning and fuel reduction projects raises questions about whether partnerships can compensate for staffing losses.
The Bottom Line
The Fix Our Forests Act, currently in the Senate, includes provisions on Good Neighbor Authority and Stewardship End Result Contracting that align with the partnership framework the agency is now promoting. Whether the House will pursue complementary forest management legislation remains unclear.
Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington chairs the subcommittee, with Rep. Andrea Salinas of Oregon serving as ranking member. The full House Agriculture Committee is chaired by Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article