U.S. Forest Service Chief Resigns Following Major Workforce Reductions

Randy Moore announces retirement as the Trump administration cuts 3,400 Forest Service jobs, raising concerns about wildfire preparedness and resource management.

Randy Moore, the first Black chief of the U.S. Forest Service, will retire on March 3 after over four decades of service.
The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has implemented layoffs affecting 10% of the Forest Service workforce, totaling 3,400 employees.
Moore expressed frustration in his resignation letter, stating that the decision to cut staff was made at higher levels of government without input from the agency.
The layoffs have drawn criticism from members of Congress, who warn of reduced capacity to manage wildfires and maintain public lands effectively.
Moore emphasized the importance of the Forest Service's mission, including providing clean drinking water to 80 million Americans and supporting energy independence through leases.