Representatives Schrier, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Larsen Lead Washington Colleagues in Calling on the Trump Administration to Rescind Forest Service Terminations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz calling for the reinstatement of fired USFS employees and for the Trump Administration to refrain from further workforce cuts.

Representatives Schrier, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Larsen were joined in sending the letter by Senators Murray and Cantwell and Representatives DelBene (WA-01), Randall (WA-06), Jayapal (WA-07), Smith (WA-09), and Strickland (WA-10).

"The Trump Administration's reckless decision to indiscriminately fire dedicated USFS employees without deeply considering the ramifications of such an action - especially at a time when the agency was already understaffed - not only displays an astounding level of incompetence, it hurts the Eighth District and all of Washington State," said Congresswoman Schrier. "Here in Washington State, we treasure our public lands and know that keeping our forests healthy - which can only be done if the USFS is appropriately staffed - is vital both for recreation and for preventing catastrophic wildfires. That's why I'm leading my colleagues in the Washington delegation in calling on the administration to reinstate these employees and stop with these impulsive, ill-considered actions that put our state's safety, economy, and way of life at risk."

USFS staff are essential to keeping cherished public lands in Washington State safe and accessible to the public. They also help to maintain the health of our national forests, which is a crucial component in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. As a part of the Trump Administration's reckless cuts to key federal agencies, thousands of USFS employees have been fired in recent weeks, including those who work on critical issues such as wildfire mitigation and firefighting.

"For many communities in our districts, USFS firefighters and support personnel serve as their primary protection in the wildland urban interface," wrote the lawmakers. "USFS also plays a critical role in reducing fire risk to nearby communities and smoke exposure to the entire region by implementing forest management, reducing fuel loads, conducting prescribed burns, and partnering with localities, states, nonprofit organizations and companies for these purposes."

Already, these cuts have impacted access to popular recreation sites such as the Denny Creek Trailhead. Following the first round of USFS cuts, Congresswoman Schrier spoke out, warning of the detrimental effect these terminations would have on the Eighth District and the entire state.

Washington State has been disproportionately impacted by these cuts. 125 terminations have been confirmed by the NFFE Local 34, which comprises more than 30% of total staffing for some offices like Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie.

"The United States Forest Service maintains some of our most pristine public lands and safeguards our communities from wildfire and smoke. We request that you recognize the countless ways in which previous and future USFS cuts indelibly harm the Evergreen state's way of life," wrote the lawmakers. "We request that you immediately reinstate terminated employees and refrain from further staff reductions such that USFS can carry out all wildland fire mitigation efforts designated by Congress, operate and maintain recreation services through the peak summer months, and have enough staff to support wildfire response during peak times. Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter."

The full letter can be found HERE.