Rep. Vasquez Speaks Out Against Administration’s Decision to Gut U.S. Forest Service, Citing Increased Wildfire Risks and Threats to Public Lands

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On April 14, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the below statement condemning the Administration's decision to gut the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The Congressman cited concerns about increased wildfire risks and threats to public lands as the Administration relocates agency headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Utah and shutters 57 research stations across the U.S. - moves which could cut the USFS workforce by as much as 50%.

"The Administration's plan to relocate USFS headquarters to Utah and shutter 57 research stations will gut the agency from the inside out. This wildfire season, more lives and property will be lost directly because of this decision. Forcing out expert staff who can't move 2,000 miles across the country means losing decades of institutional knowledge we rely on to prevent catastrophic wildfires, protect wildlife, and steward our forests."

"The Forest Service is already stretched thin and struggling to meet wildfire mitigation targets, and this reckless overhaul will only leave our public lands more vulnerable and communities less safe. This is yet another move by the Administration to push an anti-public lands agenda and prioritize extractive interests over wildfire safety, conservation, and the people who depend on these landscapes."

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