U.S. Forest Service layoffs impact trails, public safety nationwide

Recent job cuts within the U.S. Forest Service, driven by the Trump administration's federal workforce reforms, have resulted in significant layoffs across the country, affecting critical services in national forests. Employees report that the reductions have compromised public safety and access to outdoor recreation, with many local ranger stations unable to operate due to staffing shortages. In Arizona, nearly 10% of the Forest Service workforce was let go, impacting maintenance and access to popular trails. Former employees have expressed concerns over their abrupt terminations, often labeled as performance-related, despite positive past reviews. The layoffs are projected to have far-reaching consequences for rural economies, which benefit heavily from outdoor recreation, estimated to contribute $1.2 trillion to the economy in 2023. Efforts to reinstate some of the dismissed workers were denied in the Senate, leaving many communities to grapple with the ongoing challenges posed by these cuts.