California's National Forests at Risk as US Forest Service Cuts Deepen
California’s national forests face growing threats as the US Forest Service (USFS) undergoes major changes. Recent budget cuts and policy shifts have already reduced staffing levels by 14% since 2025. Residents in areas like the Angeles and Cleveland National Forests will soon see the impact of these decisions on the ground. For decades, Congress has steadily cut USFS funding, particularly for programmes outside fire suppression. This long-term underfunding has left the agency struggling to manage extraction projects, even with dedicated employees. The situation worsened after the 2019 relocation of the Bureau of Land Management’s headquarters, which cost the agency experienced staff and decades of expertise.
California’s forests cover 20 million acres, and organisations like CalWild have worked for 50 years to protect them. The group relies on strong forest laws and knowledgeable USFS staff to safeguard these lands. But recent moves—such as closing the state’s regional USFS office and shifting leadership to Washington—risk further damage. New budget cuts and policy changes, including attempts to weaken the Roadless Rule, add even more pressure. Mark Green, CalWild’s executive director, warns that a shrinking, overstretched workforce cannot properly oversee forest management. With a 9% reduction in USFS staff alone, the system is already stretched thin.
The loss of staff and institutional knowledge leaves California’s forests more vulnerable. Local communities will likely see the effects in reduced oversight and environmental protections. Without intervention, the strain on the USFS could lead to lasting damage in key conservation areas.
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