Forest Service offers separation incentives to employees ahead of relocations

By Jory Heckman
The Federal News Network
June 2, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

The Forest Service is offering separation incentives to employees ahead of an agency reorganization that will move hundreds of positions across the country. The Forest Service told employees in a recent email that it will offer Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP) to employees impacted by the agency’s upcoming reorganization. The Agriculture Department announced in March that the Forest Service would move its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah. The agency plans to shutter its nine regional offices, and so far plans to keep 20 of its 77 research facilities. “There is a position for each of you in the new structure, and your skills and experience are essential to the work ahead,” Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz told staff in the email. “At the same time, we know that not all positions will look the same or be located in the same places they are today.”

Read More