Randy Moore

Forest Service Chief Randy Moore will retire effective March 3. Moore wrote that the past several weeks have been “incredibly difficult” due to the Trump administration’s mass layoffs, which have led to 3,400 Forest Service employees — or 10% of agency staff — being fired. …Lawmakers and officials from Western states have warned that cuts to agencies like the Forest Service and funding freezes will threaten critical prevention and mitigation work, leaving the region woefully unprepared for the coming wildfire season. …Moore told staff that their work protecting communities, enhancing small businesses, providing drinking water and issuing energy permits is “vital to the American way of life. …I was and am learning about the changes the same time as many of you.” …Trump has nominated Michael Boren, an Idaho investment consultant and GOP donor, to serve as USDA’s undersecretary for natural resources and environment — a position that requires Senate confirmation and oversees the Forest Service.