US Forest Service closing 23 research facilities as part of reorganization under Trump

Billings, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service is shuttering 23 research facilities across more than a dozen states as part of a cost-cutting reorganization under President Donald Trump, officials announced on Thursday. The closures aim to streamline operations and focus the agency's resources in Western states. Work at the affected sites will continue at other locations, according to Chris French, the agency's Associate Chief.

An additional 41 research facilities previously considered for closure will remain open after facing pressure from local officials and members of Congress. The 95 employees at the 23 research stations set to close will be reassigned to other locations, the Forest Service confirmed. Overall, the reorganization and ongoing closures are projected to save around $16 million.