JACKSON, Wyo. — Multiple reports are confirming that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is discharging up to 3,400 employees this week, potentially including those working for the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF).
This comes after President Donald Trump’s “Fork in the Road” deadline on Feb. 12, where federal workers were encouraged to resign but remain on payroll until September.
Bloomberg Law reported on Thursday, Feb. 13, from Forest Service Council President Warner Vanderheuel that the employees that will remain with the agency include firefighters, law enforcement officers, meteorologists and bridge inspectors. Politico also corroborated the number of roughly 3,400 employees, tipped off by two people familiar with the plans who alleged that discharges will be across every level of the agency but will target employees who are still within their probationary period, or recently hired.
The Jackson Hole New & Guide also reported on the retirement of Intermountain Regional Forester Mary Farnsworth ahead of what’s being called a “Valentine’s Day massacre” for federal workers.
There has not yet been official word on how the discharges might impact BTNF employees.
Buckrail will continue to report on this story as updates become available.
