Forest Service Chief Randy Moore has announced his retirement, effective March 3, amidst a period of significant transformation within the federal government. Moore's decision comes after the Trump administration's mass layoffs, resulting in the termination of 3,400 Forest Service employees, accounting for 10 percent of the agency's staff.
The Impact of Federal Government Changes
In an email to agency staff, Moore acknowledged the challenges faced in recent weeks, stating, 'The federal government is undergoing a significant transformation.' He expressed the difficulty of parting ways with valued colleagues who had contributed to the agency's mission.
Having overseen 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands since 2021, Moore, the first African American to serve as chief, reflects on his 45-year career with the Forest Service. He succeeded Vicki Christiansen, the previous chief, and highlighted the critical wildfire prevention and mitigation work at risk due to government cuts.
Despite the changes, Moore emphasized the importance of the agency's work in protecting communities, supporting small businesses, ensuring clean drinking water, and facilitating energy permits, all essential to the American way of life.
A Legacy of Service
Before his role as chief, Moore served as a regional forester in California and Wisconsin, overseeing multiple national forests. His career in conservation began in 1978 with the Agriculture Department's Natural Resources Conservation Service in North Dakota.
Looking ahead, the nomination of Michael Boren for the position of USDA's undersecretary for natural resources and environment signals further changes in leadership within the Forest Service, pending Senate confirmation.