Uncertainty at the US Forest Service and on America’s public lands

The US Forest Service is reorganizing. The federal agency will move its headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, close more than 50 research stations in 31 states and restructure management to rely more heavily on the states.

All of these changes come as state GOP leaders and the Trump administration push for the sale or transfer of public federal lands.

Montana voters of all backgrounds loudly reject the idea.

In episode 26 you will hear from State border reporter Alex Brownwho covered all layers within the Forest Service.

Then hear from the Professor of Mountain Ecosystems Rick Graetzwho led the University of Montana’s 2026 Voter Survey on Public Lands. He will discuss how a difference in values ​​between officials and voters on the issue of public lands could influence an election.

Finally, Evening wrapping Newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s seeing.

Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States, composed by David Singer.

Click Here for the full transcript.

Relevant reading from state newsrooms and partners:

• Restructuring the Forest Service will escalate the role of states — but even advocates have concerns (state border)
• Republicans are taking aim at protecting public lands in a recent way (state border)
• Poll: Montanans increasingly concerned about access and sale of public lands (Daily Montanan)
• One year after DOGE, forest workers in Wyoming still feel uncertainty and chaos (WyoFile)
• Advocates say restructuring the U.S. forestry industry could jeopardize research in Wisconsin (Wisconsin Examiner)

Do you have questions? An episode idea? Send us an email at Podcast@statesnewsroom.com