The U.S. Forest Service has announced the closure of 23 research sites, citing that these locations have few or no staff members. This decision is part of a larger reorganization effort by the agency, which oversees the management of the nation’s national forests. Earlier this year, the Forest Service reviewed all 64 of its research facilities and decided to shut down those with minimal staffing. Employees currently working at the affected sites will be relocated to other locations where they can commute locally, according to the agency. In a press release, Tom Schultz, the chief of the Forest Service, emphasized that the closures will not result in any mandatory job losses. He explained that the move is intended to maintain the necessary workforce while reducing operational costs. “This announcement reflects our commitment to retain the staff our mission requires while responsibly reducing our facilities costs,” Schultz said. The consolidation of local facilities is expected to allow the agency to redirect funds toward its core mission, including research and conservation efforts, rather than maintaining buildings that are no longer essential. The Forest Service estimates that the closures will save the agency approximately $8.8 million annually in lease costs and more than $8 million in deferred maintenance expenses. This move is part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The decision follows an earlier announcement that the agency would relocate its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, which will also involve the transfer of 260 jobs. These changes are part of a broader strategy to adapt to new challenges and optimize resource use.