FRESNO — The U.S. Forest Service is shutting down Fresno Forest Science Laboratory along with over a dozen other national research laboratories in a major effort to cut down on facility costs.
Announced on Sept. 3, the closures are coming after the agency completed a national review of its regional offices and research facilities. The Forest Service said it identified 23 different sites with “little to no staffing” to close, which is projected to save the agency $16 million, according to a press release.
While the Forest Service owns more than 16,000 facilities and holds over 500 leases and space occupying agreements, half are reported to be in “poor” condition — with maintenance exceeding $3 billion.
Additionally, the agency reported that a third of its office space falls below the 60% utilization standard set by the USE IT Act, which requires federal agencies to track and publicly report the occupancy rates of government-operated offices
“For too long, the Forest Service has carried the burden of underutilized space and buildings that sit partially vacant — square footage that drains resources without advancing the agency’s work,” Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vanden said in a press release.
Fresno Forest Science Laboratory, which operated as a field facility for the Pacific Southwest Research Station, studied ecosystems across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The laboratory conducted environmental research on range-wildlife species such as the California spotted owl.
Forest Service Chief Tom Shultz emphasized in a press release that research conducted at the closing facilities will “continue without interruption.” He also noted that cuts will not result in any forced staff reductions, as employees are expected to be transferred to alternative facilities within “local commuting areas.”
According to federal data reviewed by NPR, the Forest Service has lost about 6,000 employees during the second Trump administration, constituting about 15% of its workforce.
“This announcement reflects our commitment to retain the staff our mission requires while responsibly reducing our facilities costs,” Shultz said in a press release. “Local facility consolidation will help us put more of our funding toward mission delivery and cutting-edge research, rather than brick and mortar we no longer need.”
The agency said it is currently completing another evaluation of other facilities associated with the National Forest System and other agency activities. When the review is complete, the findings will provide a “long-term strategy” for facility management across the agency.
