Chief Tom Schultz details, defends largest Forest Service reorganization in a century

Chief Tom Schultz has unveiled the largest reorganization in the U.S. Forest Service in over a century, dissolving old regional offices established nearly 120 years ago by Gifford Pinchot. The initiative has generated significant interest, with around 300 applications for the 15 newly created state director positions, reflecting a competitive demand for senior executive roles. This restructuring aims to modernize the agency's operations, but it raises questions about the impact on local management and community ties. The changes underscore a broader shift in federal land management strategies.