Forest Service chief defends agency’s largest reorganization in a century

The U.S. Forest Service is undergoing its biggest overhaul in a century, dissolving regional offices originally established by its first chief, Gifford Pinchot, nearly 120 years ago. The agency created 15 new state director positions, sparking an impressive response with around 300 applicants per role. This move reflects a significant shift in how the Forest Service manages and administers its resources, aiming to streamline operations and adapt to contemporary challenges. The reorganization's success could set a new precedent for federal agencies looking to modernize their structures.