Findings

Congress finds that— (1) Forest Service staffing decreased by 6,000 between January 20, 2025, and December 31, 2025; (2) since January 20, 2025, the reduced staffing of the Forest Service has resulted in— (A) 40 percent less hazardous fuels reduction projects nationwide; (B) 22 percent less trails maintenance projects nationwide; and (C) significant reductions to science and research that inform Forest Service management of timber, fire, recreation, wildlife, water, and natural resources on the 193,000,000 acres managed by the Forest Service; and (3) with limited staffing resources, the Forest Service must focus on projects that address public needs, including— (A) wildfire risk reduction; (B) forest treatments that reduce insect and disease infestation; (C) improving recreation opportunities, including trail maintenance and permitting recreation trips; (D) maintaining and improving drinking water resources; (E) sustaining healthy wildlife populations and habitat; and (F) ensuring scientifically sound stewardship of the health, diversity, and productivity of United States forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.