US Forest Service Chief Randy Moore has announced his retirement from the agency, citing the recent mass firings of federal workers during the Trump administration as 'incredibly difficult.' In a letter to employees posted on the agency's website, Moore acknowledged the significant transformation taking place within the federal government, affecting how agencies are structured, staffed, and operated.
Moore expressed empathy for the colleagues who were let go as part of the government's efforts to reduce its size, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the Forest Service mission. He reassured employees experiencing uncertainty, frustration, or loss that these emotions are valid and shared.
Effective March 3, Moore, the first African American to lead the agency, will retire. He revealed that he had been silent about the firings because the decisions were made at a higher level, and he learned about the cuts simultaneously with Forest Service workers.
The US Forest Service, overseen by the Department of Agriculture, is facing significant job cuts. The agency plays a crucial role in managing public forests and grasslands, particularly in wildfire protection.
