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Rollins says Forest Service reorganization proceeds despite judge's block

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the administration is pressing ahead with plans to move Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City, despite a court order halting the changes.

Updated Oct 23, 2026 · 00:14 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the administration is pressing forward with its Forest Service reorganization after a federal judge blocked it.[ABC News]
  • The plan would move Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City, close 23 research stations, and replace regional offices with state offices.[ABC News]
  • U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria's Oct. 13 order halts the changes while a lawsuit proceeds, and opponents say the moves are meant to force workforce cuts.[ABC News]
  • Government data show the Forest Service workforce fell 16%, from over 39,000 to 33,000, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox has praised the plan.[Associated Press · ABC News]

Key facts

  • Rollins said the administration remains committed to the reorganization despite the judge's block.[ABC News]
  • The reorganization includes moving Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City, closing 23 research stations, and replacing regional offices with state offices.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria issued an Oct. 13 order halting the reorganization while a lawsuit from opponents proceeds.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • Federal employee unions, environmental groups, and local officials contend the employee relocations are a ploy to force deep workforce cuts.[ABC News]
  • Government data show the Forest Service workforce fell 16%, from more than 39,000 employees to 33,000.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox has described the reorganization and the new Salt Lake City headquarters as a big win for Utah and the West.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • Opponents' claim that the relocations are meant to force workforce cuts is disputed and not verified by the reporting.[ABC News]
  • The outcome of the lawsuit and the future status of the halt on the reorganization remain unresolved.[Associated Press · ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.