WASHINGTON — A proposed federal budget amendment spearheaded by Republican lawmakers would slash funding for the U.S. Forest Service by 23%, potentially forcing closures of regional offices and reduced wildfire response capabilities, according to internal agency documents obtained by multiple news outlets.
The $1.8 billion reduction, tucked into the FY2026 Interior-Environment appropriations bill, follows years of escalating tensions between conservation advocates and legislators seeking to reduce government spending. Analysts suggest the cuts would disproportionately affect wildfire prevention programs, which currently consume over 50% of the agency’s budget.
‘This isn’t fiscal responsibility — it’s sabotage of our public lands infrastructure,’ said a senior Forest Service official who spoke on condition of anonymity. ‘We’re looking at potentially 1,200 fewer seasonal firefighters and delayed maintenance on 15,000 miles of forest roads.’
Historical context shows the Forest Service budget has remained relatively flat since 2010 despite increasing wildfire seasons. Climate scientists note the western wildfire season now lasts 78 days longer than in the 1970s, with fires burning twice as much acreage.
If implemented, the cuts could trigger legal challenges from environmental groups. The Wilderness Society has already drafted litigation citing violations of the National Forest Management Act, according to sources familiar with the matter.