AIBS joined member society Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) in sending a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz, and leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees expressing strong support for the USFS Experimental Forests and Ranges (EFRs) ā 84 critical research and product management sites administered by the USFS Research Stations.
Tļ»æhe letter seeks clarity on how USDAās reorganization plan, outlined in the July 24, 2025 Secretary Memorandum (SM 1078-015), would impact the EFRs. The memo states that the ācurrent stand-alone Research Stations will be consolidated into a single location in Fort Collins, Colorado,ā but does not specify plans for the EFRs.
āThe EFRs have long been one of the American customerās closest connections to the USDAās vital research programs,ā the letter argues. āAs 84 place-based programs across the country, producing great and positive impact in American backyards, the EFRs actively and effectively serve the four key pillars you identify in your Memorandum. The USFSā Fire Sciences Lab and Forest Products Lab, both identified to be retained for their essential service in your Memorandum, are directly informed by and leverage the EFRs. Thus, maintaining the 84 EFRs across the Nation is valuable to the American people and mission-aligned with the USDAās future.ā
Rļ»æead the letter sent to USDA. A similar letter to Congress urged lawmakers to work with the Administration to ensure that support for EFRs is not lost under the USDAās reorganization plan.
Stay current on the latest science policy news. Subscribe to our bi-weekly AIBS Public Policy Report.