The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed a series of layoffs affecting probationary, non-firefighting employees within the Forest Service, including positions in Allegheny National Forest.

The move is part of a broader effort to streamline government operations and reduce inefficiencies.

The decision, which impacts 2,000 employees nationwide, comes as temporary funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expires. The layoffs do not affect operational firefighters, and USDA officials maintain that essential safety positions will remain intact.

“Secretary Rollins fully supports the President’s directive to improve government, eliminate inefficiencies, and strengthen USDA’s many services to the American people. We have a solemn responsibility to be good stewards of the American people’s hard-earned taxpayer dollars and to ensure that every dollar spent goes to serve the people, not the bureaucracy,” the USDA Forest Service National Press Team stated. “As part of this effort, USDA has made the difficult decision to release about 2,000 probationary, non-firefighting employees from the Forest Service. To be clear, none of these individuals were operational firefighters. Released employees were probationary in status, many of whom were compensated by temporary IRA funding. It’s unfortunate that the Biden administration hired thousands of people with no plan in place to pay them long term. Secretary Rollins is committed to preserving essential safety positions and will ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted.”

The Allegheny National Forest, which covers more than 500,000 acres in northwestern Pennsylvania, has yet to confirm how many local employees will be affected by the layoffs. However, officials are working to assess the impact on operations and visitor services.

Local leaders and conservation groups have expressed concerns about how the workforce reduction could affect forest management, conservation efforts, and recreational services within the region.

The USDA maintains that the Forest Service will continue to focus on its core mission while adapting to new budget constraints. Those affected by the layoffs are encouraged to seek other opportunities within the agency or in related fields.

For more updates, visit the USDA Forest Service website or contact ANF headquarters.