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Senators warn Forest Service cuts to research and state grants will weaken forest health and on‑the‑ground services
Summary
Committee members challenged the Forest Service on proposed eliminations and deep cuts to state and private forestry, forest and rangeland research, and other nonfire accounts, and on contracting delays affecting recreation facilities.
Senators on the Appropriations Subcommittee pressed U.S. Forest Service Chief Schultz over proposed cuts and eliminations in the president's FY26 budget request that would shift or eliminate funding for state and private forestry, forest and rangeland research, and several cooperative grant programs.
Ranking Member Jeff Merkley and other senators said the budget "cancels funds to develop techniques to neutralize invasive species," cuts collaborative landscape programs and research, and reduces support for state and volunteer fire capacity grants. Senator Merkley said the cuts "would be massive damage to our force" and urged the agency to maintain research and collaboration programs used to detect pests, support…
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