Trump slashed the Forest Service and put a timber exec in charge. It could lead to a corporate takeover of public lands Employees warn that recent firings could weaken protections for public lands.

The U.S. Forest Service, already struggling with understaffing, fired about 3,400 workers last month—roughly 10% of its workforce—amid the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government. Now, with Forest Service chief Randy Moore set to retire this week, the agency will be led by a former timber industry lobbyist. In a letter posted to the agency’s website, Moore called the cuts “incredibly difficult” and urged remaining staff to “rise to the occasion.”