The USDA Forest Service is undergoing a significant reorganization and is requesting public input before August 26, 2025. This comes at a time when the agency has lost more than 16,000 staff members since February (source), affecting essential roles in recreation planning, trail restoration, wildfire mitigation, and conservation.
Why does this change matter to SORBA and our trail communities? A number of the proposed changes can create challenges for our chapters and trail users to maintain access to the trails we all love to explore. There are also some potential benefits to reducing the complexity of the system. Trail management and access are extremely dependent on Forest Service staff. Further reducing capacity can delay permitting, project timelines, and ongoing stewardship. This is an important moment for the outdoor community to speak up about the potential benefits and challenges that are presented, to ensure that our trails remain supported and accessible.
What to Ask the USDA
When submitting your comment, we encourage you to emphasize the importance of:
- Guaranteeing that the reorganization will not result in additional layoffs or loss of field positions critical to land management, recreation, and trail support.
- Preserving and strengthening local offices that serve as the public’s connection to national forests, trails, and waters.
- Making it easier for the public—especially rural and underserved communities—to access agency staff and services.
Restoring or expanding resources for field-level conservation and public access roles.
Ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement during the reorganization.
- Maintaining its decades of institutional knowledge and relationships with local communities, partners, and stakeholders.
How to Submit a Comment
Submit your comment online via Outdoor Alliance’s Every Action Tool or the USDA’s public comment portal.
Share your experience: Explain how Forest Service staffing supports your local trails and community.
Encourage others: Ask fellow riders, volunteers, and trail supporters to submit their own comments.
Amplify the Message
Post this alert to your chapter’s website and social media platforms with a brief note on why this matters locally.
Encourage your community to submit comments and share the link broadly.
SORBA’s Role
We will be submitting a joint comment from our leadership team. Local chapters are encouraged to submit their own comments to demonstrate broad regional support and on-the-ground impact. Click here to view our submitted letter commenting on the USDA Reorganization Process.
If your chapter would like to submit a letter, we have drafted a version that can be used. Click here to view the chapter letter.
Now is the time to make your voice heard. The future of our trails on Forest Service Lands depends on it.