I’m profoundly grateful to welcome our furloughed employees back as the government reopens. Your return reflects the resilience and commitment that define the Forest Service. Please know that this interruption was never a reflection of the immense value Americans place on your service.

To those who continued working during this time, thank you. Working without the full team beside you was difficult, and your perseverance deserves recognition. You kept our mission moving forward when it mattered most.

Despite the disruption, we accomplished a great deal together. We advanced timber sales that strengthen local economies, kept recreation sites open and safe for public enjoyment, and carried out critical wildfire response and active management work, including more than 127,000 acres of prescribed fire to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk to communities.

Our Law Enforcement and Investigations teams patrolled forests and safeguarded visitors, while Business Operations ensured continuity by managing payments, contracts, grants and agreements. These efforts—alongside countless other essential actions—reflect the unwavering dedication across our agency.

I look forward to getting the entire team back together to continue and build upon the work that we’ve begun this new fiscal year. As we resume full operations, the Work Environment and Performance Office is mobilizing resources and organizing sessions for employees and supervisors. We will create space to reconnect, rebuild and support one another through this next phase of change. Stay tuned for invitations in your inbox.

Welcome back and thanks for all you do!

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