On behalf of the entire Forest Service leadership team, please accept our most heartfelt thank you for your incredible efforts this past year and the warmest of wishes as we find reason to celebrate this holiday season.

At the USDA holiday reception, I was reminded that despite the differences of the holidays and celebrations at this time of year, they are based in celebrating light, families (and food), and communities. In them, we can all seek joy, connection and understanding. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Midwinter or other observances, I hope you have a relaxing, joyous end to 2024.

As always, this year was filled to the brim with achievements, all made possible by the work you’ve accomplished in conjunction with our partners and communities. I am thankful for the investments we have made to improve the health, productivity and resilience of our nation’s forests and grasslands; to protect infrastructure and lower fire risk; to strengthen and expand our stewardship work with states, tribes, partners and private landowners; to confront housing affordability and firefighter pay; to improve recreation infrastructure; to establish tree canopy in nature-deprived communities; and to invest in the reforestation of America's impacted landscapes. I am grateful for your efforts to make a difference for the American people and the natural resources we steward.

I recognize this time of year can be difficult for many. You may be far from family and friends, or you may have experienced a loss that colors the holiday season with sorrow. You may have been one of the many ravaged by natural disasters this year, most recently by hurricanes Milton and Helene. You may be working so that our visitors can have a safe and happy experience on their national forests and grasslands. Or you might be volunteering so that those who are less fortunate can have a warm and fulfilling holiday meal. Whatever your situation, please know that you are valued in the Forest Service. I ask you to hold one another in your thoughts, and if you need support, know that we are here for you.

I also know many of you have unanswered questions as we head into the holidays. Hiring and budget are on your mind. You are curious about details as we begin our transition work to carry out the priorities of the incoming administration. While we don’t have answers at this moment, know that your leaders will stay engaged with you as we learn more. The constant we can anchor to is the value of our service delivery to the American people and the lands we steward.

I'm thankful for all that you do in service to communities all across the nation. And on behalf of the entire Forest Service leadership team, please accept our most heartfelt thanks and the warmest of wishes as we find reason to celebrate this holiday season.  

I look forward to holding a Chief’s call in the new year. Once a date is confirmed, invitations will follow. Until then, please take care of yourselves and each other.

For those who missed it, you can watch this year's lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree. Chief Moore's remarks during this event begin at 9:45.

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