The US Forest Service Needs Your Help, with Paul Hendricks

The U.S. Forest Service is undergoing a major reorganization that threatens the long-term health of America's public lands—precisely the places fly fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts rely on. Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of the Conservation Alliance, warns that moving the Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, closing 50+ research facilities, and replacing career scientists with politically appointed staff could lead to a catastrophic loss of institutional knowledge and science-based land management. These changes come amid broader threats like the rollback of the Roadless Rule and proposed mining in the Superior National Forest, which could poison vital watersheds. Hendricks argues that while efficiency is important, the Forest Service’s mission requires deep expertise, long-term research, and balanced decision-making—not political interference or budget cuts. The real danger isn’t bureaucracy—it’s the erosion of the scientific foundation that keeps our forests, rivers, and trout populations alive. The solution? Citizens must use their voices—by writing, calling, or emailing elected officials in their own words—to demand funding, protect research, and defend the public trust. This isn’t just about fishing. It’s about preserving a national legacy. The Forest Service isn’t a distant agency—it’s made up of dedicated professionals who’ve spent their lives protecting the wild places we all love. When they’re sidelined, so are we.