In February 2025, amid significant federal job cuts by the Trump administration, about 3,400 workers from the U.S. Forest Service faced layoffs, sparking emotional turmoil. Marie Richards, who loved her role as a tribal relations specialist, lamented the loss of her job after she was laid off unexpectedly, despite recent performance praise. The layoffs, affecting newer employees disproportionately, are seen as unjust, raising concerns about dedication to federal service and the future management of public lands. Employees voiced their hard work and commitment to protecting the environment as key capabilities that were disregarded during the cuts.
"I absolutely loved my job," she said. "I didn't want to go." Richards, a tribal relations specialist at the Huron-Manistee National Forests, reflects on the emotional toll of her layoff.
"None of us deserved this," Richards said. "We all work hard and we're dedicated to taking care of the land." The unjust layoffs have deeply affected dedicated federal workers.
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