US Forest Service to Close Two Minnesota Research Facilities

Closures will not impact staffing at Superior or Chippewa National Forests

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex interconnected systems of forest ecology and climate research.The closure of key Forest Service research facilities in Minnesota raises concerns about the agency's ability to maintain science-driven management of the state's vital forest ecosystems.Ely Today

The U.S. Forest Service announced it will be closing research and development facilities in Grand Rapids and Ely, Minnesota as part of a broader reorganization. The agency stated the closures will not lead to changes in staffing at the Superior or Chippewa National Forests, but environmental advocates warn the move 'abandons science' and could negatively impact forest management.

Why it matters

The Forest Service's research facilities in Minnesota have played a key role in studying adaptive forest management, the effects of climate change, and other critical issues facing the state's timber industry and national forests. The closure of these facilities raises concerns about the future of this important scientific research and its implications for the long-term health and sustainability of Minnesota's forests.

The details

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, announced the closures of the Ely and Grand Rapids research facilities as part of a broader reorganization that will consolidate the agency's five regional research stations into a unified R&D organization based in Fort Collins, Colorado. While the Forest Service stated the closures will not impact staffing at the Superior or Chippewa National Forests, environmental advocacy group PEER warned the move 'abandons science' and deprives forest supervisors of vital information needed to manage public lands effectively.

  • The closures were announced on March 31, 2026.
  • The facilities in Ely and Grand Rapids are slated for closure, though the timeline is unclear.

The players

U.S. Forest Service

A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for managing and protecting national forests and grasslands.

PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility)

An environmental advocacy group that criticized the Forest Service's decision to close the research facilities, warning it 'abandons science' and deprives forest managers of critical information.

Ray Higgins

Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Timber Producers, an organization representing loggers and truckers in the state's forest products industry.

Jo Swanson

Executive Director of the Friends of the Superior National Forest, an advocacy group supporting the Forest Service's work in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“Scientific research is vital to the successful management of our nation's forests. Forest supervisors need scientific information to understand whether their management actions are working or whether they are counterproductive.”

— Chandra Rosenthal, Western Lands and Rocky Mountain Advocate, PEER

“My understanding is that it will continue, just maybe not headquartered with offices here closer to home. But that the research will be continuing in northern Minnesota, and that's very important for our understanding of how forests grow and how forests work.”

— Ray Higgins, Executive Vice President, Minnesota Timber Producers

“I hope we can all come together and support the Forest Service folks.”

— Jo Swanson, Executive Director, Friends of the Superior National Forest

What’s next

The Forest Service has not provided a specific timeline for the closure of the Ely and Grand Rapids research facilities, but has stated the reorganization will consolidate its regional research stations into a unified R&D organization in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The takeaway

The closure of the Forest Service's research facilities in Minnesota raises concerns about the future of critical scientific studies that have informed the management of the state's national forests and timber industry. While the agency claims the closures will not impact staffing or operations, environmental advocates warn the move 'abandons science' and could undermine the Forest Service's ability to effectively steward public lands.