U.S. Forest Service to Move National Headquarters to Salt Lake City

The agency cites the West's dominance of Forest Service lands as a key factor in the relocation decision.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A serene, painterly image of a rustic Forest Service ranger station or lookout tower set against a backdrop of mountains, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and connection to the natural landscape.The relocation of the U.S. Forest Service's national headquarters to Salt Lake City aims to put the agency's leadership closer to the western lands and communities they serve.Salt Lake City Today

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the headquarters of the U.S. Forest Service will be moved from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, Utah. The agency cited the fact that nearly 90% of Forest Service lands are located west of the Mississippi River as a key reason behind the decision.

Why it matters

This move will put the Forest Service's leadership closer to the lands, communities, and challenges they manage in the western United States. It also means hundreds of jobs coming to Utah and the potential for faster, more informed decision-making on issues related to public lands, which are critical for industries like ranching, timber production, and recreation.

The details

As part of the relocation, the Forest Service will also be shifting to a 'state-based organizational model,' appointing 15 state directors around the country to oversee operations within one or more states. The agency also plans to consolidate or close some research facilities while opening new offices as part of a major reorganization effort.

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the headquarters move on March 31, 2026.

The players

U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages and conserves most of the nation's national forests and grasslands.

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah, who applauded the decision to move the Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City.

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What they’re saying

“This is a big win for Utah and the West. With nearly 90% of Forest Service lands west of the Mississippi, moving the U.S. Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City will put leadership closer to the lands, communities, and challenges they manage.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah

What’s next

The Forest Service has not yet announced an exact timeline or location for the new headquarters in Salt Lake City.

The takeaway

This decision to relocate the U.S. Forest Service's national headquarters to Salt Lake City reflects the agency's focus on better serving the western states, where the majority of its lands and operations are concentrated. It's expected to bring hundreds of jobs to Utah and improve the Forest Service's ability to make informed, timely decisions on critical public land management issues.