Companies Criticize U.S. Forest Service Move to Salt Lake City

Outdoor brands Patagonia and Black Diamond voice concerns over headquarters relocation and agency restructuring

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:05am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life featuring a collection of premium outdoor gear and equipment arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the connection between outdoor recreation, conservation, and the management of public lands.A premium collection of outdoor gear and equipment symbolizes the vital role of public lands in supporting the recreation economy and conservation efforts.Salt Lake City Today

Multiple companies, including outdoor apparel brands Patagonia and Black Diamond, have spoken out against the U.S. Forest Service's decision to move its headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, Utah. The companies argue the move will gut the agency, remove staff, and benefit extractive industries over public lands management.

Why it matters

The U.S. Forest Service oversees 154 national forests and 20 grasslands across the country. Critics say the headquarters move and restructuring threatens the agency's ability to effectively manage these public lands, which are vital for recreation, conservation, and natural resource industries.

The details

On March 31, the U.S. Forest Service announced it would be moving its headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, Utah, citing the agency's concentration of lands and partners in the western U.S. The USFS also said it would be restructuring, closing research facilities in 31 states and the majority of regional offices. Utah Governor Spencer Cox praised the move, saying it would bring hundreds of jobs to the state, but companies like Patagonia and Black Diamond have voiced strong opposition.

  • On March 31, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service announced the headquarters move and restructuring.
  • Patagonia and Black Diamond issued public statements criticizing the decision in early April 2026.

The players

U.S. Forest Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and protecting 154 national forests and 20 grasslands across the United States.

Patagonia Works

A holding company for the outdoor apparel, food, and media businesses of Patagonia, a prominent environmental advocacy brand.

Black Diamond

An outdoor clothing and equipment company focused on climbing, skiing, and mountain sports.

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah, who praised the USFS headquarters move to Salt Lake City.

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What they’re saying

“Moving the United States Forest Service's headquarters to Utah will gut the agency and effectively remove anyone who doesn't move to an office 2,000 miles away from its current location. By shutting down USFS research stations, culling staff, and moving the headquarters away from where decisions about federal lands are made, it will be surprising if USFS can effectively manage anything at all.”

— Patagonia Works

“A priceless and irreplaceable resource that can't be reduced to a line item on a balance sheet, our public lands are intrinsically tied to the life-defining pursuits of climbing, skiing, and mountain sports that our company was built to serve. We are proud to stand with brands and public lands users of all types in opposition to these short-sighted proposals.”

— Neil Fiske, President, Black Diamond

What’s next

Black Diamond says it will be lobbying in Washington next month with partners at the Conservation Alliance to advocate for robust funding of the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service.

The takeaway

The U.S. Forest Service's decision to move its headquarters to Utah and restructure the agency has drawn strong criticism from outdoor companies who rely on public lands for their businesses and fear the changes will undermine the USFS's ability to effectively manage these vital natural resources.