Forest Service to Shutter Two WA Research Labs

Closures are part of broader agency restructuring under USDA.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:01pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, highly textured painting in muted greens, browns, and blues, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex interconnected systems of a forest ecosystem.The closure of two key Forest Service research labs could impact ongoing scientific work and data collection in the Pacific Northwest.Seattle Today

The U.S. Forest Service plans to close research laboratories in Seattle and Wenatchee, Washington as part of a broader restructuring of the agency that falls under the Department of Agriculture.

Why it matters

The Forest Service research labs in Washington state have played a key role in studying forest ecology, wildfire management, and sustainable timber practices. Their closure could impact ongoing scientific work and data collection in the Pacific Northwest.

The details

The two Forest Service labs slated for closure are located in Seattle and Wenatchee. The agency says the restructuring is aimed at streamlining operations and aligning research priorities with the USDA's broader goals. However, the move has raised concerns among local stakeholders who rely on the labs' expertise and data.

  • The Forest Service announced the planned closures on April 14, 2026.

The players

U.S. Forest Service

A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages and protects national forests and grasslands.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Forest Service plans to finalize the closure plans in the coming months and begin the process of winding down operations at the two Washington state research labs.

The takeaway

The planned closure of these Forest Service research facilities raises questions about the agency's commitment to science-based forest management and the potential impact on environmental research and data collection in the Pacific Northwest.