Dixie National Forest outlines priorities during federal funding lapse

Dixie National For­est officials say key operations will con­tinue despite the on­going lapse in federal appropriations. In a letter shared by For­est Supervisor Kevin Wright, the Forest Service outlined which functions will remain active during the gov­ernment shutdown.

Image via NPS

Wright said the guid­ance, issued Oct. 3 by the agency’s national office, “gives you a general idea of what the Dixie’s priorities are, too.” He and the forest’s four district rangers are exempt from furlough and continuing to work on Ad-ministration priorities identified by the U.S. Forest Service, including public safety, forest health, and critical infrastructure. Some additional Dixie staff are also exempt to maintain essential operations. “For example, we have minimal recreation staff working to clean restrooms that are still open,” Wright said. “Some timber staff continue to administer and prepare timber sales, too.” Nationwide, the Forest Service has maintained recreation access where possible, continued timber pro-duction under Executive Order 14225, and processed wildfire and emergency payments. Wright encouraged the public and partners to reach out with any specific questions. “Thank you, as always, for your support of Dixie National Forest,” he said.

Read the full USDA letter here: sunews.net/documents/.