WHAT NOW?

Feb 24

By now, you have likely heard the news about the terminations that have taken place across federal agencies, including the US Forest Service. On the Custer Gallatin National Forest alone, 43 employees were terminated so far—representing over 30% of the workforce. This is a devastating blow to public land management, and our hearts break for the dedicated Forest Service employees and their families who have committed their careers and lifestyles to protecting and maintaining our wild places.

These cuts are significant—not just in numbers, but in impact. Losing a third of the workforce sounds alarming, and when you consider that a majority of the affected roles include those responsible for trail maintenance, visitor safety, weed control, and wilderness stewardship, the reality becomes even more concerning. These staff were “probationary,” not in the sense that their performance was below standard, but because of their nontenured time in their position. Many of these people had worked for the agency for many years and were in a probationary period because they had recently changed their employment status from “temporary” to “permanent seasonal,” or were recently promoted. These were hard-working people dedicated to providing incredible service to the American people and our public lands.

This comes on the heels of the September 2024 hiring freeze for non-fire seasonal employees (read: Trail Crews & Info Center Staff) and more recent threats to suspend trail and stewardship grants tied to federal funding. Our public lands now face a perfect storm: fewer boots on the ground, diminished resources, explosive growth in public use, and increased pressure to privatize management services—even if not the land itself.

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness welcomes tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of visitors each year. Without adequate USFS staffing or funding, organizations like ABWF will have to step in to fill the gaps. This isn’t merely about inconvenience; it’s about human safety, conservation, and maintaining the level of access we enjoy today not just for future generations but for THIS summer. Tomorrow. NOW.

Trails will be more challenging to navigate due to fallen trees and brush; they will erode after every summer thundershower when clogged water bars aren’t cleared in the spring; noxious weeds will expand unchecked—not only at trailheads but deep into the wilderness; illegal activity could increase, diminishing the wilderness experience; and trailhead facilities like toilets will be closed. These are just a few of the immediate impacts we face.

We are in ongoing conversations with the USFS and other partners as we work to understand the short-term impacts and brace for long-term realities and how we can best support our beloved Wilderness. Make no mistake: there is no more “business as usual” for any of us. Everything has changed.

Here at ABWF, we had been preparing to launch our most ambitious summer of programs yet. This includes a new Women in Wilderness partnership with Sibanye-Stillwater and the Beartooth Backcountry Horsemen—offering a dozen solitude-monitoring backpacking adventures—along with a revamped trail projects program featuring more accessible volunteer opportunities. While we remain committed to a robust 2025 schedule, we have paused all hiring and planning amid the current uncertainty.

What Do We Know?

Now, more than ever, our Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness needs your support. With federal funding sources under imminent threat, community involvement will make the difference between thriving public lands and struggling ones.

We are here for the long haul and whatever it takes. But we need more volunteers, more local engagement, and more philanthropy to keep these places safe, accessible, and resilient. Whether you join us for a trail or cleanup project, support programs like our Education and Solitude Monitoring efforts, or make a donation to keep our operations running, every contribution helps ensure that our public lands remain open and wild.

Donate Now

ABWF has always believed in the power of community stewardship, and we’re calling on that spirit now to rise to this challenge. Please consider signing up for our email updates and making a donation—of any size—to show your support and stand in solidarity for wilderness and public land management.

Onward,

Joe Josephson

A Personal Note

Growing up in Montana and throughout my 30+ year career in nonprofit service, advocacy, and public land stewardship in the Greater Yellowstone, I’ve often said in public settings, “While it’s easy to criticize Forest Service policy and direction, we are incredibly fortunate to have the dedicated public servants here on the Custer Gallatin National Forest—especially those with boots on the ground at the District level. Their commitment to our public lands and to enhancing your experience is nothing short of remarkable.”

My heart is truly broken for these inspiring people and their families. I wish we could hire them all!