Idaho Panhandle National Forest employees laid off

Federal layoffs have affected some Forest Service employees at the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

About 3,400 Forest Service employees have been laid off nationwide as part of the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to cut federal spending and downsize government operations, according to Politico.

Though it is unclear how many Forest Service employees were laid off in Idaho, Brad Smith with the Idaho Conservation League said he was told as many as 37 people working for the IPNF have been laid off so far.

“It’s really hard to get official numbers because federal agencies are being quiet,” Smith said.

The layoffs targeted employees who were on probation, the Idaho Statesman reported earlier this week. Probationary periods typically last around a year but can last longer in some cases.

Multiple reports suggest that affected employees were told they were being let go due to unsatisfactory job performance.

“The (Forest Service) Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest,” reads an emailed memorandum originally published by Mountain Journal earlier this week.

It's unclear how the cuts will affect the National Forests, but Smith said the impacts will become apparent in the coming months to those using the region’s outdoor spaces.

“You’ll find that your favorite campground may not be open and trails are not being maintained,” Smith said.

Smith added that larger-scale projects, such as fuel reduction efforts in urban-wildland interface areas, may be delayed or canceled due to staffing shortages.

IPNF representatives declined to comment.