Bennington, Vermont News

Green Mountain National Forest Budget Cuts Cause Delays and Operational Strain

“It’s all slowed down right now and there is tons of confusion in the system,” a senior Forest Service official wrote to staff in a May 2025 email that was among internal documents obtained by VTDigger. Read the story on…

Published

3 months ago

June 9, 2026

Randy Breland, Managing Editor

Screenshot of internal memo about wildfire response funding — Green Mountain National Forest budget cuts

Last updated: September 1, 2026

Key points

Budget cuts are causing delays in projects at the Green Mountain National Forest.
Local Senators express concerns over staffing losses and the impact on public lands.
Future funding and resource allocation for the Forest Service remains uncertain.

MONTPELIER, Vt. NewsWK — Residents of Bennington and surrounding areas may be feeling the effects of significant budget cuts and staffing shortages at the U.S. Forest Service, particularly regarding the Green Mountain National Forest. The agency has been grappling with internal confusion and delays in project funding, which could impact popular local sites.

Internal Challenges and US Forest Service Vermont Staffing Cuts

Recent records obtained by VTDigger reveal that the U.S. Forest Service has faced considerable challenges since early 2025. With federal budget slowdowns under the Trump administration, projects within the Green Mountain National Forest have been left uncertain, affecting areas like Stratton Pond and Moosalamoo that attract many visitors.

Christopher French, a senior official with the Forest Service, noted in a May 2025 email, “It’s all slowed down right now and there is tons of confusion in the system.” This confusion has led to a significant delay in project funding, with the Forest Service not receiving an interim budget until eight months into the fiscal year.

Green Mountain National Forest Project Delays and Local Impact

Concerns for Green Mountain National Forest Recreation

Vermonters may notice the consequences of these operational shifts through delayed projects such as stream restoration efforts and potentially increased fees for accessing federal recreation sites. The Green Mountain National Forest encompasses approximately 400,000 acres across southwestern and central Vermont, providing essential resources for recreation and scientific research.

Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch have voiced concerns regarding the staffing cuts and their impact on public lands. Sanders emphasized the need to “protect our public lands and the employees who show up every day to care for them” in a statement.

Budget Allocation and Future Outlook

The Forest Service is currently seeking a budget of $2.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, a decrease from the previous year’s allocation. The agency’s focus has shifted towards immediate emergency responses and logging, sidelining other critical areas such as research and natural resource management.

The Forest Service’s Eastern Region has seen a drastic reduction in the number of staff authorized to make purchases, complicating the ability to carry out essential operations. In a June 2025 email, Stephanie Carman, an Eastern region official, pleaded for assistance in sharing resources amid these constraints.

As Vermonters await clarity on the future of their federal lands, the agency’s reorganization and budget challenges could reshape the landscape of forest management and conservation in the state.

What’s Next?

With the ongoing reorganization, including potential closures of research centers like the one in Burlington, local residents should stay informed about how these changes may affect their access to recreational areas and conservation efforts within the Green Mountain National Forest.

Based on reporting originally published by VTDigger. Read the original story.