Released on Friday before the Senate failed to pass the CR.

January 20, 2018 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Friday outlined U.S. Forest Service services available in the event of a government shutdown.

 

In the event of a lapse in appropriations – among other duties listed HERE (PDF, 179 KB) – the USFS will continue work in:

• Emergency and Defense Preparedness;
  
  
• Fire Suppression including fire fighters and all necessary equipment costs to protect life and property, Law Enforcement personnel and all necessary equipment costs to protect life and property, and emergency and natural disasters response or preparation (e.g., floods and avalanche control);
  
  
• Protection of Federal lands, buildings, waterways, equipment and other property and investments owned by the United States when the suspension of such activities would cause an imminent threat to human life and property. This includes nurseries, insectaries, tree seed labs, and the minimum level of staffing to administer permits and contracts needed for protection of National Forest System lands;
  
  
• All contracts in support of cyber security, land-based radio communications, and infrastructure operations to support key positions and essential personnel;
  
  
• Protection of Research studies where lack of continuation measurements or maintenance would destroy or endanger validity of research findings;
  
  
• Job Corps operations unless directed otherwise by Department of Labor.
  Source: USDA