The Hoosier National Forest says its park office hours will be reduced starting next week. Nationally, the U.S. Forest Service has faced national staffing cuts, which are being challenged in the court system.
Previously open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Bedford and Tell City offices will only be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting March 30.
“The Forest Service is committed to providing public services to the best of our capacity,” the announcement read. “To ensure that appropriate staff will be available to process firewood permits, please call ahead to schedule an appointment.”
Other services offered at the park offices include maps, forest information, and admission passes, permits and merchandise.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture laid off around 2,000 probationary, non-firefighting employees from the Forest Service, a spokesperson with the USDA said a statement March 3.
“Secretary [Brooke] Rollins is committed to preserving essential safety positions and will ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted,” the statement said.
