The Colorado delegation attacks the US Forest Service’s decision to freeze the hiring of temporary seasonal employees.

In a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, as well as House Representatives Joe Neguse and Brittany Petterson, called on the department to reconsider the decision.

“We are deeply concerned by the Forest Service’s announcement regarding the agency’s budget shortfall and subsequent freeze on the hiring of all temporary seasonal employees other than firefighters,” the letter said. “Colorado’s forests are among the most visited in the country and provide critical infrastructure for Colorado.”

Specifically, lawmakers are asking that the hiring freeze not extend to staff hired through partnerships with state and local governments. In all Western states, including Colorado, the U.S. Forest Service accepts millions of dollars from such partnerships to hire seasonal employees, the letter said.

“The current hiring freeze puts these partnerships at risk, putting hundreds of jobs at risk and leaving resources on the table,” the lawmakers wrote. “In Colorado, external partnership agreements help the Forest Service maintain busy campgrounds and trails, clean restrooms, reduce wildfire risk, and manage parking. »

Lawmakers note that several external partners have contacted their offices, concerned that the Forest Service may be using local funds and fees for other needs. Doing so would run counter to commitments made to communities that rely on money for local recreation and visitor services, lawmakers said.

U.S. Forestry Chief Randy announced last month that the agency would not hire additional seasonal employees, outside of fire-related needs, for the foreseeable future due to budget constraints.