A sweeping reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service is poised to reshape how millions of acres of Western forests are managed, and will likely force the relocation of hundreds of researchers from Portland.

Why it matters: Portland has long been a hub for wildfire planning, timber policy and scientific research across Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

• Losing agency offices here could reduce local influence over decisions shaping Northwest forests, critics say.

Zoom in: The Portland-based regional office oversees vast federal lands across the Northwest — including a quarter of all the land in Oregon — coordinating wildfire response, conservation and timber policy.

• The city is also home to the 100-year-old Pacific Northwest Research Station, which employs nearly 250 people, mostly scientists, studying forest health, climate and ecosystems.
• Under the proposed changes, agency research would be consolidated in one location in Fort Collins, Colorado.
• The agency's firefighting duties, including the Northwest Coordination Center, which oversees deployment of wildfire assets around the region, would be unaffected by the reorganization.

The big picture: As part of the proposed reorganization, the agency's headquarters would move from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement.

• The changes would bring decision-making closer to the lands the agency manages, most of which are in the West, "while saving taxpayer dollars and boosting employee recruitment," she said.

"This is about building a Forest Service that is nimble, efficient, effective and closer to the forests and communities it serves," agency chief Tom Schultz said in a statement.

The other side: "At a time when wildfires are getting worse, and access to public lands is already under strain, the last thing we need is an unnecessary reorganization that creates chaos and confusion for the land managers, researchers and wildland firefighters who help keep our forests healthy now and for future generations," Josh Hicks, with The Wilderness Society, said in a statement.

What's next: The closure of the research station and the relocation to Salem are expected within the next two years, per the Oregon Capital Chronicle.

Tell a forest fan

More Oregonians filed for bankruptcy in 2025 than the year before — just one of several worrying economic factors outlined in a recent report from the Oregon State Treasury.

By the numbers: Bankruptcy court filings rose 25% last year (from about 6,360 in 2024 to nearly 8,000) as more residents face financial stress due to high housing and food costs.

• Plus: About half of Oregonians (48%) lack enough savings to handle a $500 surprise bill or emergency, pushing many to turn to credit cards and borrowing.

What they're saying: "Federal tariffs and funding cuts have forced households to absorb new costs, disrupted businesses, and hurt jobs in Oregon," Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner said in a statement.

• "While it's harder to make ends meet, we can all take steps to improve our financial fitness."

Yes, but: It's not all bad news. Household incomes are on the rise and the median net worth in Oregon reached $249,000 — above the national average.

• Participation in personal finance education courses is up, too.

💸 A year after President Trump imposed stiff tariffs in what he deemed "Liberation Day," Portlanders are paying more for just about everything, with the average American household doling out $1,000 more last year. (The Oregonian)

⛺ The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, which manages roughly 250 properties across the state, has failed to perform adequate building safety checks over the last several years, per an audit from the Secretary of State's office. (Oregon Capital Chronicle)

🤒 The Oregon Health Authority has confirmed two new measles exposure locations in the Portland area — Lark Cafe in West Linn and Pho.Com in Gresham.

• Earlier this week, OHA warned of potential exposure at the Providence Portland Medical Center emergency waiting room on Northeast Glisan. (KGW)

🦌 One of Portland's most famous statues, the Thompson Elk, will return to its rightful place downtown this spring after an extended absence due to damage during the 2020 protests. (OPB)

Portland's roster of stand-out Thai food just got deeper with the recent addition of Guay Tiew in the Pearl District.

• From the team behind Khao Moo Dang and Thai Peacock, the new counter service restaurant focuses on one of the country's most popular street food dishes: build-your-own noodle soup bowls.

Best bites: Expect to find a lot of pork in every iteration. Nearly every item on the menu contains minced pork, braised pork, cracklings, patties and meatballs all in a base of pork bone broth.

• Diners can choose from a selection of eight broths — from peppery herb to spicy-sour or the classic Thai boat-style known for being rich and savory — and four styles of noodles or rice. There's vegan options, too.
• I opted for the house curry, a Northern Thai staple, with egg noodles and topped with all the pork options, bean sprouts and yu choy. I found it to be pleasantly sweet with a gentle, manageable heat, if a tad garlicky.
• Be sure to order some sides and snacks, too. The yum Thai salad packed some serious heat while still managing to be refreshing.

The vibe: I went during the soft opening and the room — where a giant, glowing red neon sign centers the space and gives off real night market energy — was buzzing. Be prepared for some lines.

• Ordering was quick and efficient and food was brought out swiftly, making it a perfect lunchtime hang or fuel-up stop ahead of a late night.

If you go: Guay Tiew (330 NW 10th Ave.) is open Wednesday through Friday 4-9pm and on weekends from noon to 9pm.