This week on The Wild Line, we’re tracking the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act permitting reform package, a federal court order halting the United States Forest Service reorganization, tree removal at East Potomac Public Golf Course, and the reopening of litigation over Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monument. From congressional land policy to courtroom battles over agency authority, these stories highlight the widening gap between public lands protections and the pace of development and administrative change.

🎧 Listen to the full episode for context, analysis, and what to watch next.

Congress Advances Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 Permitting Reform

Congress announced its intention to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, a bipartisan permitting reform package, upon its return to Washington after the midterm elections. Conservation groups highlight Section 1402, which allows destructive public lands projects like mining and logging to proceed regardless of environmental harm. The legislation also weakens Tribal sovereignty under Section 2301 and limits judicial review of agency decisions through shortened statutes of limitations.

Wes Siler Reports 23 Percent Collapse in National Park Service Staffing

Reporter Wes Siler used leaked Department of the Interior staffing numbers to show full-time National Park Service employees dropped 23 percent from 16,484 in August 2024 to 12,632 as of September 29, 2026. Total Department of the Interior employment fell from 70,275 to 59,590 during the same period, while the Office of the Secretary grew significantly. A senior Department of the Interior manager attributed the decline to retirements, resignations, and the DOGE deferred-resignation program. Read Siler’s report right here.

NOAA Fisheries Funds Six National Fish Habitat Partnership Restoration Projects

NOAA Fisheries announced funding for six new habitat restoration projects through the National Fish Habitat Partnership to improve aquatic ecosystems and support recreational fisheries. Projects include restoring seagrass beds in Florida, rebuilding coral reefs in Hawaii, and stabilizing eroding shorelines in North Carolina. The efforts aim to enhance habitat for fish and other marine life while supporting recreational fishing interests.

Commercial Fishers Challenge Expanded Recreational Red Snapper Seasons in Florida

Commercial fishers are challenging the Trump administration decision to expand recreational red snapper fishing seasons in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. New permits allow eligible anglers to fish for 14 days beginning October 9, a shift from recent restrictions to just a few days annually. Plaintiffs argue the expanded seasons undermine conservation measures and increase recreational harvests without corresponding changes to commercial limits.

US District Court Halts United States Forest Service Reorganization

A US District Court in California halted the United States Forest Service reorganization, ruling the agency reprogrammed funds to close offices without congressional permission. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, stated the forced moves were about pushing experienced staff out rather than improving efficiency. Unions, nonprofits, cities, and counties filed suit to stop the agency from undoing a century of leadership structure.

Judge Tanya Chutkan Lifts Stay on Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears Monument Litigation

US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan granted a request to reopen 2017 litigation over President Trump’s reductions of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monument. The court ordered parties to agree on a briefing schedule and required the federal government to provide 48 hours advance notice of surface-disturbing activities on the lands cut from the National Monuments. Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and other conservation groups sought the case reopening.

National Park Service Opens Comment Period for Cumberland Island Land Exchanges

The National Park Service announced a 5-week public comment period on two controversial land exchanges on Cumberland Island, issued just 11 days after implementing a new visitor use management plan. Dani Purvis from Wild Cumberland discussed the proposal and how the public can take action. The agency is seeking input on the land exchanges as it manages visitor use on the island. Find out more right here.

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality Revives Columbia Mountain Tram Proposal in Flathead National Forest

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality revived a proposal to build an aerial 100-person tram service on Columbia Mountain in the Flathead National Forest, located just outside Glacier National Park. The plan extends from the town of Hungry Horse to the mountain top, which is designated roadless and set aside for primitive recreation. Peter Metcalf from the Glacier-Two Medicine Alliance argued the development is unnecessary and carries excessive risks.

Judge Ana Reyes Halts Tree Removal at East Potomac Public Golf Course

Judge Ana Reyes ordered a halt to tree cutting at East Potomac Public Golf Course after the Trump administration removed 430 trees on Saturday with 299 more slated for removal. The administration cited unpaid payments and slow capital improvements to terminate the National Links Trust lease, but the nonprofit disputes these claims. NPS superintendent Kevin Griess stated the work was not a renovation, yet the government removed up to 529 trees total.

Economist and Author Tom Power Dies in Missoula

Tom Power, an economist who taught at the University of Montana for 39 years, died in hospice care in Missoula. Power studied physics at Lehigh, earned an economics PhD at Princeton, and taught for the National Outdoor Leadership School. He argued that Western communities could thrive by valuing wilderness and clean rivers, publishing six books and more than 100 peer-reviewed articles on non-market values.

Shaaron Netherton Steps Down as Executive Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness

Shaaron Netherton announced her transition after 26 years as Executive Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, where she helped secure hundreds of thousands of additional wilderness acres. The board established the Shaaron Netherton Honorary Stewardship Fund to support the organization’s volunteer program, pledging $27,000 toward a $150,000 goal. Netherton previously worked with the Bureau of Land Management and helped found the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance. Donate to the Stewardship Fund at this link.

The Wild Line is sponsored by The Wilderness Society.

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