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NFFE Local 34

@nffe-local34.bsky.social
984 followers 23 following 60 posts

National Federation of Federal Employees Local 34 represents US Forest Service Region 6 employees on the Olympic, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan-Wenatchee, and Colville National Forests in Washington State. Join today NFFE1187.org #unionstrong

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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
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NFFE-Forest Service Council @nffe-fsc.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
🚨Track your incident days! 🚨 We're hoping nfc gets it figured out but aren't holding our breath either. #bettertogether #holdtheline #nffestrong #wildlandfirefighter #signalboost
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Affiliated with the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO
May 12, 2025
NFFE-IAM Members and Bargaining Unit Employees.
We are writing regarding the Forest Service HRM guidance sent out on May 8, 2025, announcing interim caps on premium pay for Forest Service employees on fire assignments.
The NFFE Forest Service Council (NFFE-FSC) worked with Congress to ensure that up to $9,000 of premium pay was authorized in the Continuing Resolution passed this February.
NFFE-FSC is prepared to file a national grievance and take other legal action, if necessary, should the Forest Service attempt to withhold the premium pay that our members have earned and are legally owed.
To ensure that we are prepared, NFFE-FSC recommends that all employees track any days that they are prevented from claiming premium pay because of the interim cap on premium pay.
Some glitches in the NFC system may soon be resolved in the next several weeks, in which we are told this will be temporary.
Please contact your Local to alert them if you are prevented from claiming premium pay before reaching the $9,000 annual cap. We hope that this guidance will be rescinded before that occurs.
NFFE and the Forest Service Council will fight to make sure that backpay is provided quickly in the event any employees are prevented from claiming the premium pay they have earned.
In Solidarity,
Warner Vanderheuel 
National Federation of Federal Employees, Forest Service Council
1225 New York Ave., NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20005 . p: (202) 216-4420 . f: (202) 898-1861 .www.nffe.org
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AFL-CIO @aflcio.org · 28/04/2025
On Workers Memorial Day, America’s unions mourn the workers who have lost their lives or been injured or ill on the job. Every worker should be able to go home at the end of the day safe and healthy, and we’ll keep fighting like hell to make that a reality for EVERY worker.
Workers Memorial Day: Remembering those who lost their lives on the job—and fighting for safe jobs for every worker | AFL-CIO
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Baker River IHC from the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie NF is ready for fire season and standing #unionstrong
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
@repkimschrier.bsky.social is hosting a town hall in Wenatchee on Thursday, April 17. Register to attend.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
“It’s not over yet. There’s going to be more challenges,” she said. “Like I tell my members—you know, buckle up, put the bite stick in—because it’s still going to get bumpy. But don’t lose hope. Keep that energy up.”
wenatcheeworld.com
Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest Service employees return to work after mass terminations
Okanogan-Wenatchee U.S. Forest Service employees returned to work on March 24 after being laid off on Valentine's Day.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
“In light of the lack of seasonal employees, the whiplash of firings and reinstatements, and the Trump administration’s long-term plans for a formal reduction in force at federal agencies, close observers are still skeptical that basic functions will be performed adequately.”
seattletimes.com
WA's fired Forest Service staff got their jobs back ... for now
Many Forest Service staffers who were fired by the Trump administration in February have been reinstated to their jobs, but job security is another story.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
We’ll see you out there.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
“DOGE directed all federal agencies to submit plans for Reduction in Force (RIF) layoffs by March 13. But as of March 17, USFS and several other agencies had not submitted their plans. This time, Musk is clearing the way to lawfully dismiss workers.” And then they will come for the land.
thenation.com
Trump’s War on Public Lands Moves to its Second Phase
The Great Firing continues—and the next round of layoffs will reveal how much power over public lands the Trump administration will cede to corporations.
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Reposted by NFFE Local 34
Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. @repkimschrier.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Slashing the Forest Service’s workforce and causing severe disruptions to their operations leaves the Eighth District vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires. I recently spoke with KOMO on my work to defend our forest service workers and keep our community safe.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Local 34 representing in Seattle!
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Reposted by NFFE Local 34
Federal Workers United @fedworkersunited.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
🚨 Trump and Musk want to fire federal workers, gut public services, and hand our government to billionaires. We’re not letting that happen. 📢 Join us this Thursday at 8PM ET for a mass call to hear how we fight back—together.
Alt Text: A digital flyer with a dark red background promotes the "Save Our Services: LET US WORK Mass Call" event. The main text is in bold white and light blue, with "LET US WORK" in large, uppercase white letters and "MASS CALL" in bold outlined text. Below, the flyer highlights four featured speakers with circular headshots: Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Robert Reich (Former Secretary of Labor & Co-Founder of Inequality Media), Liz Shuler (President, AFL-CIO), and Maurice Mitchell (National Director, Working Families Party). The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 13th at 8PM ET / 5PM PT, with a call to action in bold: "Register: bit.ly/march13RSVP."

On the left side, logos of supporting organizations are stacked vertically, including the Federal Unionists Network (FUN), AFL-CIO, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), Working Families Party (WFP), and MoveOn.

At the bottom, white text reads "+ more!!" indicating additional speakers. The flyer visually emphasizes urgency and collective action against federal worker layoffs.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest asked the Town of Twisp help out with maintenance of local campgrounds and trailheads this summer, using funds the Methow Valley Ranger District does not have the ability to spend.
methowvalleynews.com
USFS asks Twisp to help with campgrounds this summer – Methow Valley News
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Hey Western Washington! March for Civil Service, March 14th. Show up at the Henry Jackson Federal Building in Seattle on 12 PM. Bring your friends. Let’s go!!
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Reposted by NFFE Local 34
Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. @repkimschrier.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
I've called on the administration to rescind their U.S. Forest Service workforce cuts because, in Washington State, we treasure our public lands and know that keeping our forests healthy is vital both for recreation and for preventing catastrophic wildfires. www.nbcrightnow.com/national/sch...
nbcrightnow.com
Schrier, colleagues ask for rescinding of forest service termination
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA) asked for terminated U.S. Forest Services to be reinstated and for the the Trump Administration to hold off on other workforce cuts.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Central Washington, turn up! Leavenworth Town Hall, March 11 at 7pm.
Leavenworth Town Hall March 11 at 7pm
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
Happy International Women’s Day! This is what happens when you Google “Women in the Forest Service”. What a 🤡 show.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
“Enumclaw’s Forest Service office will be closing, and three staff members have already been fired, as a part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s myriad funding cuts across the federal government.”
courierherald.com
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie forest trail maintenance team decimated in February purge; local Forest Service office closing | Courier-Herald
Former rangers Alex Ross and Cameron Schmodt say trail clearing, bathroom pumping, and trash collecting efforts will now be extremely limited inside the nearby national forest.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
“Everything that doesn’t get done this year is going to increase the backlog,” Mason said. “It will probably take many years to catch back up.” —Alex Mason, former Methow Valley Ranger District trail crew worker.
seattletimes.com
Trump fired these 5 WA Forest Service workers. What their absence means for you
Many of the U.S. Forest Service workers fired by the Trump administration serve critical functions in the constant job that is maintaining outdoors spaces.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
“Most of us care so much about this work, we’re all going to fight for jobs. That’s why we’re out here,” she said. “We don’t want to leave. We don’t want to find other jobs. We got into this because it’s what we love to do. We love the lands that belong to all of us.”
cascadepbs.org
Washington-based U.S. Forest Service rangers reinstated — for now
Ahead of the busiest season for outdoor recreation, staffing for trail clearing, search & rescue, toilet cleaning and other duties is still uncertain.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Politico reporting up to 7,000 workers to be cut from the Forest Service.
eenews.net
Forest Service braces for up to 7,000 layoffs
“We are sheep headed to slaughter,” one employee said as the Trump administration eyes further staff reductions.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
“But some things are already clear to the people who manage the national forest. There won’t be enough employees to clear trails, maintain campgrounds and clean bathrooms, nor to care for the MVRD’S 22 horses and mules, which support trail work in the wilderness.”
methowvalleynews.com
Firings rock Methow Valley Ranger District – Methow Valley News
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Check in with your terminated friends! We also have folks we haven’t been able to reach since we don’t have their contact info.
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Reposted by NFFE Local 34
Senator Patty Murray @murray.senate.gov · 05/03/2025
Ray is a 10 year U.S. Forest Service veteran at the Methow Valley Ranger District who was recently promoted to permanent staff. Elon fired him for no reason. Unjustified layoffs like Ray's will end in closed trails, unprotected lands, and less people to help in emergencies.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
UTAH! It’s good to be #unionstrong
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NFFE-Forest Service Council @nffe-fsc.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
#gilanationalforest what is the interest there for organizing? Please dm us. #gilanf #gila #nffe #forestservice #usfs #newmexico #nm #r3 #region3 #unionstrong #bettertogether #boost #pleaseshare
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
“Dozens of people across Washington who love and care for the land in national forests on behalf of the public and future generations have been fired. Losing their incomes and work they love is devastating for them, and it is also devastating for the ecosystems.”
peninsuladailynews.com
YOUR VIEW: Forest service workers perform important work | Peninsula Daily News
ON BEHALF OF myself and not the federal agency I currently work for, I’d like to share a few thoughts.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Babe, wakeup! A new EO dropped!
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
“I fear that the Forest Service is at risk of losing the next generation of natural resource managers and leaders,” said retired Snoqualmie District Ranger Martie Schramm, Watson’s former boss.”
seattletimes.com
Trump fired Forest Service staff; here's what you might notice in WA
Heading into hiking and camping season, an already lean Forest Service staff will be stretched even thinner in the Cascades and Olympics.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
“I think we’re going to lose our federal government land. I think in the next four years, the Forest Service just won’t be around anymore,” said Taze Henderson, a Forest Service employee in Washington state’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest until he was fired this month.”
capitalandmain.com
Firings at Forest Service Raise Alarm Over Corporate Takeover of Public Lands
Employees warn that recent dismissals could weaken protections for public lands as the new administration selects a former timber executive to head the agency.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
“After four years as lead animal packer for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Goodrich was fired Feb. 13…All the other seasonal positions at the ranch were recently eliminated, he said, which has left him wondering who will tend to the animals or the land.”
oregonlive.com
Federal cuts hit Northwest national forests, bringing ‘bleak time’ to U.S. Forest Service
Impacts have hit the Pacific Northwest forests, with more firings expected.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Opinion piece from the Washington Trails Association and The Mountaineers
seattletimes.com
Forest Service firings dire for WA recreational lands | Op-Ed
The firing of about 3,400 Forest Service employees will affect the public's ability to enjoy our landscapes, which could in turn hurt the economy.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
We have a new chief.
usda.gov
Secretary Rollins names Tom Schultz Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service
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Reposted by NFFE Local 34
NFFE local 125 @nffe-local125.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
We are actively organizing the #Uintah #Wasatch #Cache #nationalforest. If you are an employee on the #uwc interested learning more please hit us up here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... #bettertogether #unionstrong #nffe #forestservice #wildlandfirefighter #usfs
docs.google.com
UWC Unionization Interest Form
THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED USING A PERSONAL DEVICE ON PERSONAL TIME. We are fortunate to work with people who genuinely care about your well-being and the forest, but like all of us, they are bound b...
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Gregg Bafundo, a wilderness ranger from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest was fired from his job. He’s interviewed in this Post Reports podcast.
washingtonpost.com
The gutting of the federal workforce - The Washington Post
The cuts to the federal workforce and what they’ll mean for the American people.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
“Who did they vote for?” Is a question people ask to determine if a federal worker’s firing was deserved. Keep in mind—they would not be speaking out if this is what they voted for. Maintain your focus where it belongs. And to those that speak out—thank you for staying in the fight. #solidarity
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Reposted by NFFE Local 34
Natural Resources Committee Democrats @naturalresources.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
🚨 @rephuffman.bsky.social, @chu.house.gov, & @salinas.house.gov led 80+ House Democrats in demanding the Trump admin reverse thousands of Forest Service layoffs. "Their departure, along w/ broader staff reductions, leaves the agency dangerously understaffed as we head into another wildfire season."
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Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 26/02/2025
MAJOR WIN for probationary federal workers. My latest: www.muellershewrote.com/p/major-win-...
muellershewrote.com
Major Win for Probationary Federal Workers
OSC Hampton Dellinger, after being reinstated by a judge following dismissal by Trump, has temporarily saved the jobs of six wrongfully-terminated probationary federal workers. Here's why it matters.
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Reposted by NFFE Local 34
ALT Fish and Wildlife Service @altfws.altgov.info · 25/02/2025
Very soon (within weeks) our nations wildlife refuges will be closed. We are at the precipice and I'm not sure this dire message is getting out there in an impactful way. I'm sure all other public land managers (NPS,BLM,USFS,etc) were given the same directive, so we're close to losing these lands.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
The latest from Local 34 is out now. If you are a bargaining unit employee of the Olympic, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan-Wenatchee, or Colville National Forests and are not receiving our emails, sign up here: tinyurl.com/3anbms3u
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Reposted by NFFE Local 34
NFFE-Forest Service Council @nffe-fsc.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Latest intel for terminated employees (new 2/24/25): nffe-fsc.org/downloads/ab...
nffe-fsc.org
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Senator Patty Murray @murray.senate.gov · 23/02/2025
Gregg is a former Marine and Forest Service ranger. He's saved the lives of hikers dangling off a cliff or going through cardiac arrest, and he's bravely fought forest fires to save small rural towns. 100% of his salary is paid by WA state. Elon fired him. Share his story.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
This day in history: February 23rd 1940, Woody Guthrie penned his famous song, “This Land Is Your Land”. The verses highlight the country’s natural beauty, while the chorus reinforces the idea that the nation belongs to everyone, not just the wealthy and powerful.
kennedy-center.org
This Land is Your Land
Today, this classic folk song is usually sung as a popular pro-America anthem by Americans of every background. But it was written to have a radical edge that hollered for the country to make its bounty available to rich and poor alike.
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NFFE-Forest Service Council @nffe-fsc.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Updated information from NFFE regarding the Five Bullets email from OPM. nffe.org/nffe_news/gu...
nffe.org
Guidance on OPM Saturday Email | National Federation of Federal Employees
An urgent message from NFFE leadership.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
“Without rangers to manage those facilities, waste will build up quickly, potentially contaminating water sources and creating health hazards. If we are not out there, there’s literally going to be human waste overflowing in these pristine, fragile alpine wilderness areas,"
wenatcheeworld.com
Federal layoffs hit Washington’s park rangers
WENATCHEE — For years, Owen Wickenheiser was a wilderness and climbing ranger, primarily stationed in the Enchantments near Leavenworth. He spent his summers hauling trash out of the forest, clearing
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NFFE-Forest Service Council @nffe-fsc.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
#unionstrong #holdtheline #onYourTerms #bettertogether #nffe #forestservice
NFFE-FSC is aware terminated employees who did not initially opt into the deferred resignation program are now being offered it again. 

The Union is being asked, "What do I have to lose if I’m already terminated."

If a terminated employee decides to accept "deferred resignation" in lieu of termination, they lose all rights, as explained in the resignation documentation. The Union cannot help them.  No one can help them.  There are no guarantees the government will honor its own documentation.  The ongoing changes, updates, and "oopsies we're changing the program again," should be seen as warning signs.  Your Spidey sense should be screaming out loud don't go there! 

If there is a government shutdown beginning March 14, 2025, there is no guarantee later legislation will fund deferred resignation such as those employees being placed on admin leave until September 30, and all benefits paid through that date.  This is snake oil.

DO. NOT. RESIGN.

At some point, if you choose to leave federal employment, either through resignation or retirement, do it on YOUR TERMS!
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
You were made for times like these and it shows. Stay strong and stay true to your values. We are not done yet.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
More coverage from the Wenatchee demonstration. Local 34 is not afraid to speak truth to power.
khq.com
Federal workers protest job cuts in Wenatchee
Hundreds gathered in downtown Wenatchee to support federal workers facing job cuts under the Trump administration. The protest highlighted the struggles of workers like Gregg Bafundo, a recently fired...
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Forest Service and other federal employees joined a crowed of 400 at the Wenatchee rally yesterday. Local 34 was representing!
Forest service employees at a demonstration are holding signs protesting  illegal firings of federal workers.
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NFFE Local 34 @nffe-local34.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
The sign reads: "Due to the large scale termination of Forest Service employees, Franklin Falls and the Denny Creek Trailhead are CLOSED. This site will reopen when we return to appropriate staffing levels." Expect more of this. Photo: @mountainstosoundgreenway via Instagram
Photo of a closed trailhead and sign that reads: "Due to the large scale termination of Forest Service employees, Franklin Falls and the Denny Creek Trailhead are CLOSED. This site will reopen when we return to appropriate staffing levels.”
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