Court Filings • Case 3:25-cv-08302-SI

Trump Administration Moves to Cut Over 2,000 Wildlife Conservation Jobs

A federal judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) pausing Interior Department reduction-in-force (RIF) actions. Court filings report a plan to abolish 2,050 positions across 89 competitive areas at Interior, with program-specific reductions at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

TRO: Oct 15, 2025 Modified TRO: Oct 17, 2025 Agency filings: Oct 20, 2025 Hearing: Oct 28, 2025
Black-footed ferret in prairie grassland
Feature: Black-footed ferret. Image link as provided.

Primary filings: Department of Justice filing (Oct. 20, 2025). Related coverage and explainers on Endangered Species Act rules, Migratory Bird Treaty Act changes, and pesticide risk reviews are linked for context.

2,050
Interior positions listed for abolition (89 competitive areas)
954
HHS RIF notices issued Oct 10, 2025 (per updated declaration)
132
FWS program cuts detailed by area (sum across listed programs)
12%
Approx. BLM Utah share of positions planned for abolition (93/783)
Field stations & fish health/propagation units
37
Examples in filings include regional offices and field labs
Population monitoring & permits
35
Program purpose: status/trend data & management support
Refuge management units in Regions 3 & 5 (examples listed)
23
Grant programs for states/partners
14
Consultation, recovery planning, listing work
14
Regional administration/oversight
8
Office of Law Enforcement (inspectors/agents)
1

Order & Filing Timeline

Oct 1, 2025
Federal government shutdown began.
Oct 15, 2025
TRO issued by Judge Susan Illston, N.D. Cal.
Oct 17, 2025
Order clarifying/modifying TRO; agencies directed to file RIF accounting.
Oct 20, 2025
Agencies filed declarations; Interior reported 2,050 planned abolitions across 89 competitive areas; HHS updated to 954 RIF notices.
Oct 28, 2025
Hearing scheduled on whether to extend the TRO.
Colorado locations in filings account for at least ~112 planned abolitions (BLM Colorado 33, NPS Denver Service Center 40, USGS Fort Collins 39).

This summarizes units explicitly listed in the provided appendices.

Approximation control for accessibility preview only.
“The Trump administration’s extremely short-sighted effort to gut the Fish and Wildlife Service will throw gasoline on the raging fire that is the extinction crisis,” said Tara Zuardo, Center for Biological Diversity.
This section summarized the filings, listed program counts, noted the TRO dates, and linked to related explainers on species status reviews, listing petitions, and active litigation.
Karmactive Whatsapp group - https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb2BWGn77qVMKpqBxg3D

Govind Tekale

Embarking on a new journey post-retirement, Govind, once a dedicated teacher, has transformed his enduring passion for current affairs and general knowledge into a conduit for expression through writing. His historical love affair with reading, which borders on addiction, has evolved into a medium to articulate his thoughts and disseminate vital information. Govind pens down his insights on a myriad of crucial topics, including the environment, wildlife, energy, sustainability, and health, weaving through every aspect that is quintessential for both our existence and that of our planet. His writings not only mirror his profound understanding and curiosity but also serve as a valuable resource, offering a deep dive into issues that are critical to our collective future and well-being.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Illustration of Earth with the Moon and a satellite against a dark space background
Previous Story

Earth quasi-moon 2025 PN7 confirmed: tiny rock may linger ~60 years, with kilometer range and size band inside

Latest from Conservation

Don't Miss