By Adam Sadowski
On Friday, Feb. 14th, I was terminated from my position as a trail crew foreman for the U.S. Forest Service. My entire crew in the Beartooth Ranger District was also let go.
Other departments employing seasonal workers had their positions terminated, and the ability to hire new employees was rescinded.
With documentation to prove it, I showed a perfect record as a valuable member of the agency. I completed numerous challenging projects, helped develop job and life skills for young people, and made efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Yet the actions and documents I received were dishonest and immoral.
I need people to understand this was more than just a job for me. Despite feeling disposable, undervalued, and overworked, I wore the Forest Service shield with pride. My younger self would have been inspired by the person I’ve become through my work. I was great at what I did.
I struggled to fit in my whole life, but finding trail work was the first time I felt like I truly belonged. Many of my friends and colleagues couldn’t afford to live in the communities we worked in, but we built our own community. I found my passion in the forests, mountains, and deserts. This decision has shattered my sense of self.
To all biologists, rangers, trail workers, recreation techs, maintenance workers, fee collectors, and anyone else in conservation, I want you to know I truly appreciate you. You have my respect and gratitude. Don’t let anyone convince you that you aren’t important. For those still employed by a federal agency, and for anyone who uses public lands, take the time to make phone calls. This includes bikers, hunters, fishers, hikers, birders, rock collectors, photographers, skiers, people who heat their homes with collected wood, parents who take their kids camping, and everyone else.
These are YOUR lands! Don’t let anyone ruin them. The people I worked with were dedicated to protecting these lands for all of us, and most of them lost their jobs because of it.
See you down the trail, or what’s left of it.
This was originally posted by Adam Sadowski on Feb. 16, 2025.