OPINION - FS ANNOUNCES HIRING LOCAL RECREATION STAFF

QWR's Don Amador

 

OPINION

By Don Amador

February 18, 2026

 

FOREST SERVICE TO HIRE LOCAL RECREATION STAFF

QWR applauds the U.S. Forest Service’s recent announcement to hire up to 2,000 seasonal employees to strengthen recreation services is welcome news for OHV stakeholders, industry partners, and agency professionals alike.

 

FS ANNOUNCEMENT

https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/leadership/strengthening-recreation-services-season-ahead

 

For years, QWR has emphasized that access to high quality outdoor recreation activities depends on a strong “boots on the ground” workforce.  Trails, roads, and campgrounds require skilled and committed field staff to remain open, safe, and sustainable.

 

This hiring initiative signals recognition that field-level workforce capacity matters. It recognizes that seasonal recreation employees are essential to maintaining trail systems, repairing infrastructure, managing campgrounds, and supporting multiple-use access that drives rural economies.

 

While the announcement does not address broader budget or structural debates, it does move in a direction long supported by OHV advocates, industry leaders, volunteers, and collaborative partners: ensuring that resources reach the local unit where public service is delivered.

 

Continued engagement and partnership between user groups, industry, and agency staff will be critical to maintaining this momentum and securing long-term support for recreation access and responsible land management.

 

A key QWR axiom is -  “Access doesn’t maintain itself. Investing in field-level recreation staff is investing in the people who care for the land and serve the public every day.”

 

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Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for 35 years.   Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance.  Don is a Co-Founder and Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino, a forest health collaborative that is part of the National Fire Learning Network.  Don served as an AD Driver for the Forest Service North Zone Fire Cache during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fire Seasons.