Dr. Francis Kilkenny
@metatree.bsky.social
Scientist and restoration ecologist, traveler, reader of books, green thumb (indoors and out), decent cook, dog owner, family man.
USDA hasn’t announced its reorganization or RIF plans yet, and those could severely impact USFS R&D and ARS (likely coming in the next few weeks). Also, the president’s FY 2026 budget proposal cuts USFS R&D by 95%, leaving only Forest Inventory and Analysis. In other words, more shoes to drop.
May 11, 2025 at 1:44 PM
USDA hasn’t announced its reorganization or RIF plans yet, and those could severely impact USFS R&D and ARS (likely coming in the next few weeks). Also, the president’s FY 2026 budget proposal cuts USFS R&D by 95%, leaving only Forest Inventory and Analysis. In other words, more shoes to drop.
Note that US federal scientists are likely to be severely retaliated against if they speak out, including via weaponized legal procedures and not just job loss. Academic colleagues have much more freedom to act.
February 21, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Note that US federal scientists are likely to be severely retaliated against if they speak out, including via weaponized legal procedures and not just job loss. Academic colleagues have much more freedom to act.
One thing to be aware of is that Federal employees are subject to various laws and regulations regarding communications, such as the Hatch Act, which can be weaponized against them. Speaking out is very dangerous for them. People in non-federal positions that have information need to be their voice.
February 15, 2025 at 8:19 PM
One thing to be aware of is that Federal employees are subject to various laws and regulations regarding communications, such as the Hatch Act, which can be weaponized against them. Speaking out is very dangerous for them. People in non-federal positions that have information need to be their voice.
Reposted by Dr. Francis Kilkenny
If you read one longform explainer on California policy and LA fires, make it this one by my UCLA Law colleagues: legal-planet.org/2025/01/17/d...
Did California Policies Make the LA Fires Worse? - Legal Planet
No, California’s environmental and climate regulations did not make the climate-fueled Palisades and Eaton fires more destructive.
legal-planet.org
January 17, 2025 at 5:13 PM
If you read one longform explainer on California policy and LA fires, make it this one by my UCLA Law colleagues: legal-planet.org/2025/01/17/d...
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing this.
December 1, 2024 at 3:37 PM
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing this.