Senate considers Michael Boren to lead Forest Service, despite clashing with agency

President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the U.S. Forest Service, Michael Boren, is facing scrutiny due to his rocky relationship with the agency he may soon lead. Boren, an investment consultant, Idaho ranch owner, and tech company founder, is currently undergoing a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

The 62-year-old has a history of clashes with the U.S. Forest Service, particularly over land use issues. One notable conflict involves the construction of a cabin and land clearing within the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho. Boren, who co-founded Boise-based tech firm Clearwater Analytics and owns a ranch within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, has been embroiled in disputes over these activities.

One of the contentious issues is the building of a cabin on his property by Galena Mines, an LLC associated with Boren. Additionally, disagreements have arisen over stream diversion, land management practices, and the location of mining claims made by Boren’s corporation. There was also controversy surrounding a small airstrip on Boren’s ranch, which drew objections from neighbors before he obtained a conditional-use permit from the Forest Service.

Boren’s brother, David Boren, has also had disputes with the Forest Service over a trail built near his ranch. If confirmed as the undersecretary of Natural Resources and Environment, Boren would be tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Forest Service, which manages vast expanses of public land.

Despite these controversies, Boren was a donor to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Trump touted Boren’s business acumen and pledged that he would revitalize forest management practices if confirmed. The nomination has come at a time of significant upheaval within the agency, with recent orders to roll back environmental protections and layoffs of Forest Service employees.

The Forest Service expressed support for Boren, stating that he would implement Trump’s agenda and ensure proper forest management. The agency looks forward to his swift confirmation by the Senate. Boren’s appointment will require a full Senate confirmation following the current hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee.

ABC News reached out to Boren for comment but did not receive an immediate response. The Forest Service also did not provide a comment in response to ABC News’ inquiry. The situation underscores the challenges and controversies surrounding Boren’s nomination to lead the U.S. Forest Service.