U.S. Forest Service Chief Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

Tony Tooke, the head of the U.S. Forest Service, resigned on Wednesday following allegations of sexual harassment at the agency and an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture into Tooke's own behavior.

Tooke resigned after an investigation by PBS NewsHour that revealed a widespread culture of sexual harassment and retaliation within the forest service. PBS' reporting also found that there were allegations against Tooke when he wasn't chief that included claims of relationships with subordinates.

"Every Forest Service employee deserves a safe and respectful workplace free of harassment," Tooke wrote in an email to staff announcing his resignation. "Each employee deserves the very best leadership to bring about the cultural changenecessary to rid the Forest Service of harassment, bullying, and retaliation."

In the email, Tooke acknowledged that he fully supported and was cooperating with the investigation into his own behavior.

"I have been forthright during the review, but I cannot combat every inaccuracy that is reported in the news media," Tooke wrote. "What I can control, however, are decisions I make today and the choice of a path for the future that is best for our employees, the Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I must also think about what is best for my family. Therefore, I have decided that what is needed right now is for me to step down as Forest Service Chief and make way for a new leader that can ensure future success for all employees and the agency."

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture accepted Tooke's resignation.

You can find PBS' reporting on the sexual harassment claims within the U.S. Forest Service here and here.

Photo: Secretary Perdue swears in new U.S. Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke in a ceremony, photo via USDA