Government Shutdown Shutters Madison’s Federal Wood Lab

Government Shutdown Impacts Federal Wood Lab

The Federal Wood Lab, located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, has been shut down due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Federal researchers, such as Nathan Bechle, a materials research engineer, warn of lost data, delayed projects, and mounting strain. Bechle notes that

“Even though wood has been used for thousands of years, there’s still a fair amount that is not known about it from a mechanical perspective”
.

The lab, which has been in operation for over a century, is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has been impacted by the shutdown, with most employees, including Bechle, being furloughed.

The Trump administration has attempted to lay off some workers and has threatened not to release back pay, further exacerbating the situation.

Author's summary: Government shutdown affects Federal Wood Lab.

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Urban Milwaukee Urban Milwaukee — 2025-10-18

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