U.S. Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke resigned Wednesday amid sexual misconduct allegations, saying he admired the courage of the women who've come forward. | Alex Milan Tracy/Sipa via AP Images Forest Service chief resigns in wake of sexual misconduct allegations

Tony Tooke, chief of the U.S. Forest Service, stepped down from his post on Wednesday following reports of sexual harassment and retaliation at the agency that revealed the Agriculture Department was investigating misconduct allegations against Tooke himself.

Tooke, who was appointed by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in August, announced his resignation in an email to employees. Tooke said he admired the courage of the women who related their accounts of sexual harassment, and that Forest Service leadership was committed to investing the resources needed to change the work environment.


“I have been forthright during the review, but I cannot combat every inaccuracy that is reported in the news media,” Tooke said of the USDA investigation. “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.”

Tooke said his retirement was effective immediately.

During a congressional hearing in December 2016, USDA whistleblowers and employee advocates said a culture of racial and gender discrimination, sexual harassment and reprisals against those who file formal complaints had endured for decades, despite efforts by the Obama administration to change course.

PBS interviewed more than 34 women working for the Forest Service in 13 states, who described a culture of sexual harassment and assault and discrimination by crew members and supervisors. Three women said they were raped. Many who formally reported these episodes said that they were retaliated against, and that investigations were mishandled or significantly delayed.

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“Though we still have much to do, we have taken steps to improve policies, accountability, reporting systems and training,” Tooke said in his email to employees on Wednesday. “A Senior Advisor has been designated to focus on work environment and an employee advisory group is being formed to help.”

Perdue accepted Tooke’s resignation and thanked him for his service on Wednesday.

“In my experience, in order to effectively lead any organization, you must have the moral authority to inspire its members to work toward the goal of continuous improvement,” Perdue said in a statement. “Chief Tooke has determined that it is best for the Forest Service, its future and its employees that he step aside. I thank him for his decades of service to this nation and to the conservation of its natural resources.”

