USDA Forestry: Region 5 a hotbed for sexual harassment & retaliation

Hosted by Marti Oakley

Whistleblowers is presented in coordination with Marcel Reid and the Whistleblowers Summit July 30, 2016!

As of this date:  Tom Villsack's USDA has blocked all communications from whistleblowers.

Guests:  Heidi Turpen and Atty: Michael McCray

In May 2015 Heidi started her first season as a Forestry Technician in the timber program on the Sequoia National Forest in Region 5,
California. Heidi was directed to live in coed barracks that included at least one male firefighter who insisted upon using the women's toilet
and shower. From the start Heidi endured discrimination in the form of vicious rumors, sexual innuendo about sleeping with coworkers, and
multiple incidents of a sexually hostile work environment. As the season went on Heidi was faced with sexual harassment by an Engine Captain in
front of other employees. She later discovered that he had been identified as a “repeat offender” and had been accused of work place violence by a subordinate employee. In another situation she and another female coworker were yelled at and intimidated by another male firefighter. She discovered this employee was also a repeat offender who had been accused of harassment and work place violence against women.

She reported the harassment and as retaliation from management, Heidi was subjected to an illegal Forest Service law enforcement search of her barracks with a drug dog. She discovered the Law Enforcement Officer had done this to another woman who had reported harassment.

As ran act of retaliation Heidi was left alone in the wilderness while on duty by her crew leader without a radio or GPS unit. This was a safety issue.