USGS downsizing Minerals Program

Employees in the USGS Minerals program are receiving letters today offering them an early retirement buyout.  My source says the target is a reduction of 6 in the western office, and possibly higher numbers in Denver and Reston USGS offices.    Those accepting must be gone by early March.     The buyout reportedly only only applies to the Minerals Program.    There were simultaneous meetings on Monday with all the Minerals Program staff nationwide notifying them of the offer.