Headlines
DNR to Launch Prescribed Fire Program with Cross-Boundary Burn in Okanogan County
State and federal partners collaborate on prescribed burn in Okanogan County to improve forest health and decrease wildfire severity
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and U.S. Bureau of Land... More...
Date: March 25, 2022
Forterra, DNR Conserve 40 Acres Of Old-Growth Forest In Central Cascades
Newest phase of conservation success in protecting Washington’s forest resources preserves critical habitat, adds it to Mount Si NRCA
Forterra, a Washington based non-profit land trust, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have teamed up to conserve... More...
Date: March 22, 2022
Commissioner Franz Establishes State’s First “Protection Zone” for Kelp and Eelgrass
Executive order will preserve 2,300 acres of valuable habitat at mouth of the Snohomish River
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz today announced a first-of-its-kind Kelp and Eelgrass Protection Zone to conserve 2,300 acres of valuable habitat near the mouth... More...
Date: March 21, 2022
Public Safety Concerns Prompt Target Shooting Closure on DNR Parcel Near Spokane
The ‘Stonelodge’ property is located west of Suncrest off state Route 291
Due to public safety concerns, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has closed a parcel of state land in Stevens County to target shooting. The closure will take effect... More...
Date: March 21, 2022
Legislature’s Investments will Support DNR Efforts to Keep Waters and Habitat Clean, Safe
Legislature’s Investments will Support DNR Efforts to Keep Waters and Habitat Clean, Safe
Once signed into law, House Bill 1700 and Senate Bill 5619 will increase funding for two of DNR’s major aquatic programs
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz... More...
Date: March 9, 2022
WSU Extension, DNR to Offer Free Online Forest Owners’ Winter School Classes
Free webinar set for February 26 includes education on indigenous land management, insect and diseases advice, and preparing trees for climate change
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington State University Extension Forestry program... More...
Date: February 17, 2022
Public Hearings Scheduled for Proposed Inter-Trust Land Exchange
Presentations will be made in Mount Vernon and Richland, with remote participation options also available
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a pair of public presentations next month for a proposed transaction that would designate more... More...
Date: February 14, 2022
New Study Details Tsunami Impacts of Magnitude 9.0 Earthquake to Olympic Peninsula
As experts signal likelihood of major earthquake in the next 50 years, DNR’s modeling shows corresponding flooding depths of 60 to 100 feet along Pacific coast beaches and Olympic Peninsula
Following minor flooding along the Pacific Coast from a tsunami caused by an... More...
Date: January 18, 2022
Board Approves Naming of Mercer Island Cove for Decorated World War II Veteran
New name for San Juan County creek, corrected spelling of canyon in Spokane and Stevens counties also adopted during meeting Tuesday
The Washington State Board of Natural Resources, in its role as the Washington State Board on Geographic Names, approved new names... More...
Date: January 4, 2022
DNR, RBAW Conservancy Finalize Purchase of Historic Lakebay Marina
After years of disrepair, the joint purchase will preserve this important South Sound marina with upgraded facilities and protections for kelp, eelgrass and salmon
Following a years-long effort to preserve the historic Lakebay Marina in Pierce County, the Washington... More...
Date: December 28, 2021
DNR to Purchase Dallesport School, Create New Regional Wildfire Response Center
Acquisition of vacant Klickitat County buildings, funded with House Bill 1168 moneys, increases firefighting capabilities in Columbia River Gorge
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources will purchase the former Dallesport Elementary School to create a... More...
Date: December 7, 2021
DNR to Permanently Conserve 230 Acres of Marbled Murrelet, Spotted Owl Habitat
$4.5 million will support Pacific, Skamania, Wahkiakum counties, help fund purchase of replacement lands
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources will transfer 230 acres of state forestlands in Pacific, Wahkiakum, and Skamania counties into permanent... More...
Date: December 7, 2021
DNR Opens Applications for Largest Urban and Community Forestry Grant Funding Cycle in Agency History
Grant applications being accepted to help communities across the state increase the health of urban and community forests
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban and Community Forestry Program (UCF) began accepting applications today for... More...
Date: December 6, 2021
Commissioner Hilary Franz Introduces “Keep Washington Evergreen” Plan for Forest Conservation and Reforestation
Initiative would create framework and secure funding for conservation of one million acres of working and natural forests, as well as reforestation of one million acres across Washington
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and Rep. Kirsten Harris-Talley (D-... More...
Date: November 30, 2021
Commissioner Franz Appoints First Director of Equity and Environmental Justice
Today, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the hire of Eliseo (EJ) Juárez as their first Director of Equity and Environmental Justice.
Juárez is a recognized expert on inclusion and policy within non-profit and public agencies. He previously served... More...
Date: November 8, 2021
DNR to Begin Sustainable Harvest Level Process With Scoping Webinars
Harvest levels are an outcome of implementing the Department’s Policy for Sustainable Forests and Habitat Conservation Plan
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is beginning the process to establish the sustainable harvest levels on forested state... More...
Date: November 4, 2021
DNR Receives Board Approval to Auction Okanogan County Parcel
The 160-acre parcel will be sold at public auction to fund future purchases of replacement trust land better suited for management
The Board of Natural Resources approved the auction of a 160-acre parcel of land in Okanogan County that is managed by the Washington... More...
Date: November 2, 2021
Committee on Geographic Names Approves Naming King County Bay After Notable WWII Veteran
It also recommended the Board of Natural Resources approve 2 additional names, approved 3 more for final consideration
The Washington State Committee on Geographic Names approved three final proposals during its meeting on Tuesday.
These proposals... More...
Date: October 26, 2021
As Weather Shifts, Commissioner Franz Lifts DNR’s Statewide Burn Ban
Franz’s decision follows the reopening of DNR land east of the Cascades as peak wildfire danger lessens and conditions improve
As weather continues to shift and forecasts project rain on both sides of the Cascades, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz has... More...
Date: September 20, 2021
DNR to Reopen Eastern Washington Lands as Extreme Wildfire Danger Lessens
As improved weather signals the end of peak wildfire conditions,
DNR resources and strategic response prove key to overcoming challenging season
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reopening its lands east of the Cascades to public... More...
Date: September 15, 2021
