Headlines
Board Approves DNR’s Purchase of More Southwest Washington Forestland
The 119-acre parcel in Wahkiakum County touches DNR-managed lands on three sides   The Washington State Board of Natural Resources approved the Department of Natural Resources’ purchase of 119 acres of forestland in Wahkiakum County during its meeting Wednesday... More...
DNR Land Transfer to Facilitate Workforce Housing Construction in Kitsap County
‘We need to be creative to begin to solve our state’s affordable housing crisis. The transfer of the land and development of the Ridgetop parcel into affordable housing is an important way to make public lands work for the public good,’ Commissioner Franz says   A... More...
Commissioner Franz Hails Supreme Court for Respecting Native Families and Sovereignty
Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz issued the following statement following today’s ruling by the United States Supreme Court upholding the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act:   “This is a big win for Washington’s Tribes and Tribes across our nation... More...
Commissioner Franz: Preventing And Fighting Wildfires Is A Community Effort – Locally and Internationally
With weather conditions across the state ripe for strong fire activity, following prevention best practices is a must for Washingtonians     Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz called for members of the public across Washington to follow wildfire prevention... More...
State Adopts Three More Tribal Proposals to Replace Derogatory Names
The proposals were the last among those from Washington to stem from 2021 federal order to rename geographic features   The Washington State Board of Natural Resources officially renamed five features, including three proposals submitted by tribes for places that... More...
DNR to Add 640 Acres of Clark County Forestland to Yacolt Burn State Forest
The parcel, most of which burned during the Nakia Creek fire in October 2022, will be reforested after the purchase is completed   The Washington State Board of Natural Resources approved the purchase of 640 acres of forestland in Clark County to add to the Yacolt... More...
DNR to Sell Franklin County Parcel to Port of Pasco Via Direct Transfer
18.3-acre parcel north of Pasco lacking water rights sells for $495,000, set to be part of Port’s new Reimann Industrial Center   The Washington State Board of Natural Resources approved the direct transfer of an 18.3-acre parcel in Franklin County to the Port of... More...
DNR Closes Vehicle Access to Harry Osborne State Forest in Wake of Vandalism, Illegal Dumping
Roads in the state forest in Skagit County east of Sedro-Woolley will reopen for hunting season, remain open if issues cease   The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has temporarily closed the Harry Osborne State Forest in Skagit County to motor... More...
Washington 100: Geotourism Website
Washington Rocks: New DNR Geotourism Website Helps People Explore State’s Geology    From its craggy coastlines to its icy volcanic peaks, Washington is home to some of the world’s most stunning geology.   A new website published today by the... More...
Committee on Geographic Names Approves Three Tribal Proposals to Replace Derogatory Names
The proposals, which also include a saltwater passage and a historic ditch, will be forwarded to the Board of Natural Resources   The Washington State Committee on Geographic Names approved five names, including new names submitted by tribes for three places that... More...
Derelict Aquatic Structures Removal Bill Signed into Law
The Washington Department of Natural Resources will soon get to work creating healthier, safer waterfronts after Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law Senate Bill 5433 Monday afternoon.   Requested by Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and sponsored by Sen. Ron... More...
Board of Natural Resources Approves Transfer of 109 Acres of Conserved Forests to Jefferson County
Since 2009, the county has leased the three parcels west of Port Townsend, which will continue to be managed for conservation purposes   The Washington State Board of Natural Resources approved the transfer of 109 acres of conserved forests just west of Port Townsend... More...
Celebrate Wildfire Awareness Month by Signing up for Wildfire Ready Neighbors
May 6 is also National Community Wildfire Preparedness Day   This May, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz encourage Washington residents to smell the spring flowers, appreciate the re-emerging... More...
Spokane County Residents, Department of Natural Resources Expand 'Wildfire Ready Neighbors' to Protect Homes, Properties from Wildfires
Initiative connects residents with experts, resources, and tools to better prepare communities for wildfire season   With Wildfire Awareness Month and National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day approaching in May, the Department of Natural Resources’ Northeast... More...
Bark Beetles Account for More Than Half of Tree Mortality Reported in Annual Forest Health Highlights
DNR and Forest Service scientists report a 10-year high of forested acres affected by tree mortality, defoliation, or foliar diseases   The Department of Natural Resources released its annual Forest Health Highlights report on Tuesday following a 2022 survey that... More...
Commissioner Franz Kicks Off ‘Wildfire Ready Neighbors’ in Thurston County to Protect Homes, Properties from Wildfires
Initiative connects residents with experts, resources, and tools to better prepare communities for wildfire season   Every year, hotter and drier conditions are increasing the threat of wildfire west of the Cascades. That’s why Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary... More...
DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 140 Acres in Okanogan County
A prescribed fire operation to reduce wildfire risk and restore forest health near Loomis may begin as soon as Thursday, April 20.   The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and U.S. Bureau of Land... More...
DNR Seeks Community Input on Recreation in Yakima County
Agency will host public, Yakima user groups to collaborate on future of public use and recreation on DNR-managed lands   The Washington State Department of Natural Resources will host an open discussion on Wednesday, April 26, to solicit public feedback on how... More...
DNR and American Forests Announce Statewide Partnership to Advance Tree Equity
Seattle among first Washington cities to sign onto first statewide tree equity collaborative in the country   American Forests and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) launched the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative, a statewide partnership to... More...
DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 240 Acres in Stevens County
A prescribed fire operation to reduce wildfire risk and restore forest health near Deer Park may begin as soon as Thursday, April 13   The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this spring on 240 acres of state trust... More...