Headlines
Commissioner Franz: Our Hearts are with the People of Maui
“I am devastated by the lives lost and the destruction in Lahaina.
“This tragedy weighs heavy on our hearts – Washingtonians know all too well the devastation that can be caused as quick-moving wildfires upend families and destroy communities in a matter of minutes... More...
Date: August 10, 2023
DNR to Ban Campfires on State Lands in Northeast Region Beginning Today
Hot, dry summer weather has dried out fuels and is forecast to continue, increasing wildfire danger and prompting the decision
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is banning all campfires on lands it manages throughout its Northeast Region starting... More...
Date: August 4, 2023
Application Period Opens for Revamped DNR Trust Land Transfer Process
The tool enables DNR to keep special places in public ownership while improving the financial performance of state trust lands
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened the application period for Trust Land Transfers this week... More...
Date: August 2, 2023
DNR Issues 3-Year Status Report on Agency Climate Plan
Report lists achievements and goals for meeting 2020 Plan for Climate Resilience initiative to make Washington more resilient to climate change
Enhanced wildfire protection, conservation of critical habitat, and hundreds of megawatts of new clean energy are among... More...
Date: August 2, 2023
Derelict Vessel Removed from Tribal Tidelands
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Department of Natural Resources, and Northwest Straits Commission have teamed up in an innovative partnership to remove derelict vessels from Swinomish land.
Since 2009, a roughly 65-foot derelict sailboat, known as “Windjammer... More...
Date: July 27, 2023
Commissioner Franz Provides Update on Wildfire Conditions in Washington
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and Wildland Fire Meteorologist Matthew Dehr provided media on Tuesday afternoon with the latest information regarding active wildfires in Washington and provided an outlook on upcoming fire conditions.
The Newell Road Fire... More...
Date: July 25, 2023
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...
Date: July 5, 2023
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...
Date: July 5, 2023
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...
Date: June 15, 2023
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...
Date: June 9, 2023
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...
Date: June 6, 2023
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...
Date: June 6, 2023
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...
Date: June 6, 2023
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...
Date: May 16, 2023
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...
Date: May 11, 2023
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...
Date: May 4, 2023
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...
Date: May 2, 2023
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...
Date: May 2, 2023
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...
Date: May 1, 2023
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...
Date: April 26, 2023
