News & Updates

  • DNR: Wildfire Danger to Elevate Further Over Weekend with Westerly Winds

    08/07/2026

    Red Flag Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service across already-burning areas of eastern Washington The return of windy conditions into the weekend spells elevated wildfire risk once again for much of Washington state, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking people to stay safe and limit activities that could…

  • With 10 Large Wildfires Burning Across 200,000 Acres and Extreme Fire Conditions Ahead, DNR Shores up Resources With The National Guard

    07/31/2026

    Commissioner Upthegrove Requested Guard Support and Governor Ferguson Approved the Deployment of 110 National Guard Members Washington is currently experiencing a challenging wildfire season that has caused destruction across the state. Currently, there are 10 large fires in Washington totaling more than 200,000 acres. Already this year, more…

  • DNR: Extreme Fire Weather Expected In Eastern Washington This Weekend

    07/31/2026

    The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation alert, reserved for the worst fire weather conditions With strong winds expected to align with high temperatures and dry fuels, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is projecting Saturday to be an extremely challenging and hazardous fire weather event in Eastern…

  • THURSDAY: DNR Will Host Virtual Public Listening Session To Gather Wildfire Risk Mapping Input

    07/15/2026

    ​Community members, fire marshals, building code officials, local emergency managers, other interested parties encouraged to attend    The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting a virtual public listening session on Thursday to gather input from community members, local emergency managers, building code officials, fire…

  • DNR Enacts Eastern Washington Burn Ban Beginning Friday, July 17

    07/15/2026

    Consistent hot, dry summer weather and wildfire activity are increasing danger and prompting the decision to ban all outdoor burning on lands under DNR fire protection in Eastern Washington, including campfires The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is implementing a burn ban on lands it manages in Eastern Washington starting…

  • Commissioner Upthegrove: We All Play a Critical Role in Wildfire Prevention

    06/12/2026

    With weekend weather conditions ripe for wildfire activity, everyone can do their part to reduce risk by being firesafe and following prevention best practices outdoors With rising temperatures and dry conditions in Washington’s weekend weather forecast, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)…

  • DNR Opens Trailhead and 18 Miles of New Trails in Teanaway Community Forest

    06/06/2026

    The opening completes Phase 1 of the West Fork Teanaway Trails Plan, increasing access in this popular recreation area. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) celebrated the opening of a new trailhead and 18 miles of nonmotorized trails in the Teanaway Community Forest today. The opening marks the completion of Phase 1 of the…

  • Tiger Summit Trailhead Officially Opens as DNR Celebrates Completion of Work That Increases Accessibility

    06/04/2026

    The landmark project increases access to the trail system for different user groups. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has fully reopened the Tiger Mountain Summit Trailhead following the issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy from King County. Closure to expand the parking lot and increase accessibility began in…

  • DNR to Hold Public Hearing for Land Bank Exchange

    06/01/2026

    Trust Land Exchange will Provide Greater Benefits for Schools, Enhance Working Trust Lands The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Richland 16 Land Exchange. The hearing will take place on June 10th at 6:00 p.m. at the Skagit County Public Utility District offices in Mount Vernon. This hearing…

  • Summer Forest Field Days Series Hosted by DNR, WSU Begins May 30

    05/21/2026

    Forest landowners can attend sessions in Oak Harbor, Cheney, Vashon, and Toledo to learn from experts and explore available resources The Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Washington State University Extension are hosting a series of four Forest Owner Field Day events beginning May 30 to provide forest landowners with a…

  • Washington Department of Natural Resources Opens 14 Miles of New Mountain Biking Trails Near Ellensburg

    05/18/2026

    A strong partnership with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance made the new trails in Naneum Ridge State Forest possible, with more to come. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) opened a new mountain biking trail system in the Naneum Ridge State Forest in Kittitas County on Saturday. The Cookie Cutter trail system includes…

  • Annual Aerial Detection Maps 391,000 Acres in Washington with Dead or Damaged Trees

    05/14/2026

    Survey covered only 75% of forested acres following staff reductions at the USDA Forest Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; future of 80-year-old program unclear. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources released its annual Forest Health Highlights report on Monday following a 2025 survey season defined by a period…

  • Bridge Replacement Will Temporarily Close Access to DNR-Managed Lands in Whatcom County

    05/07/2026

    Construction will run from June until October 2026 and provide improvements to public access, safety and fish habitat in Racehorse Creek. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will temporarily close access to DNR-managed lands off North Fork Road in Whatcom County while a bridge over Racehorse Creek is being replaced.…

  • Celebrate Wildfire Awareness Month by Working On Preparedness, Prevention

    05/01/2026

    May 2 is also National Community Wildfire Preparedness Day This May, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to remind Washingtonians that the best way to celebrate spring is to spend a little time brushing up on home preparedness and wildfire prevention. May is National Wildfire…

  • DNR Receives Grant from The Arbor Day Foundation to Replant Western Washington Forests

    04/29/2026

    $185,000 Grant will be Used to Combat Root Disease, Improve Forest Health The Department of Natural Resources has been awarded a grant from The Arbor Day Foundation as part of an ongoing effort to support healthy forests in Washington. The $185,200 grant will be used to plant over 220,000 seedlings in areas affected by root diseases spreading…