News & Updates

  • Department of Natural Resources Implements Full Closure of Loomis State Forest Due to Fire Operations Hazards

    09/04/2026

    The Sinlahekin Fire continues to burn on the landscape, creating a public safety hazard for recreators in the area. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has implemented a full recreational closure of the Loomis State Forest due to the Sinlahekin Fire near Tonasket, Washington. The lightning-caused fire has been burning since July 26,…

  • DNR Seeks Volunteers to Participate in Forest Health Advisory Committee

    09/03/2026

    New Committee Members Will Advise Lands Commissioner on Key Policy to Create Healthier, More Resilient Forests Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove is seeking volunteers to participate in the Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Health Advisory Committee (FHAC). Committee members provide guidance and advice to the Commissioner on…

  • Commissioner Upthegrove: The Trust Land Transfer Program is a Critical Tool to Protect Special Places

    09/02/2026

    The Thorpe Property in Spokane Highlights the Important Role of Community Engagement Today, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove joined local leaders and community members to celebrate the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Trust Land Transfer program after the Board of Natural Resources voted to submit six projects,…

  • Trust Land Transfer Proposals Approved by Board of Natural Resources

    09/01/2026

    Thorpe parcel in Spokane among 6 proposals included in $30 million budget request to Legislature for 2027-29 Biennium The Washington State Board of Natural Resources approved a priority list of six parcels for legislative funding to conserve via the Trust Land Transfer program during its meeting Tuesday. The Washington State Department of…

  • Safety Incident Prompts Closure of Target Shooting in Area of Elbe Hills State Forest

    08/21/2026

    In response to a recent safety incident involving a trail user, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is announcing an expanded recreational target shooting closure in Elbe Hills State Forest near Ashford, Wash. Lands affected by this closure include all areas accessed from DNR Road 8 between its junction with Stoner Rd /…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…