News & Updates

  • 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…

  • State Budget Cuts Prompt DNR to Reduce Recreation Services

    04/22/2026

    Four campgrounds will fully close for the season, several others will see shortened seasons for public access. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has identified closures and service reductions to recreation sites across the state due to budget cuts amplifying an ongoing lack of funding for maintenance and staff. DNR’s…

  • Two Campgrounds in Capitol State Forest Will Remain Closed for Summer 2026

    04/15/2026

    Margaret McKenny and Middle Waddell Campgrounds and Day Use Areas will not open for the Summer 2026 season due to public safety risks from hazard trees. Two popular campgrounds and day use areas managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will not reopen for the Summer 2026 season due to hazard trees in the area. Margaret McKenny and…

  • DNR to Conduct Mock Fire Exercises in Capitol State Forest

    04/09/2026

    Agency helicopters, firefighters and equipment will be deployed Wednesday in a simulated training for aviation and ground crews In preparation for wildfire season, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be conducting aviation mock fire exercises across the Capitol State Forest on Wednesday, April 15 with a backup date of…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 900 Acres in Kittitas County

    04/09/2026

    A prescribed fire operation to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire while promoting forest health and improving wildlife habitat near Ellensburg may begin as soon as Monday, April 13 The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this spring on up to 900 acres of state trust lands about 11 miles…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 500 Acres in Okanogan County

    04/09/2026

    A prescribed fire operation to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire, promote forest health, and improve wildlife habitat near Conconully may begin as soon as Monday, April 13. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this spring on up to 500 acres of state trust lands about 4 miles west of…

  • New Natural Area Preserve Designated in Cowlitz County

    04/06/2026

    Toutle Ridge NAP will protect an exemplary montane fen which supports five rare plant associations and two rare plants The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has officially designated a new Natural Area Preserve (NAP) in Cowlitz County. Toutle Ridge Fen NAP totals 166 acres and will protect an exemplary example of a montane fen, a…

  • Public Invited to comment on Trout Lake Natural Area Management Plan

    03/25/2026

    DNR will host a public meeting on April 8 at Trout Lake Grange No. 210 to discuss the NAP and provide an overview of the plan. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public meeting to share information about how Washington’s unique species and habitats are protected and preserved at Trout Lake Natural Area Preserve…

  • TODAY: DNR Will Host Public Listening Session To Gather Wildfire Hazard Mapping Input

    03/24/2026

    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 public listening session in Republic today to gather input from community members, local emergency managers, building code officials, fire marshals, planners…

  • WEDNESDAY: DNR Will Host Public Listening Session To Gather Wildfire Hazard Mapping Input

    03/24/2026

    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 public listening session in Colville on Wednesday to gather input from community members, local emergency managers, building code officials, fire marshals,…

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

    03/24/2026

    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 public listening session in Spokane Valley on Thursday to gather input from community members, local emergency managers, building code officials, fire…

  • Commissioner Upthegrove Applauds Legislature for Restoring Wildfire Funding

    03/12/2026

    Today, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove commended the Legislature for restoring funding for the Department of Natural Resources’ wildfire prevention and response and community resilience programs. “Wildfire touches everyone in Washington. I commend legislators for recognizing that and – even in a difficult budget year – finding ways…

  • DNR to Conduct Mock Fire Exercises at Mud Lake

    03/12/2026

    Agency helicopters, firefighters and equipment will be deployed on March 25 in a simulated training for aviation and ground crews In preparation for wildfire season, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be conducting mock fire exercises in the Mud Lake area starting on Wednesday, March 25 with a backup date of March 26…

  • DNR Partners with Colville Tribes to Reduce Wildfire Fuels at Nespelem Campus 

    03/06/2026

    Fuels reduction project follows 2025 Kaiser Canyon Fire; additional work planned north of town. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation are nearing completion of a 40-acre fuels reduction project on the Colville Indian Agency Campus in Nespelem. Home to the Colville Tribal…

  • Board of Natural Resources Expands Kitsap Peninsula Conservation Area

    03/03/2026

    Unanimous Approval Expands Protection of Mature and Old-Growth Forest in Puget Sound Lowlands The State Board of Natural Resources has approved a Trust Land Transfer to expand one of the only extensive, mature, and old-growth forests in the Puget Sound Lowlands. Unanimous approval was granted at the board meeting on March 3. The addition of a…