News & Updates

  • Restoring wildfire, forest health, and community resilience funding

    12/08/2025

    Preventing and responding to wildfires is a basic, core responsibility of government The No. 1 priority for DNR and Commissioner Upthegrove during the 2026 Legislative session is working with legislators to restore the $60 million cut from the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and Community Resilience Account. Funding from this account…

  • Board of Natural Resources Adds Over 1,000 Acres of Protection for Old Growth Forest

    11/13/2025

    Unanimous Approval Expands Endangered Species Habitat Protections in Snohomish County Conservation Area The Washington Board of Natural Resources has unanimously conserved 1,049 acres of old-growth forests, endangered species habitat, and rare plant species in Snohomish County. Board members approved the transfer of State Forest and Trust lands…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 16 Acres in Whatcom County

    10/28/2025

    A prescribed fire operation to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire while promoting forest health and improving wildlife habitat near Kendall may begin as soon as Thursday, October 30 The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this fall on up to 16 acres of state trust lands one mile…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 433 Acres in Stevens County

    10/21/2025

    A prescribed fire operation to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire while promoting forest health and improving wildlife habitat near Suncrest may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 22  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this fall on up to 433 acres of state trust lands about 9…

  • DNR Transfers Land to Pierce County to Increase Affordable Housing

    10/08/2025

    Board of Natural Resources Gives Unanimous Approval to Half-acre Transfer  The Washington State Board of Natural Resources has unanimously approved a transfer of approximately a half-acre of state trust land to Pierce County for future affordable housing. The parcels in Tacoma have been zoned for residential use and will be utilized for…

  • DNR Launches Automated Prescribed Fire Notification Service

    10/07/2025

    New offering allows users to customize the number of locations and method of notification about upcoming prescribed burns The Washington State Department of Natural Resources recently launched a new way for people to stay informed about prescribed burns near them or any location in the state. This service is not limited to burns implemented by…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 796 Acres in Kittitas County

    10/03/2025

    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, October 6 The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this fall on up to 796 acres of state trust lands about 11 miles…

  • Federal Government to Fund $29M in Wildfire Defense Grants in Washington

    09/25/2025

    Funding will be distributed by DNR to four successful applicants in Central and Eastern Washington The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Tuesday that $200 million in funding is being invested in the federal Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program nationwide – approximately $29 million of which is earmarked for…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 5 Acres in Thurston County

    09/23/2025

    A prescribed fire operation to protect and enhance ecological features at Rocky Prairie Natural Area Preserve near Tenino may begin as soon as Wednesday, September 24  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation on 5 acres at the Rocky Prairie Natural Area Preserve (NAP) located about 4 miles…

  • DNR Transfers Land to Stillaguamish Tribe for Salmon Habitat

    09/18/2025

    Transfer will Improve Tribal Salmon Recovery Goals and Enhance Trust Land Management The State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has entered into a Direct Transfer agreement with the Stillaguamish Tribe to transfer three state trust land parcels for use in long-term salmon recovery. The parcels, located along the Stillaguamish River in…

  • DNR Programs Available to Assist Landowners Following Burdoin Fire

    09/04/2025

    Some suppression repairs and forest health assessment activities may take place now, while others must wait for wetting rains  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Service Forestry Program and Southeast Region staff have begun working with landowners impacted by the Burdoin Fire to assess repair and restoration needs…

  • Commissioner Upthegrove Takes Bold Step to Conserve Washington’s Most Valuable Forests

    08/26/2025

    The Commissioner will also work with the Legislature to get the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) the authority and resources needed to enter innovative ecosystem services markets  Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove today took action to conserve 77,000 acres of Washington’s most ecologically valuable, older…

  • Ongoing Repairs Continue at Merrill Lake Natural Resources Conservation Area

    08/25/2025

    Public access areas within the Natural Resources Conservation Area remain closed for infrastructure updates and repairs The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has extended closure of the Merrill Lake Day Use Area and Campground for the foreseeable future to allow more time to complete necessary infrastructure repairs. The area has…

  • DNR Announces Public Auction for Grays Harbor County Trust Land Parcels

    08/04/2025

    Proceeds from Auction Used to Acquire Income-Producing Lands to Benefit Schools, Local Services  The public is invited to an auction of state trust lands on August 14, 2025. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will auction three parcels of land in Westport. The Land Bank parcels will be auctioned off to the highest…

  • American Forests, Washington State Department of Natural Resources Launch Statewide Tree Equity Score Analyzer

    07/29/2025

    The tool helps evaluate and prioritize areas with the greatest need for tree cover in order to achieve tree equity statewide  American Forests and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources continued their years-long partnership on Tuesday by launching the Washington State Tree Equity Score Analyzer. The state-specific tool…