News & Updates

  • DNR Planning Two Prescribed Burns Totaling 453 Acres in Klickitat County

    09/28/2026

    Prescribed fire operations to reduce wildfire risk and restore forest health near Glenwood may begin as soon as Wednesday, September 30. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning two prescribed fire operations this fall on up to 453 acres of state trust land located in Klickitat County. One burn will include up to 390…

  • Commissioner Upthegrove: It’s Time to Give Conservation a Financial Value, Not Just an Ecological One

    09/24/2026

    Commissioner Laid Out His Updated Vision to Stabilize Funding for Conservation and Protect Washington’s Most Critical Forests Today Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove announced an updated vision for conservation and the management of forests on state lands, outlining a plan to shore up budgets for the Department of Natural Resources (…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 427 Acres in Kittitas County

    09/23/2026

    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 Thursday, September 24 The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this fall on up to 427 acres of state trust lands about 11…

  • Planning Prescribed Burn on 65 Acres in Chelan County

    09/16/2026

    A prescribed fire operation to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire while promoting forest health and improving wildlife habitat near Cashmere may begin as soon as Thursday, September 17. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation on up to 65 acres of the Camas Meadows Natural Area Preserve…

  • DNR Fire Investigators Seek Public’s Help in Locating Vehicles of Interest in Okanogan County Fire

    09/14/2026

    Vehicles and Motorcycles Seen Leaving Area of Cumbo Fire Start Fire investigators with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are seeking the public’s help in locating several vehicles seen near the Cumbo fire in Okanogan County. The fire was first reported on September 11 at 2:00 pm on Burma Road, approximately two miles northwest of Methow…

  • Board of Natural Resources Approves Transfer of DNR Lands to City of Westport to Address Housing Needs

    09/09/2026

    Transfer will Provide Over Two Acres for Future Affordable Housing The Washington State Board of Natural Resources has approved a direct transfer of 2.36 acres of state trust land to the City of Westport for future affordable housing. The property, within Westport city limits, is zoned for mixed-use, residential, and commercial uses and has been…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 37 Acres in Thurston County Thursday

    09/09/2026

    A prescribed fire operation to promote prairie health and improve wildlife habitat, while reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire near Littlerock, will occur on Thursday, September 10. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation on up to 37 acres of the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve about…

  • 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…