No. 08-003
January 8, 2009
Contact: Princess Jackson-Smith, 360-902-1066
DNR Urges Residents to be Aware of Potential Landslides and to Report Occurrences
DNR’s Division of Geology and Earth Resources collects and analyzes data to assist state and local emergency management agencies
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Earth Resources (Washington Geological Survey) requests that anyone seeing a landslide to report it as soon as possible on the department’s website, http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ .
In order to reduce losses during future catastrophic landslide events, it is crucial to understand where and why landslides occur. The time to accomplish such documentation is as soon after the event as possible, because the information is perishable.
Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland explained the importance of contacting the Department of Natural Resources. “Data recovered from landslide studies are essential to understanding hazards and associated risks, which greatly aids in identifying susceptible communities, speeding up emergency response and recovery, and helping state, county, and city officials mitigate infrastructure, property damage, and loss of life.”
The Geology and Earth Resources Division, especially during storm events, actively maps landslides as they occur and displays that data on the DNR website to warn of future landslide threats. The information is especially valuable when there are large numbers of landslides occurring at the same time. The DNR website provides a central site for landslide information accessible to everyone.
Know the signs
Even though the rains have tapered off, the ground is still dangerously saturated, and the potential for landslides is high. They can kill, so be sure to get out of harm’s way. Landslide danger is greatest on steep slopes, but can also occur on shallow slopes. If you see these warning signs, please report them at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ .
• new cracks on the ground, driveway, or in structures (walls),
• leaning trees, telephone poles, or fences,
• bulging retention walls,
• bulging or sinking in road beds, and
• new or more vigorous springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas not typically wet, especially along hillsides.
If you suspect immediate danger, move out of harm’s way and contact your local Emergency Management Division at:
http://www.emd.wa.gov/about/emergency_management_agencies.shtml .
Caring for your natural resources . . . now and forever
The mission of the Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Earth Resources (DGER) is to collect, develop, use, distribute, and preserve geologic information to promote the safety, health, and welfare of the citizens, protect the environment, and support the economy of Washington. DGER is regarded as a primary source of geological products and services to support decision-making by Washington government agencies, businesses, and the public.
DNR manages more than 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural, conservation, and aquatic lands. These lands include 125,000 acres of Natural Areas that protect rare and threatened species, as well as high-quality examples of the native ecosystems and landscapes of Washington.
The department also provides wildfire protection for 12.7 million acres of private and state-owned forestlands; administers Forest Practices rules and surface mine reclamation on state and private lands; gives technical assistance for forestry and mining; and provides financial and grant assistance to local communities and individuals.
DNR is administered by Doug Sutherland, the 12th Commissioner of Public Lands since statehood in 1889.
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