Rural Broadband
   

Broadband internet provides communities with access to global information, healthcare services, distance education, marketplace visibility, communication tools, and countless other resources they need to thrive. Unfortunately, broadband coverage is uneven, making access difficult for many communities, especially in rural areas.
 
DNR owns and manages land across the state with communication towers and other critical infrastructure in place that can provide rural and underserved areas with access to high-speed internet. In partnership with the Department of Commerce, the Department of Health, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, DNR is helping community leaders and internet providers find ways to reach everyone in Washington.
 
The map below shows the locations of DNR-managed communication sites across Washington—more than 100 in total. The purple-shaded areas indicate levels of socioeconomic risk, which can often correlate with the availability of high-speed internet.
 
DNR is ready to help local organizations bring broadband to underserved populations in Washington. Clicking on communication sites will reveal additional information about each site; contact information for the appropriate DNR staff member is posted below the map.
 

View map full screen

Regional contacts

Northeast Region
Kevin Parkinson, kevin.parkinson@dnr.wa.gov, 509-684-7474
 
Northwest Region
Cory McDonald, cory.mcdonald@dnr.wa.gov, 360-854-2837
 
Olympic Region
Vacant
 
Pacific Cascade Region
Shari Stanford, shari.stanford@dnr.wa.gov, 564-669-0981
 
Southeast Region
Chad Unland, chad.unland@dnr.wa.gov, 509-925-0935, cell 509-856-6167
 
South Puget Sound Region (Mason, King, Kitsap)
Vacant
 
South Puget Sound Region (Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pierce, Thurston)
Shari Stanford, shari.stanford@dnr.wa.gov, 564-669-0981
 
For a map and explanation of DNR's region boundaries, please click here.