Headlines
Commissioner Hilary Franz Introduces “Keep Washington Evergreen” Plan for Forest Conservation and Reforestation
Initiative would create framework and secure funding for conservation of one million acres of working and natural forests, as well as reforestation of one million acres across Washington
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and Rep. Kirsten Harris-Talley (D-... More...
Date: November 30, 2021
Commissioner Franz Appoints First Director of Equity and Environmental Justice
Today, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the hire of Eliseo (EJ) Juárez as their first Director of Equity and Environmental Justice.
Juárez is a recognized expert on inclusion and policy within non-profit and public agencies. He previously served... More...
Date: November 8, 2021
DNR to Begin Sustainable Harvest Level Process With Scoping Webinars
Harvest levels are an outcome of implementing the Department’s Policy for Sustainable Forests and Habitat Conservation Plan
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is beginning the process to establish the sustainable harvest levels on forested state... More...
Date: November 4, 2021
DNR Receives Board Approval to Auction Okanogan County Parcel
The 160-acre parcel will be sold at public auction to fund future purchases of replacement trust land better suited for management
The Board of Natural Resources approved the auction of a 160-acre parcel of land in Okanogan County that is managed by the Washington... More...
Date: November 2, 2021
Committee on Geographic Names Approves Naming King County Bay After Notable WWII Veteran
It also recommended the Board of Natural Resources approve 2 additional names, approved 3 more for final consideration
The Washington State Committee on Geographic Names approved three final proposals during its meeting on Tuesday.
These proposals... More...
Date: October 26, 2021
As Weather Shifts, Commissioner Franz Lifts DNR’s Statewide Burn Ban
Franz’s decision follows the reopening of DNR land east of the Cascades as peak wildfire danger lessens and conditions improve
As weather continues to shift and forecasts project rain on both sides of the Cascades, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz has... More...
Date: September 20, 2021
DNR to Reopen Eastern Washington Lands as Extreme Wildfire Danger Lessens
As improved weather signals the end of peak wildfire conditions,
DNR resources and strategic response prove key to overcoming challenging season
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reopening its lands east of the Cascades to public... More...
Date: September 15, 2021
DNR Awards Largest Batch of ‘Building Forest Partnership’ Grants in Program History
Grants will help advance forest health work in priority landscapes across Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded nine organizations in Washington $425,000 in grant funding to help increase the health and resilience of... More...
Date: September 14, 2021
Franz Asks for Public’s Help to Prevent Wildfires During Labor Day Weekend
Commissioner Franz asked residents to avoid starting outdoor fires, follow statewide burn bans and act quickly when spotting smoke
Last Labor Day, more than 500,000 acres burned in just 36 hours
Today, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz asked... More...
Date: September 2, 2021
DNR Enters Partnership with Latino and Wildfire Community Leaders to Support Wildfire Preparedness
The partnership between DNR, Washington Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, Latino Community Fund, and other local organizations will support more-inclusive community-resilience work, with an emphasis on building capacity in Latino communities
On Wednesday,... More...
Date: September 1, 2021
Commissioner Franz Calls on Federal Agencies to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for Wildland Firefighters
DNR is taking immediate steps to make vaccines available at fire camps to facilitate vaccination of firefighters in Washington
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, leader of Washington state’s wildfire fighting force, today called on the federal Departments of... More...
Date: August 23, 2021
Commissioner Franz Visits Sherwood Fire Amidst Unprecedented Wildfire Season
Franz joined Spokane Tribal leadership to double-down on DNR’s commitment to combating the wildfire crisis and keep communities safe Yesterday, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz visited Wellpinit, where firefighting crews have been battling the Sherwood Fire since last... More...
Date: July 29, 2021
DNR and Forest Service Resume Aerial Survey Flights to Monitor Forest Health Conditions
Flights covering more than 20 million acres were grounded in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions
Forest scientists from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service returned to the skies this week to... More...
Date: July 29, 2021
Fire Danger Ratings, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels Rise In Eastern Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its partners are increasing Fire Danger Ratings (FDRs) and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPLs) on DNR-protected lands in parts of eastern Washington.
Effective 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 23:
Fire danger... More...
Date: July 22, 2021
WSU Extension, DNR Offer New Online Classes to Follow Up Award-Winning 2020 Webinars
Free classes include managing noxious weeds, creating wildlife habitat, and a statewide recap of forest health highlights
Washington State University Extension Forestry and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources are again teaming up to offer a series... More...
Date: July 21, 2021
DNR Closes Eastern Washington Lands to Recreation Due to Extreme Fire Danger
All DNR-managed lands east of the Cascades will be temporarily closed to the public starting Friday
Today, while visiting the Red Apple Fire, Commissioner Franz announced that, due to extreme fire danger and ongoing drought, the Washington State Department of... More...
Date: July 20, 2021
Fire Danger Ratings Rise In More Parts of Eastern Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its partners are increasing Fire Danger Ratings and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels on DNR-protected lands in parts of eastern Washington.
Effective Friday, July 16:
Fire danger will... More...
Date: July 15, 2021
Public Hearing Set for Proposed State Land Transaction in Jefferson County
The Dabob Bay Inter-Trust Exchange would allow DNR to move 820 acres of forestland into conservation through a Trust Land Transfer
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a public presentation and hearing July 26 in Quilcene to... More...
Date: July 9, 2021
Fire Danger Ratings Rise In Parts of Eastern Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its partners are increasing Fire Danger Ratings and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels on DNR-protected lands in parts of eastern Washington.
Effective Friday, July 9:
Fire danger will increase from... More...
Date: July 8, 2021
Commissioner Franz Appoints New Policy Director & Chief Resilience Officer
Marissa Aho is the former Chief Resilience Officer for the cities of Houston and Los Angeles
Today, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the hire of Marissa Aho as its new Policy Director and Chief Resilience Officer.
Previously, Aho... More...
Date: July 7, 2021
