Headlines
Hot, Dry Conditions Prompt Commissioner Franz to Enact Statewide Burn Ban
Commissioner’s Order bans outdoor burning on all forestland under DNR fire protection
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz signed an order yesterday creating a statewide burn ban on all forestland under the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR... More...
Date: July 28, 2020
Eastern Washington Increasing Campfire Restrictions and Fire Precaution Levels
Due to the continuous dry, hot weather, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today more changes in campfire restrictions and industrial fire precaution levels (IFPL) on DNR-protected lands. Beginning July 28, a statewide burn ban was enacted by... More...
Date: August 13, 2020
Commissioner Franz Pleads with Residents: ‘Please Help Protect Firefighters by Doing Your Part to Reduce COVID-19 Spread’
Wildland Firefighter Tests Positive for COVID-19, Highlights Need for Washingtonians to Take Precautions
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, leader of Washington state’s wildfire fighting force, today is reiterating her message to residents: Please take... More...
Date: August 10, 2020
Campfire Restrictions, Fire Precaution Levels, Fire Danger Ratings Increase in Eastern Washington
Due to the extremely dry, hot weather, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the following changes in campfire restrictions, industrial fire precaution levels (IFPL) and fire danger ratings on DNR-protected lands. These changes come on the... More...
Date: August 6, 2020
Outdoor Recreation Generates Big Money in Washington
People spend $26.5 billion annually in Washington to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity, according to a report released today
The report, Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, found that residents and tourists spend $18.8 billion annually... More...
Date: July 30, 2020
Campfire Restrictions, Fire Precaution Levels, Fire Danger Ratings Increase in Eastern Washington
Due to the extremely dry, hot weather, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the following changes in campfire restrictions, industrial fire precaution levels (IFPL) and fire danger ratings on DNR-protected lands. These changes come on the... More...
Date: July 30, 2020
Popular DNR Parcel Closed to Shooting During Elevated Fire Danger
“Stonelodge” site near Suncrest closed effective July 24
Due to high fire danger, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), working with Stevens County, will temporarily close a portion of state land to shooting beginning July 24, 2020.
The... More...
Date: July 23, 2020
Fire Precaution Level, Burn Restrictions Expand in Eastern Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the following changes in industrial fire precaution levels (IFPL) on DNR-protected lands.
Effective Friday, July 10, 2020:
Small debris disposal fires (rule burning) are not allowed... More...
Date: July 9, 2020
Commissioner of Public Lands Names DNR’s New Wildland Fire Liaison
Allen Lebovitz brings a wealth of knowledge and wildfire experience to his new position at DNR
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz has named Allen Lebovitz as the Wildland Fire Liaison for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).... More...
Date: July 9, 2020
Road, Access Improvements Planned for Leader Lake Recreation Area
Partnership between DNR, WDFW will repair road to popular lake while minimizing effects to visitors
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), is scheduled to repair and... More...
Date: July 6, 2020
Burn Restrictions, Increased Fire Danger in Portions of Eastern Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with partner agencies, is implementing the following changes in burn restrictions on DNR-protected lands. Check with local jurisdictions for additional restrictions and use of residential fire pits.... More...
Date: July 2, 2020
To help address state budget shortfall, Commissioner Franz Announces Pay Freeze, Furloughs at DNR
Hilary Franz will also donate her 2020 salary increase to local food banks
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz today announced agency furloughs and a suspension of planned 3% salary increases for agency leaders and managers as part of cost-saving measures... More...
Date: June 26, 2020
Burn Restrictions, Increased Fire Danger in Portions of Eastern Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with partner agencies, is implementing the following changes in burn restrictions on DNR-protected lands. Check with local jurisdictions for additional restrictions and use of residential fire pits.... More...
Date: June 24, 2020
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz Names DNR’s New Chief Operating Officer
Katy Taylor to join DNR, bringing both private- and public-sector experience to agency
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz has named Katy Taylor as the Chief Operating Officer of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Taylor... More...
Date: June 16, 2020
Commissioner Franz Visits JBLM Fire Training, Uplifts DNR-Guard Partnership
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who leads the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its wildland firefighting force, met with Washington National Guard’s Gen. Dan Dent to commemorate the long, fruitful partnership between the agency and the Guard during her... More...
Date: June 15, 2020
CORRECTION: New Burn Restrictions, Increasing Fire Danger in Parts of Eastern Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with partnering agencies, is implementing the following changes in burn restrictions on DNR-protected lands. Check with local jurisdictions for additional restrictions and use of residential fire pits... More...
Date: June 4, 2020
State Public Lands Managers to Reopen Campgrounds in 22 Counties
State agencies are working to reopen camping on June 1
Today, the Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, and Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that camping in 22 counties will begin to reopen on Monday, June... More...
Date: May 29, 2020
Outdoor Groups Release 6 ‘Recreate Responsibly’ Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors Safely
As summer begins, national groups advocate ways to protect health and keep public lands and waters open and safe during COVID-19
It may not feel like it, but the unofficial start of summer – Memorial Day weekend – is here, and the members of the Recreate... More...
Date: May 21, 2020
More Access Opened in Ahtanum State Forest
Early Progress in Repair, Restoration Work Expands Recreation Opportunities
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has expanded access to areas of the Ahtanum State Forest after temporary closures for repair and restoration work.
... More...
Date: May 20, 2020
Help Keep Firefighters Home This Holiday Weekend
Heightened wildfire risk, COVID-19 pandemic a dangerous combination
Faced with what projects to be a significant wildfire season compounded by the added challenges and risks COVID-19 presents for first responders, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz,... More...
Date: May 20, 2020
