News & Updates

  • Commissioner Upthegrove: We All Play a Critical Role in Wildfire Prevention

    06/12/2026

    With weekend weather conditions ripe for wildfire activity, everyone can do their part to reduce risk by being firesafe and following prevention best practices outdoors With rising temperatures and dry conditions in Washington’s weekend weather forecast, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)…

  • DNR Opens Trailhead and 18 Miles of New Trails in Teanaway Community Forest

    06/06/2026

    The opening completes Phase 1 of the West Fork Teanaway Trails Plan, increasing access in this popular recreation area. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) celebrated the opening of a new trailhead and 18 miles of nonmotorized trails in the Teanaway Community Forest today. The opening marks the completion of Phase 1 of the…

  • Tiger Summit Trailhead Officially Opens as DNR Celebrates Completion of Work That Increases Accessibility

    06/04/2026

    The landmark project increases access to the trail system for different user groups. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has fully reopened the Tiger Mountain Summit Trailhead following the issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy from King County. Closure to expand the parking lot and increase accessibility began in…

  • DNR to Hold Public Hearing for Land Bank Exchange

    06/01/2026

    Trust Land Exchange will Provide Greater Benefits for Schools, Enhance Working Trust Lands The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Richland 16 Land Exchange. The hearing will take place on June 10th at 6:00 p.m. at the Skagit County Public Utility District offices in Mount Vernon. This hearing…

  • Summer Forest Field Days Series Hosted by DNR, WSU Begins May 30

    05/21/2026

    Forest landowners can attend sessions in Oak Harbor, Cheney, Vashon, and Toledo to learn from experts and explore available resources The Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Washington State University Extension are hosting a series of four Forest Owner Field Day events beginning May 30 to provide forest landowners with a…

  • Washington Department of Natural Resources Opens 14 Miles of New Mountain Biking Trails Near Ellensburg

    05/18/2026

    A strong partnership with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance made the new trails in Naneum Ridge State Forest possible, with more to come. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) opened a new mountain biking trail system in the Naneum Ridge State Forest in Kittitas County on Saturday. The Cookie Cutter trail system includes…

  • Annual Aerial Detection Maps 391,000 Acres in Washington with Dead or Damaged Trees

    05/14/2026

    Survey covered only 75% of forested acres following staff reductions at the USDA Forest Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; future of 80-year-old program unclear. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources released its annual Forest Health Highlights report on Monday following a 2025 survey season defined by a period…

  • Bridge Replacement Will Temporarily Close Access to DNR-Managed Lands in Whatcom County

    05/07/2026

    Construction will run from June until October 2026 and provide improvements to public access, safety and fish habitat in Racehorse Creek. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will temporarily close access to DNR-managed lands off North Fork Road in Whatcom County while a bridge over Racehorse Creek is being replaced.…

  • Celebrate Wildfire Awareness Month by Working On Preparedness, Prevention

    05/01/2026

    May 2 is also National Community Wildfire Preparedness Day This May, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to remind Washingtonians that the best way to celebrate spring is to spend a little time brushing up on home preparedness and wildfire prevention. May is National Wildfire…

  • DNR Receives Grant from The Arbor Day Foundation to Replant Western Washington Forests

    04/29/2026

    $185,000 Grant will be Used to Combat Root Disease, Improve Forest Health The Department of Natural Resources has been awarded a grant from The Arbor Day Foundation as part of an ongoing effort to support healthy forests in Washington. The $185,200 grant will be used to plant over 220,000 seedlings in areas affected by root diseases spreading…

  • State Budget Cuts Prompt DNR to Reduce Recreation Services

    04/22/2026

    Four campgrounds will fully close for the season, several others will see shortened seasons for public access. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has identified closures and service reductions to recreation sites across the state due to budget cuts amplifying an ongoing lack of funding for maintenance and staff. DNR’s…

  • Two Campgrounds in Capitol State Forest Will Remain Closed for Summer 2026

    04/15/2026

    Margaret McKenny and Middle Waddell Campgrounds and Day Use Areas will not open for the Summer 2026 season due to public safety risks from hazard trees. Two popular campgrounds and day use areas managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will not reopen for the Summer 2026 season due to hazard trees in the area. Margaret McKenny and…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 500 Acres in Okanogan County

    04/09/2026

    A prescribed fire operation to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire, promote forest health, and improve wildlife habitat near Conconully may begin as soon as Monday, April 13. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this spring on up to 500 acres of state trust lands about 4 miles west of…

  • DNR to Conduct Mock Fire Exercises in Capitol State Forest

    04/09/2026

    Agency helicopters, firefighters and equipment will be deployed Wednesday in a simulated training for aviation and ground crews In preparation for wildfire season, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be conducting aviation mock fire exercises across the Capitol State Forest on Wednesday, April 15 with a backup date of…

  • DNR Planning Prescribed Burn on 900 Acres in Kittitas County

    04/09/2026

    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 Monday, April 13 The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed fire operation this spring on up to 900 acres of state trust lands about 11 miles…