My plan to conserve 77,000 acres of structurally complex forests is the biggest forest conservation action in our state in a generation - and just the first step in a bold new future for Washington's forests. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/wa-l...

Many thanks to Conservation Northwest for their support to conserve thousands of acres of structurally complex forests. I couldn't be more excited to work with organizations like them as we build a more sustainable future for our forests. conservationnw.org/news-updates...

I am aware of a criminal enforcement action taken against a federal subcontractor at the Bear Gulch Fire, and also understand that two employees of this company were subsequently detained by federal immigration officials.

On Tuesday, we embarked on an exciting, new journey for the future of our forests - conserving 77,000 acres of structurally complex forests and 100 percent of our older forests.

Big thanks to the firefighters who caught multiple fires along I-90 the last couple days. Thanks to the investments in wildfire response and prevention from House Bill 1168, our crews were able to work quickly along local firefighters to catch a number of fires that could have taken off quickly.

Derelict vessels and structures are a hazard for our public waters, leaching pollutants like creosote into our waters, damaging marine life, and threatening critical ecosystems. The more of these vessels we remove from our waters, the healthier and safer they'll be. www.king5.com/article/tech...

Excellent piece about the importance and impact of wildfire safety and preparedness. Reducing fuels, creating defensible space, and being prepared for ignitions - these are critical steps people can take to protect their homes against wildfires. www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/the-pow...

I had the chance to speak with @fox13seattle.bsky.social about the urgent need to restore full funding for our wildfire prevention and forest health work. The state legislature cut this funding by more than half, leaving our lands more susceptible to wildfires. www.fox13seattle.com/video/168265...

The tsunami advisory is still in effect this morning for our coast. If you're on the coast, stay away from beaches and waterways, be alert and keep checking for updates. Stay current here: tsunami.gov

We’re fortunate to have some of the world’s sharpest minds working to keep Washington safe from geologic hazards like tsunamis. They’ve mapped tsunami hazards so you can know where to go for safety. If you’re near the coast, please check the maps at DNR.wa.gov/tsunami

Tell me something you thought you wouldn't have to tell the general public...I'll go first

Yesterday, I traveled to White Salmon to receive a briefing on the Burdoin Fire alongside Governor Ferguson, state and local officials. Our DNR crews are working tirelessly to get this fire contained - and I cannot thank them enough for their work.

Just last week I visited Okanogan County and our wildfire partners there, to discuss how wildfire impacts their community. I am saddened to see that already they are now battling the Greenacres Fire, burning just 5 miles north of Omak.

Many thanks to The Seattle Times for spotlighting this collaboration between DNR and the Tulalip Tribe. Using Chinook helicopters, we were able to restore logjams to the Pilchuk River - a critical step in improving salmon habitat.

Every 4th of July weekend, wildland firefighters brace themselves for a spike in ignitions and acres burned, largely due to human activity like fireworks, debris burns, and campfires. This year, DNR teams responded to 74 ignitions and just 340 acres burned on DNR-protected land across the state.

Tonight I had the honor of throwing the first pitch for the Tacoma Rainiers Pride Night as Washington's first out LGBTQ+ statewide executive. While Pride Month is over, the outdoors are a safe space for all year-round. Today was a celebration of exactly that.

I am devastated by today's incomprehensibly despicable assault on firefighters in Idaho. The last thing our firefighters need out there is more danger.

It was an honor to have my story featured in the @sgn.org. This Pride Month - as we see our rights being rolled back and attacks on trans youth - it's never been more important than right now to stand up and show our pride. www.sgn.org/story/155214...

Don’t blame me, Smoke Ready Week made me do it.

Removing these vessels is not only important for public safety, it also helps improve the health of our waters and protects critical nearshore ecosystems and habitats. Thanks to a federal grant from NOAA, we were able to invest in this important project. bit.ly/45dsDSM

Extremely proud to be a part of this event today. For the past decade, we have risen the Pride Flag on our Capitol Campus in Olympia every June. This year, I get to participate as the first out LGBTQ statewide elected in Washington's history. Please join us in person or live on TVW!

Now is not the time for a step backwards when it comes to wildfire prevention. Many thanks to the Seattle Times for raising awareness about this urgent issue. At DNR, we're ready for this summer - but we need to think about all the summers to come. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/edit...

Earlier this week, Governor Ferguson signed the bill officially creating a Smokey Bear license plate. These plates will be available starting November 1st and proceeds will go directly to DNR's wildfire prevention and response efforts. www.krem.com/article/news...

A guiding value for all of us participating in debates about forest management should be respect. A diversity of views in a democracy is healthy. I welcome debate about forest management-- it's why I ran for Commissioner.

Happy Arbor Day, Washington! This video highlights a fantastic partnership between the Clark Conservation District, Clark County, and our @wadnr.bsky.social Urban and Community Forestry Program. We must keep supporting and celebrating these programs! www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MQ6...

It's never been more important to invest in wildfire response, prevention, and readiness. With climate change accelerating and massive cuts impacting federal partners, Washington needs to be fully prepared for wildfire season - this year and every year to come. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...

At the time, placing tire reefs it seemed like a good idea based on what they knew then, and now we're doing the best thing we can for salmon and orca and habitat based on what we know now. www.king5.com/article/tech...

Here in Washington, we do wildfire prevention and response right. Now, with potential cuts to federal wildfire response, we have to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead. I know we'll be ready for the upcoming wildfire season here in Washington. grist.org/sponsored/ho...

The Department of Natural Resources has a long legacy of leading on forest management issues, setting one of the first old-growth forest policies in the nation and developing sustainable harvest and ecological standards that remain among the highest in the world. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/how-...

At DNR, we have a responsibility to ensure the gifts of our state are accessible and available to everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, or ZIP code. I will do everything in my power to fight to preserve and expand these important programs. www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoor...

It takes a lot of work to keep 2.6 million acres of State Owned Aquatic Lands clean which is why DNR utilizes our incredible Washington Conservation Crew to do some heavy lifting. This winter, they worked on the shores of Bainbridge Island to remove 22,000 pounds of creosote-contaminated debris.

I am proud to say that... 1. I kept my first fire under 10 acres 💪 2. I learned what can and cannot be microwaved 😅

Forests define Washington -- they are vital to our habitats, to our communities, and to our economy, I want to ensure that our forests will continue to work sustainably for the people of WA for generations to come. This timeout will help us make that a reality. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...

Today, I, Dave Upthegrove, stood in our state’s Capitol, raised my hand in the air, and was sworn in as Washington’s 15th Commissioner of Public Lands.