Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove

They heard the message loud and clear. This is a huge win for communities, local fire districts, the health of our forests, and our state. I want to thank everyone who joined me in making this case.

No matter where we live, east side or west side, none of us is immune from the impacts of wildfire. I drove that point home every time I spoke with a legislator. After all of that the legislature restored our funding, despite the budget the state is facing.

My number one priority for over a year was restoring the $60 million in fire funding the legislature cut last year. I traveled the state, speaking with legislators and community groups, visiting fire camps and talking to firefighters who rely on funding from DNR.

Many thanks to Alejandra Tres of @LCFWA for co-writing this piece in @TheStranger with me about the urgent need to fund environmental justice and HEAL Act programs. As climate change accelerates, now is not the time to turn our back on our communities. bit.ly/4rnf3n5

The proposed cuts to DNR's recreation funding could lead to reductions and closures of some of Washington's most popular recreation areas. The Legislature must commit to funding this critical work.

This innovative project is just one of the many ways our Urban and Community Forestry Program supports communities from Seattle to Spokane. Eliminating state funding for this work would go against our values as the Evergreen State. nwpb.org/local/2026-02-…

DNR's Recreation Program works tirelessly to maintain millions of acres, thousands of miles of trails, and hundreds of recreation areas - all while funding faces cuts each year. Let's support these workers and recommit to protecting our natural heritage. peninsuladailynews.com/opinion/point-…

For four years now, historic investments in wildfire prevention, response, and resilience have helped protect our communities. The Legislature MUST act to restore this funding, especially as the risk of catastrophic wildfires rises across our state. seattletimes.com/opinion/wa-law…

Many thanks to the Editorial Board at @thecolumbian for this piece about our work at DNR. As I told the members of the Clark County Council earlier this week, the way we chart the future of forestry in our state is through sustainable management. columbian.com/news/2026/jan/…

This year, let's remember the danger these fires pose and honor the lives lost by recommitting ourselves to protecting our lands, forests, and communities from this ever-present threat.

The threat of catastrophic wildfires is real and it's rising. That's why my top priority is restoring full funding to DNR's wildfire response and resilience- funding that was slashed in half by the Legislature last year, just a few months after the fires in California raged.

One year ago today, the Palisades and Eaton fires sparked in Los Angeles County, leading to devastating blazes that destroyed thousands of homes and structures and claimed 31 lives.

Wildland firefighters run toward the danger every wildfire season. I applaud Congress for passing this legislation and will continue to work to support our firefighters while they work to protect us. bit.ly/49jxDWp

Keep an eye out in the new year for updates as we work to make this important legislation a reality.

That’s why I’m thrilled to be working with the Legislature this upcoming session on a bill that would grant DNR authority to enter ecosystems services like carbon markets - helping to generate revenue from our lands AND address climate change at the same time.

With every passing year, the climate crisis continues to accelerate. To mitigate this crisis and curb emissions, we need every tool at our disposal, including the best carbon sinks in the world - Washington’s forests. seattletimes.com/seattle-news/c…

I want to urge everyone to be safe as weather conditions continue to prove challenging. For folks in landslide-prone areas, head to dnr.wa.gov/landslide to learn more about the risk in your area and what to do in the event of an emergency.

The quick, skillful response by so many members of our agency has been nothing short of inspiring, and I want to sincerely thank every one of them for their work during this crisis.

Over the past week, historic flooding has hit Washington State, forcing evacuations, road closures, landslide conditions and other hazards. At @waDNR, 175 agency personnel - including firefighters, geologists, and others - have rushed to help respond to this crisis.