Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove

I manage @WaDNR to safeguard environment, values & support local economies through sustainable management of natural resources. Effective 1/15/2025.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

My heart goes out to the loved ones of those who lost their lives today in the tragic accident in Longview. My thoughts are with the entire Longview community — especially the workers, first responders, and all those still waiting for news about their loved ones.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

https://t.co/nJ0JE3DszM

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[The Seattle Times @seattletimes]

Cuts are on the table again for the state's agency that manages millions of acres of public lands used for hiking, biking and off-road vehicle riding. Here's what to know. https://t.co/5iStXjBt40

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

https://t.co/VErKLZDTrR

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

https://t.co/pOrZpinAAi

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

https://t.co/Q5GZPL958j

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

https://t.co/DH2f1vvQxR

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

https://t.co/HLgoorJTHf

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

https://t.co/x0ZOakDtw3

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

I want to urge everyone to be safe as weather conditions continue to prove challenging. For folks in landslide-prone areas, head to https://t.co/bXRdt3pBsv to learn more about the risk in your area and what to do in the event of an emergency.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.

[Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @CPL_Dave]

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.