Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove
@daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social
Boldly leading the Washington Department of Natural Resources to support the people of Washington through sustainable management of forestry, recreation, geology, wildfire response, aquatic lands, environmental protection, and funding for communities.
Ten years ago, I married the love of my life - thanks in part to the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v Hodges. This weekend, the court upheld that historic decision and reaffirmed that the principles of equality, fairness, and justice still mean something.
November 10, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Ten years ago, I married the love of my life - thanks in part to the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v Hodges. This weekend, the court upheld that historic decision and reaffirmed that the principles of equality, fairness, and justice still mean something.
Reposted by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove
Still waiting for someone to get me some tsunami awareness jewelry 👀
I guess I will just keep scrolling dnr.wa.gov/tsunamis while I wait
I guess I will just keep scrolling dnr.wa.gov/tsunamis while I wait
November 5, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Still waiting for someone to get me some tsunami awareness jewelry 👀
I guess I will just keep scrolling dnr.wa.gov/tsunamis while I wait
I guess I will just keep scrolling dnr.wa.gov/tsunamis while I wait
This funding is essential to supporting important programs across the state. Moving forward, I will do everything in my power to push back on the Trump administration's efforts to terminate critical funding and programs here in Washington.
bit.ly/3WmqKgY
bit.ly/3WmqKgY
Judge blocks Trump cuts to WA climate resilience money
A federal judge in Seattle this week blocked the Trump administration’s termination of more than $9 million for climate work in Washington state.
bit.ly
October 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
This funding is essential to supporting important programs across the state. Moving forward, I will do everything in my power to push back on the Trump administration's efforts to terminate critical funding and programs here in Washington.
bit.ly/3WmqKgY
bit.ly/3WmqKgY
Despite a slower start to the season, more fires ignited across our landscapes this summer than last year, and more than 250,000 acres burned. We have to stay vigilant, that means restoring the funding we need to prevent these larger wildfires.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/13/w...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/13/w...
WA officials take stock as wildfire season winds down • Washington State Standard
Washington state saw more individual fires than last season, but fewer acres burned, preliminary data shows. Several fires are still burning.
washingtonstatestandard.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Despite a slower start to the season, more fires ignited across our landscapes this summer than last year, and more than 250,000 acres burned. We have to stay vigilant, that means restoring the funding we need to prevent these larger wildfires.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/13/w...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/13/w...
Yesterday, I traveled to the site of the Labor Mountain Fire, where I visited with DNR staff and incident commanders and traveled to the fireline to see our progress on this large and complicated fire.
Wildfires across the state have burned through about 370 square miles, and the state has seen more fire starts this season compared to last.
WA’s active wildfires offer warning, state lands chief says
Wildfires across the state have burned through about 370 square miles, and the state has seen more fire starts this season compared to last.
www.seattletimes.com
October 2, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Yesterday, I traveled to the site of the Labor Mountain Fire, where I visited with DNR staff and incident commanders and traveled to the fireline to see our progress on this large and complicated fire.
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...
WA lands commissioner's plan for legacy forests is the right one | Op-Ed
Commissioner Upthegrove's plan is a significant step toward preserving the state’s legacy forests with minimal impact on schools, DNR harvests or industry.
www.seattletimes.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:42 PM
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...
conservationnw.org/news-updates...
Victory for Washington’s Legacy Forests: 77,000 acres conserved
Seeing the forest for the trees, Commissioner Upthegrove delivers on campaign promises to promote ecological health in state forest management. On
conservationnw.org
September 3, 2025 at 9:16 PM
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...
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.
August 28, 2025 at 10:23 PM
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.
August 28, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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.
August 21, 2025 at 4:18 PM
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...
www.king5.com/article/tech...
Proactive boat recycling saves Washington waterways and resources
There are at least 300 derelict vessels sitting in state waterways.
www.king5.com
August 7, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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...
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...
www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/the-pow...
The power of preparedness: Home hardening and defensible space saves house from Burdoin Fire
BINGEN — Jeri Rutherford and Ray Backen live off Courtney Road east of Bingen, overlooking the Coyote Wall. Their actions in the years and weeks leading up to Friday, July
www.columbiagorgenews.com
July 31, 2025 at 7:39 PM
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...
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...
www.fox13seattle.com/video/168265...
Concern grows over funding cuts to WA wildfire response
Washington state is right in the middle of wildfire season, and there's growing concern over the state's ability to respond to these disasters in the future.
www.fox13seattle.com
July 30, 2025 at 5:17 PM
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...
www.fox13seattle.com/video/168265...
Reposted by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove
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
Stay current here: tsunami.gov
July 30, 2025 at 2:49 PM
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
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
July 30, 2025 at 1:30 AM
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
Reposted by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove
Tell me something you thought you wouldn't have to tell the general public...I'll go first
July 24, 2025 at 7:25 PM
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.
Wildfire near Columbia River Gorge now WA’s largest
Wildfire near Columbia River Gorge now WA’s largest
So far, Washington's fire season is shaping up exactly as expected. The entire state and Oregon has above-normal fire risk.
www.seattletimes.com
July 25, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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.
July 16, 2025 at 4:32 PM
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.
How the Tulalip Tribes are using a helicopter to restore a salmon river
How the Tulalip Tribes are using a helicopter to restore a salmon river
Pacific Northwest rivers evolved with big wood. It looked something like this.
www.seattletimes.com
July 14, 2025 at 4:35 PM
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.
July 7, 2025 at 6:25 PM
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.
July 2, 2025 at 2:52 AM
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.
June 30, 2025 at 2:52 AM
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...
SGN:: Marching Forward: Reflections on Pride and Public Service
When I first came out, I was also running for public office. I’ll never forget what a political mentor said to me at the time: “I love you, Dave. But it’s too bad — now you can’t run for office.”
www.sgn.org
June 23, 2025 at 9:43 PM
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...
Reposted by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove
Don’t blame me, Smoke Ready Week made me do it.
June 9, 2025 at 9:47 PM
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
bit.ly/45dsDSM
Flying boats make for a rare sight as Washington clears an island of derelict vessels by helicopter
The Washington Department of Natural Resources has been using one of its firefighting helicopters to haul abandoned boats off an uninhabited island in the southernmost reaches of Puget Sound this week...
bit.ly
June 5, 2025 at 11:40 PM
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
bit.ly/45dsDSM