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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I'm incredibly grateful to the members of the Arcadia 20 transitional hand crew, who provided critical firefighting support during the Spokane fires this summer. I'm proud of this impactful program and the work these men do to protect our state. www.khq.com/news/arcadia...

khq.com

Arcadia 20: How former inmates end up on the fire line

SPOKANE, Wash. — About 20 minutes into the morning briefing, the Arcadia 20 Transitional Hand Crew announces it's time for "Six Minutes of Safety."

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

25 years ago, firefighters and first responders ran toward the flames to save as many lives as they could when the World Trade Center towers collapsed and our world changed forever.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

I am heartbroken to learn of the deaths of three firefighters who lost their lives over the weekend while fighting fires in Utah and Oregon. My thoughts are with their families, friends, and fellow crew members.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

More dry, windy weather is going to make things harder for our firefighters this weekend. Everyone in Washington needs to be smart and safe. Don’t be the spark that sets off another catastrophe. We all need to work together to weather this storm.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

We’re ramping up for another tough weekend of wildfire weather. With more than 7,500 people helping fight fires across Washington, any new spark could be even more devastating for our state.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

As some evacuation levels begin to lower and people return home, I'm happy to report our teams have established containment lines around the perimeters of the Spokane Area Fires and are attacking hot spots and mopping up areas still burning.

Image of air support around the Spokane Area Fires. Source: InciWeb

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Thank you @governorferguson.bsky.social for the much needed emergency declaration and statewide burn ban. Fire conditions are extreme and we still have a long way to go this fire season. We all have a role to play and right now that role is not being the next spark.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Our fire team is working fast alongside local crews to help get a handle on this fast moving fire in Spokane Valley. My thoughts are with everyone affected. I’m urging everyone to give firefighters space and stay out of the area.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

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. www.nwpb.org/local/2026-0...

nwpb.org

Tacoma gets grant to plant trees around where kids walk to school

The city of Tacoma has been prioritizing tree planting in parts of the city where there are fewer trees.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Today is Native American Heritage Day. Over the past year - my first as Commissioner of Public Lands - I have had the privilege to work more closely with Tribal nations than ever, meeting with 21 tribes and forging close partnerships on a wide variety of endeavors.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Today, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the folks at @wadnr.bsky.social, and I want to wish all Washingtonians a happy and safe holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

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.

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Reposted by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove

Washington State Dept of Natural Resources @wadnr.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

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

A photo of Troy Bolton putting a "T" necklace on Gabriella Montez. Gabriella asks ""T as in Troy?" and Troy answers in pure disgust "No Gabriella. "T" as in tsunamis have hot Washington before and they will hit Washington again, which is why we celebrate Tsunami Awareness Day and you should go to dnr.wa.gov to prepare."

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

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

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

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

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

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...

seattletimes.com

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

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

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

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

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.

A quote from Dave Upthegrove saying: "The Trump administration’s crude and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement has intentionally and unnecessarily stoked fear and mistrust among members of the public—including firefighters putting their lives on the line to protect our State."

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

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.

Wildland firefighters look up as water is dropped from a helicopter on a hotspot.

Chelan fire support parked along I-90 working to contain a recently sparked fire.

A wildfire plane just after passing over the active wildfire.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

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...

king5.com

Proactive boat recycling saves Washington waterways and resources

There are at least 300 derelict vessels sitting in state waterways.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

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...

columbiagorgenews.com

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

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

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...

fox13seattle.com

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.

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Reposted by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove

Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

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

Screenshot of a public safety bulletin showing tsunami advisory in effect for areas including Washington's outer coast from the Oregon/Washington boarder to Slip Point, Columbia River estuary coast and the Juan de Fuca Strait Coast.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

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

dnr.wa.gov

Tsunamis | Department of Natural Resources

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Reposted by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove

Washington State Dept of Natural Resources @wadnr.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

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

An image of (what used to be a) picnic table, that has been rudely burnt to a crisp at one of our camping areas in the Olympic Region. The image has the words "Don't set the state (or picnic tables) on fire" in a kind font with rainbows so people know I say it with love.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

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.

A photo of two wildland firefighters working with a hose from a small tank truck to put out a hot spot on a utility pole. Thank you to the Okanogan County PUD for sharing this photo of the efforts happening there.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

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.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

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.

A photo of the video board at Cheney Stadium displaying Pride Night artwork

A photo of Commissioner Upthegrove preparing to throw the first pitch. Readying the ball in his glove, with "Pride Night" displayed on the scoreboard behind him.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

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

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Reposted by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove

Washington State Dept of Natural Resources @wadnr.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

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

The classic meme with a man labeled "outdoor workers" holding hands with "smokey skies hungry for fresh lungs", but his interest is really in "real time AQI at dnr.wa.gov/smoke"

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

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

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...

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

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!

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

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...

seattletimes.com

WA can’t afford cuts to wildland fighting force as fire risk rises | Editorial

Washington’s public lands commissioner should prioritize keeping as many firefighters as possible as cuts spell trouble for a dry Pacific Northwest summer.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

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...

krem.com

New Smokey Bear Washington license plate will support wildfire prevention

The proceeds of the Smokey Bear license plate will go to Washington DNR's wildfire prevention programs.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

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.

An image that reads "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.

But when protestors string cable across roads and sit in trees with dangerous booby traps - they are putting the health, safety and lives of the public—including my employees—at risk. Their actions are dangerous, reckless, and counterproductive.

I'd like to thank our law enforcement and Olympic Region teams for their professionalism on behalf of the public during this situation. Our focus right now is simply on the safety of everyone involved."

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

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...

youtube.com

Tree Planting Project in Minnehaha Neighborhood

YouTube video by ClarkCoWa

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

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...

seattletimes.com

With wildfire season approaching, WA’s response plans are rife with woes

Budget woes, cuts to the federal wildfire-fighting workforce and President Trump’s threats against Canada have made it more difficult for WA to plan for the upcoming wildfire season.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

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...

king5.com

Sixty years later: More than 100,000 tires from failed reef plan are coming out of Puget Sound

A plan to create artificial reefs in Puget Sound using automotive tires was created by Washington's Department of Natural Resources.

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Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove @daveupthegrovecpl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

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...

grist.org

How Washington State pioneered an 'all hands, all lands' wildfire prevention strategy

With catastrophic wildfires on the rise, Washington State has implemented a holistic approach to fire prevention — and it’s working.

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