iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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."

210

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

Whether these brave men and women are running into burning buildings or burning forests, we owe them our unending support and gratitude. May we never forget the sacrifice they made that day - and continue to make on our behalf every day.

001

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

One thing that didn’t change - as we’ve seen in communities across Washington all summer - is the bravery of our firefighters. More than 8,000 rushed to the call to fight the blazes burning across our landscapes.

100

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.

120

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

This has already been one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in recent history. With several months still to go this wildfire season, please do your part. Across Washington and across the country, we're all in this together.

000

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.

110

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.

011

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.

022

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

The losses remain heartbreaking, but active fires will be less of a concern in this hot, windy weekend, allowing our families, friends and neighbors space to recover.

010

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

152

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.

052

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

With winds expected to get heavier into the night, it’s critical people in the area pay attention to emergency responders and check Spokane County Emergency Management for evacuations and updates: srec911.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant...

srec911.maps.arcgis.com

Zone Lookup

Zone Lookup Instant App

052

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.

142

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.

072

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

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.

110

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

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.

220

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

I heard over and over how critical this funding is to communities throughout the state, and that preventing and responding to wildfires is a basic, core function of government that must be funded.

200

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.

430

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.

122

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.

140

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.

042

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!

130

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

We are all stronger when everyone is treated with respect and dignity, when everyone has access to opportunity, and when our society is truly fair, just, and equitable. This decision is about more than marriage - it's about building a more just country for all.

030

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

I applaud the court's decision, and hope that this signals an end to the hateful attacks on marriage equality in this country. At a time when the rights and freedoms of so many are under attack, it's important to celebrate the victories - even the ones we thought we'd settled.

140

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.

370

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."

19818

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.

151

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.

143

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.

111

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.

3113

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

164

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

While we don’t have all of the details yet, this is all occurring at a time when 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.

040

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."

231

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

I'm incredibly proud of this new direction and I look forward to the work ahead. To learn more about this history-making action, head to dnr.wa.gov/forestforward

dnr.wa.gov

Forest Forward – A New Direction For Our Forests | Department of Natural Resources

120

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

This is the largest forest conservation action in Washington in a generation, one that enables us to hit our habitat goals faster and allows us to innovate, diversify, and discover new practices on our lands - all while ensuring we continue to support the communities that rely on us.

220

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.

240

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.

150

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.

040

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

That's why I'm so proud of our Wildfire Ready Neighbors program, a community resilience and preparedness program that has helped thousands of people harden their homes and provided information and resources to folks across the state. wildfireready.com

wildfireready.com

Home | Wildfire Ready Neighbors!

010

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

341

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.

041

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.

211630

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

010

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.

29720

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.

0345

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

And, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by this fire, whether your homes have been lost, damaged, or are threatened by this fire, my heart is with you as we continue to work on putting this fire out.

030

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

Good progress is being made on this fire, and that is thanks to the tireless work of not only @wadnr.bsky.social wildland firefighters, but our partners who have joined into the fight as well. My sincerest thanks to everyone who is risking their lives to keep this community safe.

120