Moments, Issue I

Edited by Tracey Izatt, DNR Communications

A small collection of photos highlighting moments from across the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

A close-up of several baby birds in a nest, with their beaks wide open, surrounded by grass and straw, illustrating the theme of thriving in nature.
Pictured: A nest of hungry western Meadowlark chicks, Camas Meadows Natural Area Preserve, May 2025. 

“I took this photo while I was monitoring a wetland vegetation community plot. I love seeing wildlife use the areas that our Natural Areas team works so hard to restore and preserve.” 

Kimberly Quayle, Natural Areas Unit-Eastside Assistant Ecologist 

An aircraft on a runway during sunset, with vibrant clouds in the sky and the word 'PROTECT' displayed prominently at the bottom.
Pictured: Scooper # S-445 (previously “Fire Boss”) coming off the Hope Fire north of Kettle Falls in the Northeast Region. Omak Airport, July 8, 2025.

“I try and get some good pictures at sunset if the situation presents, like a good sunset picture with some rays going through the clouds.” 

Michael Williams, Recreation Specialist 

A breathtaking view of a turquoise lake surrounded by lush green forests and majestic mountains, with the word 'MARVEL' prominently displayed in white.
Pictured: Diablo Lake Overlook off North Cascades Highway, August 5, 2025. 

“I am on the Fire Cache driver list and was tasked for a delivery to the Stud Horse Fire in Winthrop when I took this photo. This shows one of the many raw beauties this state has to offer with the awe-inspiring color of the water against the forest.” 

Gabe Baez, Emergency Management Specialist

A woman with white hair and glasses speaks passionately at a microphone, conveying a message of honor, while a man in the background listens attentively.
Pictured: A heartfelt welcome from the Squaxin Island Tribe at the DNR Tribal Summit, Shelton, June 2025. 

“A tribe’s connection to their land and their history is unmatched. The raw emotion you see as she told her story pulled you in and set the tone for the conversations had at the Tribal Summit.” 
 
Faith Hardersen, Senior Social Media Manager 

A smiling boy wearing a hard hat and safety vest stands next to a girl with glasses, both looking at the camera with a joyful expression.
Pictured: A brother and sister enjoy Bring Your Kids to Work Day at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, April 2025. 

“I was asked to take photos and video for Bring Your Kids to Work Day. I enjoy photographing children and youth, as they tend to be very natural on camera.” 

Tracey Izatt, Communications Specialist 

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Ear to the Ground
Ear to the Ground: The official blog of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)—an agency headed by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove to provide stewardship, protection, and leadership of Washington’s state-owned lands.
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