Conservation & Natural Areas
Natural Area Preserves, Natural Resources Conservation Areas & other lands in conservation
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Columbia Falls Natural Area in Skamania County
The Columbia Falls Natural Area Preserve in Skamania County protects more than 680 additional acres this year (see map). The additional acres are from a transfer of Common School trust parcels that had particularly low income potential for building new schools… Continue reading
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Washougal Oaks Natural Area Preserve home to increasingly rare bird
The slender-billed, white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), was once widespread throughout the many lowlands of Puget Sound, living in areas with oak and Douglas-fir trees. Today, the bird is a candidate for state endangered species listing and is listed as a… Continue reading
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Stavis Creek Natural Resource Conservation Area Restoration finally complete
In 2004, DNR designated 3,700-acres —an area of private and public lands surrounding the existing Kitsap Forest Natural Area Preserve as the Stavis Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA). Burned by a forest fire 130 years ago, the NRCA is known for its naturally… Continue reading
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Status update on Puget Sound Corps and other legislation requested by DNR
In the 2011 Washington State Legislature today, several pieces of legislation requested by DNR appear to remain alive. Today at 5 p.m. was the deadline for policy legislation to emerge from its house of origin and head for the opposite… Continue reading
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Woodard Bay Natural Resource Conservation Area gets makeover!
Home to one of the largest bat breeding population s found in the State, Woodard Bay is known for its 800 acres of habitat for many species, as well as historical and cultural resources in Puget Sound. Once used as… Continue reading
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Subscribe to our new Aquatic E-Newsletter!
New for 2011 is DNR’s first electronic newsletter highlighting aquatic issues around our state and Puget Sound. This monthly newsletter is a new tool DNR is using to engage additional public participation and knowledge about the aquatic lands the agency manages.… Continue reading
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Cypress Island Restoration
It’s a new year with new and exciting restoration projects around Puget Sound. As outlined in DNR’s strategic plan, cleaning up the Sound is one of the top priorities of Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. With more than 2.6… Continue reading
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Looking for Communications Interns!
We know, the job market is tough, but not having any experience and looking for a job is tougher. Maybe an internship will give your career a boost. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is looking for individuals who… Continue reading
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DNR will lease Stemilt land to Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
DNR plans to lease about 2,543 acres of forestland in the Stemilt Basin to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The Stemilt-Squilchuck Watershed, which is an important water source for farmers and others in Chelan County, would be managed for… Continue reading
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Science behind the choices: Research in our natural area ‘outdoor libraries’
Some call them outdoor libraries of the natural world. They’re right—like a library filled with rare books, the “state natural areas” protect some of the best remaining populations of rare plants and animals in Washington State, as well as our… Continue reading