Forest Health
-
Youth Education and Outreach Program Leads Wildlife Camera Project in Toutle Lake
The multi-partner collaboration with Toutle Lake Middle School is an ideal example of project-based learning DNR looks to support with its Youth Education and Outreach Program (YEOP). Connecting Washington students with natural resource professionals for outdoor, educational activities related to… Continue reading
-
Learning from the Yacolt Burn: Looking back at the historic burn, 119 years later.
Reaching 239,000 acres, the Yacolt Burn was the largest forest fire in Washington history for more than a century. The exact cause of the burn remains unknown. What is known, however, is that the lack of infrastructure failed to mitigate… Continue reading
-
DNR, Puget Sound Corps Team Up with Tulalip Tribes to Remove Harmful Invasive Species
By Natasha Coumou, assistant restoration ecologist with the Tulalip Tribes Invasive plants can increase wildfire risk in urban areas and pose a threat to fish and wildlife habitat, including salmon streams and forests. That’s why the Tulalip Tribes’ Natural Resources… Continue reading
-
Apply Now: DNR Posts Seasonal Wildfire Jobs and 30 New Full-Time Positions
Would you make a good firefighter? Do you know someone who would? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for courageous, motivated men and women to join us in our efforts of protecting 13 million acres of… Continue reading
-
Prevention Pays Off: Homeowner’s House, Trees Remain Intact in Williams Flats Fire
Long, destructive wildfire seasons can wreak havoc on unprotected homes. But contrary to what you may think, your house has a good chance of remaining intact in a wildfire if you follow the necessary precautions. The work of one Ferry… Continue reading
-
Washington neighborhood honored as Firewise USA® Site of Excellence
Through the help of community volunteers and a new Firewise USA® pilot program, one Washington state neighborhood is taking wildfire safety into their own hands. Six years ago, the Flowery Trail neighborhood was recognized as a Firewise USA® Site. In… Continue reading
-
Get Your Goat: A closer look at targeted grazing for fire prevention
Smokey Bear isn’t our only animal friend trying to reduce the spread of wildfires. The ravenous appetites of domesticated grazing animals may play a role in mitigating devastating blazes around Washington state. When controlled burns or mechanical removal of wildfire… Continue reading
-
Why is my Tree Dying? How Drier Summers Affect Native Trees
The problem first gained attention in bigleaf maple trees, which have been dying off since 2011 in some parts of Washington and Oregon. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the University of Washington, the U.S. Forest Service, the… Continue reading
-
It’s International Day of Forests – Do You Know What A Healthy Forest Looks Like?
As Washington state and much of the West struggles with more damaging wildfire seasons, you might hear policy experts and elected officials use terms like “forest health” or “forest resiliency” when talking about ways to reduce wildfire risk – but… Continue reading
-
Homeowners take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk on their forestland
Brent Steinhart understands fire danger – he’s a volunteer with Spokane County Fire District 4. So when he looked at the dense forest surrounding his home, he knew he had to act quickly to reduce his vulnerability to a wildfire.… Continue reading
