DNR Commissioner Upthegrove Reflects on First Three Months in Office

Update from the Department of Natural Resources

information released

Dear Friend,

APRIL FOOLS: It’s my March newsletter!

They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but it was a pretty action-packed month from start to finish here at DNR. While we continue to work through uncertainty at the federal level and a budget crunch at the state level, our DNR team is hard at work for the lands, waters, forests, and communities of Washington.

his month, I’ve been traveling across the state — visiting our region offices, meeting with key advisory committees, and standing up for science and nature. In addition, the Seattle Times recently published an op-ed I wrote about the pause we initiated on the sale of certain structurally complex mature forests.

Looking ahead, we have a number of region visits coming up – as well as the seasonal launch of our program, Wildfire Ready Neighbors, preparations for wildfire season, exciting aquatics work, community forestry projects, and more. Spring is heading our way – as is a lot of exciting work here at DNR.

Read on to learn more!

Sincerely,

Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove

A BETTER PATH FORWARD FOR OUR FORESTS

The Seattle Times recently published an op-ed I wrote laying out the reasons behind the pause I announced in January on the sale of certain structurally complex mature forests.

In the op-ed, I explain the pause and why it’s important for hitting our habitat conservation goals and achieving long-term sustainability for our forests AND our forest products industry:

“I’m not setting our forests aside. I’m setting them on a better path.

“A path that ensures we more quickly reach the habitat outcomes we want for our forests. A path to better meet our habitat protection and environmental goals, to better promote biodiversity across our forestlands and to better meet the challenges and choices of a changing world.

“My plan, once we have new criteria in place, will simply defer some sales while prioritizing others until we reach our habitat goals. In doing so, we will hit these habitat goals sooner — while enabling us to achieve the kind of long-term sustainability we all want.”

To read the full op-ed, click here.

STANDING UP FOR SCIENCE

This month, I had two great opportunities to speak about the importance of science and its ability to impact our lives, to inspire future generations, and to incite change.

First, I had the honor to deliver the keynote address at the Heroes for Nature Gala for the Environmental Science Center (ESC). The ESC is an incredible nonprofit organization that offers environmental education programs to communities across South King County.

During my time as a state legislator and on King County Council, I had the opportunity to work with the ESC – supporting their vision and securing grants and funding to bring it to life.

It was a privilege to speak at their gala, where I emphasized the importance of environmental education for young people, saying “every kid deserves the chance to be inspired.”

Commissioner Upthegrove speaking at the Stand Up For Science Rally at Seattle Center on March 7th, 2025.

A few weeks later, I had the opportunity to speak at the Stand Up for Science rally in Seattle – a nationwide effort to rally on behalf of scientists, teachers, and researchers in the wake of recent federal funding cuts to science and research funding.

The rally drew thousands of people, and I got to share my admiration for the incredible scientists, foresters, biologists, and public servants here at DNR.

“Science embodies that spirit of collective responsibility,” I said at the rally. “Science proves what we already know: That we are stronger together than we are apart.”

For more about the rally, click here.

DEAR DNR DIARY…

When I took office in January, I made a pledge to myself that – within my first 100 days as Commissioner of Public Lands – I’d shake the hand of every employee at DNR. So far, I’m off to a pretty great start. But the work continues!

This month, I visited the South Puget Sound, Pacific Cascades, Southeast, and Olympic regions. With my visit to Northeast Region next week, I will have completed Dave’s World (region) Tour of DNR’s regions!

In addition, I met with important advisory groups – including the Wildland Fire Advisory Committee, the Washington Community Forestry Committee, the Forest Health Advisory Committee, and the Washington Hardwoods Commission.

Finally, we launched our monthly “Wednesday Walk and Talks” – where I get outside and chat with a group of DNR staff members – and even launched my new book club!

When I took office, I pledged to lead this agency with respect, professionalism, integrity, and joy. As I continue to introduce myself to the incredible staff here at DNR, I hope to center those values.

Commissioner Upthegrove discussing mature forest management in Capitol State Forest with members of the South Puget Sound Region’s leadership team.

TAKE A HIKE (friendly version)!!

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to speak to members of the Washington Trails Association (WTA) at Hiker Rally Day, their annual advocacy day when they gather in Olympia to lobby state legislators and other officials on behalf of hikers, recreationists, and nature lovers across the state.

As an avid, lifelong hiker and outdoor enthusiast myself, it was an absolute pleasure to share my love for nature and outdoor recreation with this passionate, inspiring group.

It’s on the trails, in the parks, and within the forests of our state that our understanding and deep love for nature and the environment is first forged.

Right now, recreation in our state is at an inflection point. Between funding issues at the state level and chaos at the federal level impacting trails, parks and natural areas across the state, it’s more important than ever for organizations like the WTA to rally support for recreation.

Commissioner Upthegrove speaking with members of the Washington Trails Association at Hiker Rally Day on March 18th, 2025.

As I said on Hiker Rally Day, “I know our state is facing very real budget issues right now. But we cannot afford to walk away from our responsibilities to keep our trails and lands safe and accessible.

“This is about the future of our public lands. About our ability to inspire the next generation.”

CONNECTING WITH TRIBES

When I took office, I promised to work closely with our Tribal partners across the state, to respect Tribal sovereignty and sacred lands, and to build our partnerships with Tribes on key natural resources challenges ranging from prescribed burns and forest resilience to aquatics work and workforce development.

In my first two months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Squaxin Island Tribe, the Suquamish Tribe, and leadership from the Quinault Indian Nation.

Each meeting has been substantive and friendly, and I look forward to continuing to build relationships with every Tribe in our state and find ways to expand and improve our work together.