DNR

A long-awaited policy on the forests that will become the next generation of old growth brought out many critics at the first public comment period.

After putting a pause on all DNR harvests of mature trees on his first day in office, Dave Upthegrove announced a plan to conserve 77,000 acres of state forests.

The Washington state Department of Natural Resources manages many popular trails and campgrounds, which have seen a 21% surge in recreational use.

The public lands commissioner race is shaping up to be a clash over forest management styles – and how to best use that resource in the face of climate change.

Former GOP Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler leads in her bid to return to elected office. Five Democrats split the vote leaving the party in danger of getting shut out.

Seven candidates are running to become Washington's next Commissioner of Public Lands. People who are familiar with the office say it's not shocking – even if some voters aren't totally sure what the commissioner's job is.

Washington state plans to conserve 2,000 acres of state forest, that would otherwise be logged, to absorb carbon dioxide. Activists want more. KNKX environment reporter Bellamy Pailthorp explains the potential of this climate solution, and the obstacles to implementing it.

A coalition of community and conservation groups wants to stop a state logging claim near the banks of the Elwha river. They say the so-called “Power Plant” sale would compromise the high-profile effort to restore endangered salmon habitat on the river, just a decade after two dams were removed.

State legislators set aside $70 million of revenue from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act to conserve mature forests – but that’s only enough for about 2,000 acres statewide. Community activists cataloged a parcel in Snohomish County they hope will be among the protected acres.

There’s red flag warnings and heat advisories in several areas of the Northwest this week, along with several growing wildfires.