Cle Elum community is the 100th ‘Firewise Community/USA’ in state

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark congratulates residents of a community near Cle Elum for reducing wildfire threats to their homes. Photo: Janet Pearce/DNR.

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark joined with other officials this morning in Cle Elum to congratulate residents of Hidden Valley Meadows/Vista Community for becoming the 100th Firewise Community in the state. At a special event this morning, residents of the Kittitas County community displayed wildfire prevention techniques they put in place to protect their homes and property from fire. The Hidden Valley Meadows/Vista Community was evacuated, but spared from, last year’s destructive Taylor Bridge Fire, which came within a mile of the development.

CLICK on image to see eight simple actions you can take that will greatly reduce wildfire risks to your home. Image: firewise.org.

Communities can earn national recognition from the Firewise Communities/USA® Program for taking steps to reduce wildfire threats to their homes and other structures.

Attending this morning’s event with Goldmark were several members of the media, along with representatives from the Washington Conservation Commission, Kittitas County Fire District #7, Kittitas County Commission, Kittitas County Conservation District, and Skagit Conservation District.

We’ve already had several wildfires this year in Washington State, and the fire season just begun. Here are eight things you can do this weekend to improve the odds of your home surviving a wildfire.

Follow DNR on:

Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work® at DNR

Kids had the chance to meet Smokey Bear at DNR’s Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work® Day event. Photo by: DNR/Jessica Payne

Yesterday the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) celebrated Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work® Day with the children of state employees.

This year, the Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work® Foundation partnered with the National Association of State Foresters to introduce children to careers in forestry. Almost a hundred kids came out to learn about the jobs we do at DNR, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington Department of Agriculture.

For half a day, the Natural Resources Building here in Olympia was transformed into an education fair featuring trees, bugs, and geodes. Kids had an opportunity to learn how foresters work in the woods and try to stump the forester with their questions. They got up close with bugs while learning about forest health from one of DNR’s entomologists.

This little girl is proud to show off a sparkly geode at the Washington Geology Library exhibit for the event. Photo by: DNR/Jessica Payne

At the Washington Geology Library, children learned the life-cycle of a rock and identified special rocks, from geodes to the Washington state gem:petrified wood. Many kids put their directional skills to the test by learning to use a compass and trying to complete the orienteering course mapped out by DNR’s recreation staff. They were given a noble fir seedling from DNR’s Webster Nursery and practiced proper planting with the Washington Conservation Corps Urban Forestry team.

These little girls got to get an up close look at the bugs that affect the health of Washington’s trees. Photo by: DNR/Jessica Payne

Participants also learned how Geographic Information System (GIS) specialists make maps and use technology to help DNR teams fight wildland fires.

They also experienced what it’s like to be a DNR firefighter by meeting some of the team, trying on personal protective equipment, and meeting Smokey Bear, who paid a special visit. Even Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark came down to meet the children, thank the volunteers, and snap a quick photo with Smokey.

View photos from the event on our Flickr page here.

DNR is happy to have had the opportunity to recruit our future generations of state land managers. If you are interested in finding out about the several types of careers that DNR has to offer, visit our jobs page and apply to work with DNR today.

Follow DNR on:

Volunteer Hero Ron Downing Honored at the 8th Annual Great Gravel Pack-In

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark (right) presents Ron Downing a Volunteer Hero Award. Photo: Dana Leavitt, DNR.

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark made a special appearance at the Great Gravel Pack-In volunteer event in Capitol State Forest last weekend and presented a Volunteer Hero Award to a very deserving volunteer, Ron Downing.

Ron has been a long-time volunteer for the Washington State Department of Natural Resource (DNR). He has contributed hundreds of hours to develop equestrian trails in the DNR-managed Elbe State Forest. His passion for equestrian recreation opportunities has been passed down to the numerous volunteers he organizes and trains to develop sustainable trails.

Ron is a great leader with an ability to organize reliable pack animals and riders. He has used these skills to help make the Great Gravel Pack-In a success, year after year, for the last eight years.

Commissioner Goldmark presented a certificate, a jacket, and a Volunteer Hero patch to Ron at the event he works so hard for every year.

“Ron Downing is a dedicated volunteer who inspires the best in all of us. His enthusiastic support makes events like the Great Gravel Pack-In a great success,” said Peter Goldmark. “It is a pleasure to recognize Ron’s volunteer accomplishments today.”

Volunteer Hero Award

Volunteer Hero Award recipients were selected from a pool of individuals nominated by the public in September. DNR received nominations for 19 volunteers from across the state. Two other volunteers, Tom Faubion and Bob Langley, received their award at a 2012 recreation leadership meeting in Seattle.

DNR will open nominations for the 2013 Volunteer Hero Award in September.

Ron Downing at the 8th Annual Great Gravel Pack-In. Photo: Diana Lofflin, DNR.

Follow DNR on:

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark puts DNR’s fire equipment to the test

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark knows a lot about engines, and doesn’t hesitate to ask DNR staff tough questions to make sure this equipment is the best. Photo by: DNR/Jessica Payne

It was cold Tuesday morning when Commissioner Peter Goldmark arrived at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Compound to examine the newest editions to the agency’s fire truck cavalry.

Although last year’s fire season may still seem fresh for most Washington residents, DNR is already gearing up for the upcoming season.

DNR is making every effort to make sure all of its firefighting equipment is in prime condition and all crew members are extensively trained.

“When the fire bell rings, this equipment gets put to the test. That is why it’s so important to ensure that we have the best possible equipment to put the fire out.” – Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark

This year, 350 seasonal workers are being hired for the 2013 fire season. They will join the 650 permanent personnel during fire training this spring. DNR will staff approximately 96 engines, 3 initial attack crews, and 5 helitack crews. Each engine carries approximately 3,000 feet of fire hose.

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark takes it upon himself to ensure DNR’s new fire equipment is the best possible equipment available. Photo by: DNR/Jessica Payne

DNR still has many openings for seasonal fire workers. If you would like to join the team, visit our jobs page and apply today.

Learn more about DNR’s fire program, gain wildfire information, and find out how to protect your home from potential wildfire on DNR’s Resource Protection webpage.

Follow DNR on:

Goldmark keys in on forest health and climate change; begins second term as Commissioner of Public Lands

Here are the complete Inaugural Remarks of Peter Goldmark to the Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at the beginning of his second term as Commissioner of Public Lands:

Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands, delivers second inaugural address on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. Photo: Nancy Charbonneau/DNR.

Good afternoon, everyone and thank you, Lenny for that introduction and for your service to DNR and the state as Supervisor for the department. You have brought a keen understanding of many complex issues to your duties and have done a magnificent job of solving problems and providing leadership within the agency.

I would also like to thank the members of my family, who are here with us today.

It is both an honor and a privilege to be elected to a second term as Commissioner of Public Lands for the great State of Washington. We are fortunate to live and work in a state whose landscape is naturally beautiful and productive. Our state is replete with some of the earth’s most productive agricultural lands and is forested with the world’s premiere evergreen species in terms of both productivity and quality. I know this first-hand: by having lived and worked here almost all of my life; having climbed the tallest mountain; having hiked many, many miles over high mountain trails; and having visited nearly every corner of our state in both private and public life. We at DNR shoulder the responsibility of keeping these natural resources productive and beautiful for the future. Our legacy is to walk this line: to productively steward these precious natural resources in a manner that sustains a revenue stream for the trust beneficiaries and conserves that which is rare and wonderful.

Over the course of my first term in office, DNR has produced $921 million of non-tax revenue for education and other trust beneficiaries. These revenues flow mainly from timber harvested on state trust lands but also from geoduck and wheat sales. While revenue production for the trust beneficiaries is our primary mission, we also endeavor to maintain forest cover throughout the state. Thus, we have purchased 10,500 acres of lands threatened by development for working forest and permanently protected an additional 22,000 acres of land for conservation. This includes about 7,500 acres that comprise the newly designated Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area. This NRCA, home to many threatened and endangered species, is a unique landscape encompassing low-, mid-, and high-elevation forests, in a prime location to help meet both critical habitat needs and the growing demand for recreational opportunities.

We also reviewed over 17,000 Forest Practices Applications to ensure that rules are followed to protect aquatic resources during timber harvest and associated road construction on state and private lands.

Fire suppression is another huge responsibility at DNR. Over the past 4 years, we partnered with other jurisdictions to suppress 2,895 fires encompassing over 114,000 acres. This past fire season was particularly difficult due to very hot, dry conditions in August and September, together with a severe dry lightning storm on September 8th that sparked several hundred wildfires in eastern Washington.  

PBS report examines the effects of ocean acidity on shellfish industry

Oysters at hatcheries in Oregon are showing the effects of ocean acidification. Photo: Oregon State University.

Since the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification announced its findings last month, there’s been a great deal of coverage on the issue. Last Friday, the Public Broadcasting System’s (PBS) “Newshour” show aired a report on how ocean acidification is having devastating effects on Washington’s shellfish industry.

The rise in acidity makes seawater corrosive to many marine organisms, especially those that require calcium in their “formative” growth stages, such as shellfish larvae. The shellfish industry, therefore, is the first to bear the brunt of the chemical changes taking place in the oceans’ pH levels. Several years ago, oyster seed production experienced a sharp drop. Corrosive seawater pumped into hatcheries was blamed for the decline.

Like climate change, ocean acidification is largely the result of increased carbon dioxide. As reported in “Newshour,” scientists estimate that the oceans have absorbed 550 billion tons of carbon dioxide, and ocean acidity has increased 30 percent for the past 200 years—since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

The “Newshour” report on ocean acidification includes interviews with Richard Feely, a chemical oceanographer with NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle; Shina Wysocki, of Chelsea Farms LLC, a family shellfish farm in Olympia; and Bill Dewey of Taylor Shellfish Farms, of Shelton and Samish Bay.

Watch the report: Trouble in the Water: Acidifying Oceans Hinder Health of Northwest Shellfish

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark served on the governor’s panel on ocean acidification.

Follow DNR on:

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark honors two Volunteer Heroes

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark and recreation leaders discuss how to improve sustainable recreation on DNR lands. The 2012 Volunteer Heroes were honored at this meeting for their on-the-ground contribution to DNR lands. Photo: Bryan Flint

Yesterday, Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark presented two outstanding individuals a Volunteer Hero Award for their sustained service, superior performance, leadership, and commitment to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) volunteer program.

In September, DNR asked for your nominations. With enthusiasm, 27 people from across the state nominated 19 different volunteers. From this outstanding pool of candidates, Tom Faubion of Eatonville and Bob Langley of Everett, were honored  as Volunteer Heroes. Commissioner Goldmark presented a certificate and a jacket to each of the recipients with a unique Volunteer Hero patch.

“These Volunteer Heroes inspire the best in all of us. Not only do their actions directly influence the success of the program, but their dedication and sense of service inspire those who have the opportunity to work with them” said Peter Goldmark. “It is an honor to recognize Tom and Bob’s volunteer accomplishments today.”

By honoring these individuals, we also celebrate the countless others who serve by their side, rain or shine. Volunteering reminds us that we can’t do this alone. After all, imagine what one hand can do when multiplied?

Meet DNR’s volunteer heroes

With a sense of urgency, Governor and panel on ocean acidity present recommendations

Gov. Chris Gregoire and Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark at the Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification event on Nov. 27, 2012. Photo: Kim Schmanke/WA Dept. of Ecology

This week at the Seattle Aquarium, Governor Chris Gregoire and members of a special panel presented their recommendations for addressing the high acidity of our state’s marine waters.

Their message was clear: The situation is urgent, and we need to take immediate action to avoid devastating consequences to our state’s economy, environment, and quality of life.

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark was appointed to serve on the Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification, which the Governor convened last March.

Native American Heritage Month: Working together to preserve our resources — our legacy

DNR staff hang tribal banners in Natural Resources Building. Photo: DNR, Bryan Flint

November was proclaimed Native American Heritage month by both President Obama and Governor Gregoire. Embedded in the heritage of the Tribes are respect and veneration of the natural world, and we invite you to join us in celebrating this culture.

On display through November in the Natural Resources Building rotunda are panels showing a few of the many examples of salmon habitat restoration efforts that the tribes and partners are carrying out statewide—and region wide.

Also on view are banners representing the federally enrolled tribes in the state. Originally, the banners were hung in the Nisqually Tribe Cultural Center, offering a backdrop for the 2011 Natural Resources Tribal Summit in September 2011, hosted by DNR and the Nisqually Tribe.

Throughout the year, Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, the tribes and DNR work together to address natural resources issues important to all. Our tribal relations manager helps DNR and the tribes coordinate many efforts regarding natural resources, and issues of interest concerning the 5 million acres of state lands that the department manages, the tribal geoduck fishery, and more.

See our newest info-graphics: Map of major tribal watershed restoration partnership in Washington State.

The Hoh and Makah tribes combine efforts to restore a wetland.

Follow DNR on:

Social Media brings good news to one family effected by the Taylor Bridge fire

Home saved by Taylor Bridge Wildfire.

On August 13, the Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark toured the Taylor Bridge Fire, visiting areas not accessible to reporters and the public. Staff took and then posted to Flickr this photo of a house that had been saved.

A few days later, we received this wonderful email:

Just wanted to thank you for this pic:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wastatednr/7789651982

The little white house is our place, and our parents next door were taking care of our home & dogs while we left on a week’s vacation to the Oregon beach on Saturday. Needless to say our vacation wasn’t very relaxing for a couple days! The now iconic picture of our neighbor’s place behind us burning, as well as recognizable forest burning hot just down the road, and updates of friends and co workers listening to the scanner relaying the battle in Clark Flats going for hours lead us to believe that our house and out buildings were history.

THANK GOD the firefighters proved us wrong!

We have always tried to keep the place cleaned up of accumulated fuel (you can end up with piles of tumbleweeds against things down here) and a large area on the windward side of the houses mowed down in the hope that it would give us a slightly better chance of surviving a fire. While I’d like to think it helped a little, the reality is that it was probably massive human effort + divine intervention that ended up saving our home and outbuildings.

I joked with a friend that I should have left more beer in the fridge for all those brave strangers who fought so hard for our little house. But then I had to amend that statement with: there really isn’t enough beer made to properly thank all the firefighters who defended our property.

At the risk of wearing it out, I’m saying it again: THANK YOU SO MUCH!

On a fire with national media attention there is an interagency team of what we call public information officers at the fire supported by communications staff at the administrative offices of the agencies involved.  Working along side the hundreds of firefighters it is heartening to know that the use of social media can bring relief and comfort to at least one family.

Our hearts are still heavy for those who have lost their homes and hope that the communications effort has eased their stress during this tragic fire.

Follow DNR on: