As of Friday at 12:01 AM, all DNR lands east of the Cascades in our state will be off-limits, regardless for recreation, logging, ag use or otherwise.

The Department of Natural Resources says due to high fire danger, all the lands they manage (including campgrounds, reserves, hunting areas etc) will be closed till further notice.

 Why Has DNR Closed These Lands?

According to DNR officials Tuesday:

"DNR decided to close recreational and public access to its managed lands in eastern Washington based on a number of factors, including current extreme hot and dry conditions, a forecast that shows no meaningful precipitation in the near future, current fuel loads, and a concern for public safety.

 After a late-June heat wave that shattered many all-time temperature records across Washington, the vast majority of the state is currently in a drought emergency."

The following campgrounds and DNR recreation areas are now closed, starting Friday. These are ones in the Southeastern Region of lands managed by DNR:

"29 Pines, Ahtanum Camp, Ahtanum Meadows, BBQ Flats, Beverly Dunes, Bird Creek, Buck Creek dispersed, Clover Flats, Eagle's Nest, Elk Heights dispersed, Glenwood dispersed, Indian Camp, Island Camp, Naneum Ridge State Forest dispersed, Snow Cabin, Teanaway Camping Area, Tree Phones, Rattlesnake dispersed and Wenas."

In addition, on the 13 million acres managed by DNR, there is a burn ban in effect through September 30th. This covers not just recreation areas, but logging, ag, and other areas as well.

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Here's a link to their official page and statement about the closures. Click on the button below.

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