Department of Natural Resources
| Average Annual FTEs | Near General Fund State | Other Funds | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in Thousands) | ||||
| Current Budget | 1,630.6 | 333,917 | 543,988 | 877,905 |
| 2023-25 Maintenance Level | 1,674.6 | 276,450 | 541,206 | 817,656 |
| Difference from 2023-25 Original | 44.0 | (57,467) | (2,782) | (60,249) |
| % Change from 2023-25 Original | 2.7% | (17.2%) | (0.5%) | (6.9%) |
2023 Policy Other Changes |
||||
| Agricultural School Trust Lands | 0.0 | 0 | 900 | 900 |
| Adaptive Management Program | 0.0 | 1,273 | 984 | 2,257 |
| Scientifically-based Conservation | 8.0 | 0 | 3,356 | 3,356 |
| Community Forests | 5.3 | 1,506 | 0 | 1,506 |
| Conservation Corps Partnerships | 2.0 | 4,979 | 0 | 4,979 |
| Climate Resilience Strategy | 2.5 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Environmental Justice - HEAL Act | 6.0 | 1,467 | 0 | 1,467 |
| Authority Adjustment | 0.0 | 0 | 6,800 | 6,800 |
| Forest Practices Online Costs | 0.0 | 970 | 0 | 970 |
| Urban Tree Canopy | 3.0 | 0 | 5,991 | 5,991 |
| Climate-smart Forest Treatments | 3.0 | 0 | 3,166 | 3,166 |
| Forest Health & Wildfire Protection | 1.8 | 0 | 20,200 | 20,200 |
| Growing Roots | 5.0 | 1,436 | 0 | 1,436 |
| Statewide Lidar Data | 2.0 | 7,756 | 0 | 7,756 |
| Natural Areas Use of One-Time NRCA | 0.30 | 0 | 160 | 160 |
| GHG Net Zero | 4.8 | 0 | 9,991 | 9,991 |
| Protect Lands & Tribal Rights | 13.5 | 7,780 | 0 | 7,780 |
| Reforestation Strategy | 3.0 | 0 | 2,066 | 2,066 |
| Settlement Agreement Litigation | 0.0 | 0 | 660 | 660 |
| Workforce Development | 5.8 | 0 | 2,365 | 2,365 |
| Workforce Housing | 6.3 | 0 | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| Watershed Resilience Implementation | 1.7 | 0 | 2,864 | 2,864 |
| Natural and Working Lands | 0.0 | 0 | 400 | 400 |
| 2023 Policy Other Changes Total | 74.0 | 27,167 | 62,103 | 89,270 |
2023 Policy Comp Changes |
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| State Employee Benefits | 0.0 | 31 | 53 | 84 |
| WFSE General Government | 0.0 | 3,333 | 4,449 | 7,782 |
| Rep Employee Health Benefits | 0.0 | 163 | 280 | 443 |
| WPEA General Government | 0.0 | 2,015 | 4,093 | 6,108 |
| Non-Rep Recruitment/Retention | 0.0 | 75 | 135 | 210 |
| Non-Rep General Wage Increase | 0.0 | 949 | 1,713 | 2,662 |
| PERS & TRS Plan 1 Benefit Increase | 0.0 | 79 | 131 | 210 |
| Vaccine Booster Incentive | 0.0 | 65 | 118 | 183 |
| 2023 Policy Comp Changes Total | 0.0 | 6,710 | 10,972 | 17,682 |
2023 Policy Central Services Changes |
||||
| Shared Tenant M365 to CSM | 0.0 | (314) | (882) | (1,196) |
| State Data Center | 0.0 | (30) | (81) | (111) |
| Archives/Records Management | 0.0 | 5 | 12 | 17 |
| Audit Services | 0.0 | 6 | 14 | 20 |
| Legal Services | 0.0 | 219 | 627 | 846 |
| CTS Central Services | 0.0 | 544 | 1,522 | 2,066 |
| DES Central Services | 0.0 | 362 | 940 | 1,302 |
| OFM Central Services | 0.0 | 829 | 2,230 | 3,059 |
| GOV Central Services | 0.0 | 185 | 521 | 706 |
| 2023 Policy Central Services Changes Total | 0.0 | 1,806 | 4,903 | 6,709 |
| Total Policy Changes | 74.0 | 35,683 | 77,978 | 113,661 |
| 2023-25 Policy Level | 1,748.6 | 312,133 | 619,184 | 931,317 |
| Difference from 2021-23 | 118.0 | (21,784) | 75,196 | 53,412 |
| % Change from 2023-25 Original | 7.2% | (6.5%) | 13.8% | 6.1% |
Policy Changes
Agricultural School Trust Lands
Work delays due to COVID-19 impacted the department’s ability to complete scheduled land management work on Agricultural School trust lands which provide revenue to Washington State University. This one-time funding increase provides capacity to complete this work, including timber sale planning and compliance, tree planting silviculture treatments, and other leasing activities. (Agricultural College Trust Manage - State)
Adaptive Management Program
The Adaptive Management Program was created to provide science-based recommendations and technical information to assist the Forest Practices Board (FPB) in achieving the water quality and habitat goals of the forest practice rules. The program conducts scientific research according to a master project schedule and work plan approved by the FPB. Funding ensures that the program can carry out the entire scope and scale of the most recent work plan approved by the FPB in August 2022. (General Fund - State, Forest and Fish Support Account - State)
Scientifically-based Conservation
The department catalogs the plants, animals, and ecosystems of Washington and prioritizes their conservation needs to help guide conservation funding in the state. It also manages a statewide system of natural area preserves and natural resources conservation areas across the state. Added scientific and land management staff will map "biodiversity hotspots," develop critical data on climate impacts on rare species and ecosystems, map and prioritize forests at risk of conversion, and implement land management activities on an ongoing basis. New funding for the statewide system of natural areas is critical to protecting Washington's greatest natural assets and increasing both ecological and community resilience in the face of growing pressures, while also providing nature-based workforce solutions and creating opportunities for environmental education and research on state-owned natural areas. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Community Forests
The Department of Natural Resources works closely with local governments and other agencies for collaborative land management in the Teanaway and Klickitat Canyon community forests to enhance water supply, maintain working forests, provide recreation, and improve habitat. The department does not have enough staff capacity to fully restore the forests, connect with communities, and entirely meet recreational needs. Additional staffing will allow the department to implement additional elements of the adopted forest management plans, including road maintenance, education, and more equitable access. (General Fund - State)
Conservation Corps Partnerships
Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews employ youth and veterans to restore state habitat and recreation lands. Support for the department's WCC crews is shifted from the capital budget to the operating budget to enhance program stability. This will allow the department to utilize full-time and seasonal WCC crews to conduct work on agency-managed lands, including natural area restoration and conservation, trail work, forest resiliency activities, and other recreation and habitat projects. (General Fund - State)
Climate Resilience Strategy
The Department of Ecology will submit agency request legislation that directs it to update the statewide strategy for climate resilience in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources and other state agencies. Funding is provided for implementation of the bill if adopted by the Legislature. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Environmental Justice - HEAL Act
Funding is provided to add capacity to meet the obligations in the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act by building staff capacity, providing contracted services, and developing the community relationships for the agency’s body of work focused on environmental justice. Additionally, funding allows for centralization of environmental justice work at the agency to allow for better evaluation of progress towards meeting HEAL Act obligations and to increase agency transparency and public participation. (General Fund - State)
Authority Adjustment
Spending authority is restored for several funds that are impacted by the Fire Suppression Administration item. These impacted fund sources are now available for program implementation instead of supporting fire suppression administrative functions. (Forest Fire Protection Assessment - Non-Appropriated, Forest Health Revolving Account - Non-Appropriated, Resource Management Cost Account - State, other funds)
Forest Practices Online Costs
The 2021 Legislature appropriated $1.76 million in fiscal year 2023 for development of a modern online forest practices application system called “fpOnline.” The costs of the project have increased, and this additional funding will enable the department to finish the project in the 2023-25 biennium. (General Fund - State)
Urban Tree Canopy
Climate change is contributing to an increase in environmental threats to public health and increased stresses on salmon, orca, and other wildlife. Investment in urban forests is an effective strategy for reducing these negative environmental conditions such as heat, flooding, and air pollution while helping communities become greener, healthier, and more resilient. Funding will provide assistance to communities to increase their capacity for equitable, locally driven, and science-based urban forestry activities and programs. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Climate-smart Forest Treatments
Maintaining healthy, resilient forests is a critical component of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. DNR’s Plan for Climate Resilience and Forest Action Plan identifies the need for silvicultural treatments on forested trust lands in western Washington to increase resilience to drought, insects, disease, and invasive species; provide clean and cold water to support aquatic species and habitat; sequester more carbon; and support rural economic development including sustainable timber production. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Forest Health & Wildfire Protection
Forest restoration and wildfire protection and prevention requires a cohesive and synergistic approach that spans agencies and non-state partners. This item builds on previous legislative investments to support the collaborative role of partners to deliver critical activities in service of healthy forests, healthy communities, and a thriving economy. Pass-through grants will be provided to other state agencies, federal recognized tribes, local governments, fire and conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, forest collaboratives, and small forest landowners. (Wildfire Resp Forest Restor & Comm - State)
Growing Roots
The Department of Natural Resources manages over five million acres of uplands and aquatic lands, all of which intersect with Tribes. Currently, coordination and collaboration with 32 Tribes and over 200 Tribal leaders is done by one tribal liaison. Existing and emerging Tribal consultation and partnerships are critical to the success of investments through the Climate Commitment Act. Funding is provided to grow the agency’s Tribal outreach and engagement team. Increasing Tribal communications, consultation and partnership will strengthen and increase engagement with Tribes, serve and build strong and resilient communities, and advance programs and projects that may have Tribal interests. (General Fund - State)
Statewide Lidar Data
Lidar provides precise, three-dimensional information about land surface characteristics. Multiple state, federal, local, and Tribal governments, along with private businesses, rely on lidar to inform natural resource, habitat, land use, forestry, and conservation decisions. Ongoing funding is provided to collect and refresh statewide lidar data at regular intervals and to continue to keep the data publicly available. (General Fund - State)
Natural Areas Use of One-Time NRCA
As a result of a financial settlement of land trespass, unanticipated income was deposited into the Natural Resources Conservation Areas (NRCA) Stewardship Account. One-time funding from this account will fund the department's analysis of natural areas' programmatic needs and the completion of a required site-based management plan for the newest natural area preserve at Steptoe Butte. (Nat Res Conserv Areas Stewardship - State)
GHG Net Zero
To meet state greenhouse gas emission limits, the Department of Natural Resources is provided funding to prioritize and buildout a strategic greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction program for fleet and facilities to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The department will meet emission reduction targets through a net zero fleet, which involves vehicle replacement, expanded vehicle charging, maintenance and repairs, and energy-efficient building operations. (Climate Commitment Account - State, Carbon Emissions Reduction Account - State)
Protect Lands & Tribal Rights
Increased visitation and use of the 5.6 million acres of DNR-managed lands is stretching DNR’s capacity to provide safe access to these lands for trust beneficiaries and the people of Washington. Ten additional recreational law enforcement officers will help address concerns about unsanctioned access, vandalism and damage to natural and cultural resources. Additionally, a statewide data management system will be jointly created to make informed management decisions that meet conservation goals for public lands. The department will collaborate with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and tribal governments to ensure cultural resources and cultural practices are considered and incorporated into management plans. A plan and implementation strategy will be developed to improve public access opportunities. This investment will advance decision making based on the ecological health of public lands, creating a balance between conservation and the increasing demand for outdoor recreation. (General Fund - State)
Reforestation Strategy
Forest health issues, increasingly catastrophic wildfires, and the permanent loss of forests to development and other land use have contributed to declining amounts of forested lands in Washington. Without intervention, this trend of forest loss will only continue. The Department of Natural Resources will develop a comprehensive strategy to tackle barriers to reforestation, including through expanding seed collection, increasing the capacity of the state’s only public nursery, and addressing workforce needs. The agency will also map and prioritize areas for reforestation. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Settlement Agreement Litigation
Funding is provided to support litigation, expert witness, and staff costs for cases before the courts related to the 2019 adoption of the 2015-2024 Sustainable Harvest Calculation and the Marbled Murrelet Conservation Strategy for state trust lands by the Board of Natural Resources. (Resource Management Cost Account - State, Forest Development Account - State)
Workforce Development
Washington employers in forestry and the greater natural resources sector report a high unmet need for trained workers to fill open roles in their companies and agencies. Funding will allow the department to make investments in education and training to bolster a statewide natural resources workforce to support the health and resilience of Washington’s forests. Funding is provided for an Outdoor Education and Training Program Manager to host fellows from Civic Spark Washington, further develop DNR’s incarcerated wildland fire fighting crew post-release program, support Washington State University Extension staff and forestry experiential training curriculum, and provide wildland fire management and forest health training in partnership with Tribes. (Climate Commitment Account - State)
Workforce Housing
The Department of Natural Resources' permanent and seasonal staff in remote areas of Washington are experiencing barriers to housing that are impacting the department’s operations. State trust lands may provide workforce housing opportunity where it is needed, in exchange for providing trust beneficiaries with higher producing land assets and preserving forested (or agricultural) land elsewhere. Funding is provided to analyze the opportunity for workforce housing on these lands, develop new options, enhance existing processes, and identify partnerships to carry out these joint objectives. (Resource Management Cost Account - State)
Watershed Resilience Implementation
While Washington has made real advances in salmon recovery, the dire state of many salmon populations means we need to do more. This item funds various aspects of the department's Snohomish watershed salmon recovery efforts including investment in kelp and eelgrass stewardship, implementation of a large woody debris program, aquatic restoration grants, and culvert removal. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Natural and Working Lands
Increasing carbon storage in natural and working lands through enhanced sequestration practices is an untapped tool for drawing down atmospheric CO2. Funding is provided for the Department of Ecology and Department of Natural Resources to develop a multi-year strategy for natural and working lands to ensure carbon sequestration efforts help meet state greenhouse gas limits. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
State Employee Benefits
Health insurance funding is provided for state employees who are not represented by a union, who are covered by a bargaining agreement that is not subject to financial feasibility determination, or who are not part of the coalition of unions for health benefits. The insurance funding rate is $1,160 per employee per month for fiscal year 2024 and $1,233 per employee per month for fiscal year 2025. (Forest Development Account - State, General Fund - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, other funds)
WFSE General Government
Funding is provided for a general wage increase of 4%, effective July 1, 2023; a general wage increase of 3%, effective July 1, 2024; targeted job classification base range increases; recognition and retention lump sum payments for employees employed on or before July 1, 2022 and continuously employed through July 1, 2023; shift premium increase for eligible shifts from $1 to $2.50 per eligible hour; a COVID-19 booster incentive of $1,000; supplemental shift premium increases for nurse classifications; 5% premium pay for employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location; and an increase of $250 to the annual lump sum payment for Labor and Industries risk classes 7200/7201. (Resource Management Cost Account - State, Forest Development Account - State, General Fund - State, other funds)
Rep Employee Health Benefits
This provides health insurance funding as part of the master agreements for employees who bargain for health benefits as part of a coalition of unions. The insurance funding rate is $1,160 per employee per month for fiscal year 2024 and $1,233 per employee per month for fiscal year 2025. (Forest Development Account - State, General Fund - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, other funds)
WPEA General Government
Funding is provided for a general wage increase of 4%, effective July 1, 2023; a general wage increase of 3%, effective July 1, 2024; targeted job classification base range increases; recognition and retention lump sum payments for employees employed on or before July 1, 2022 and continuously employed through July 1, 2023; shift premium increase for eligible shifts from $1 to $2.50 per eligible hour; and a COVID-19 booster incentive of $1,000. (General Fund - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, Forest Development Account - State, other funds)
Non-Rep Recruitment/Retention
Funding is provided for recognition and retention lump sum payments for employees employed on or before July 1, 2022 and continuously employed through July 1, 2023. (General Fund - State, Forest Development Account - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, other funds)
Non-Rep General Wage Increase
Funding is provided for wage increases for state employees who are not represented by a union or who are covered by a bargaining agreement that is not subject to financial feasibility determination. It is sufficient for a general wage increase of 4 percent, effective July 1, 2023 and a general wage increase of 3 percent, effective July 1, 2024. This item includes both general government and higher education workers. (General Fund - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, Forest Development Account - State, other funds)
PERS & TRS Plan 1 Benefit Increase
For eligible Public Employees' and Teachers' Retirement Systems Plan 1 members, this item provides an increase of 3%, up to a maximum of $110 per month. (General Fund - State, Forest Development Account - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, other funds)
Vaccine Booster Incentive
Funding is provided for a $1,000 lump sum COVID-19 booster incentive for non-represented employees. This funding does not cover institutions of higher education. (Resource Management Cost Account - State, Forest Development Account - State, General Fund - State, other funds)
Shared Tenant M365 to CSM
Agency budgets are reduced by the base budget amounts provided to Consolidated Technology Services for Microsoft 365 licenses so the cost can be added to the central service model allocation in CTS central services (Step 92J). (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Air Pollution Control Account - State, Derelict Vessel Removal Account - State, other funds)
State Data Center
Adjustments are made for each agency's share of costs related to the State Data Center. (Natural Resources Fed Lnds Rev Acct - Non-Appropriated, Agricultural College Trust Manage - State, Forest and Fish Support Account - State, other funds)
Archives/Records Management
Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated share of charges for archives and records management services provided by the Secretary of State's Office. (Resource Management Cost Account - State, General Fund - State, Forest Development Account - State, other funds)
Audit Services
Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated cost of audits performed by the State Auditor's Office. (Wildfire Resp Forest Restor & Comm - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, General Fund - State, other funds)
Legal Services
Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated cost of legal services provided by the Attorney General's Office. Because legal services expenditures are based on consumption, funding provided in the central service model is not all inclusive. The methodology to estimate consumption has been updated from a three-year average to a two-year average and allows for analysis to incorporate unique agency circumstances. (Wildfire Resp Forest Restor & Comm - State, General Fund - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, other funds)
CTS Central Services
Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from Consolidated Technology Services (CTS) for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of Cybersecurity, state network, enterprise services, small agency IT services, security gateways, and geospatial imaging services. This amount now includes the total amount for agencies that use the Microsoft 365 shared tenant. See Chapter 11 of the 2023-25 OFM Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (Resource Management Cost Account - State, Wildfire Resp Forest Restor & Comm - State, General Fund - State, other funds)
DES Central Services
Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) for campus rent, parking, contracts, and security; capital project surcharges; financing cost recovery; public and historic facilities; real estate services; risk management services; personnel service rates; the Perry Street and Capitol Campus child care centers; small agency services; and the department's enterprise applications. See Chapter 11 of the 2023-25 OFM Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (General Fund - State, Forest Development Account - State, Resource Management Cost Account - State, other funds)
OFM Central Services
Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges for existing statewide applications, the One Washington program, and other central services provided by the Office of Financial Management. See Chapter 11 of the 2023-25 OFM Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (Resource Management Cost Account - State, General Fund - State, Forest Development Account - State, other funds)
GOV Central Services
A new central service is created to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from the Office of the Governor for statewide policy staff and the Office of Equity. (Resource Management Cost Account - State, General Fund - State, Wildfire Resp Forest Restor & Comm - State, other funds)
