Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove commended the Legislature for restoring funding for the Department of Natural Resources’ wildfire prevention and response and community resilience programs. “Wildfire touches everyone in Washington. I commend legislators for recognizing that and – even in a difficult budget year – finding ways to make sure we’re prepared for wildfires when they start and can help prevent them before they even do,” said Commissioner Upthegrove. “As I traveled the state during my first year as Commissioner, I heard over and over how critical this funding is for keeping frontline fire districts equipped, reducing the fire danger in communities near wildlands, and protecting the air quality of our urban centers. I carried that message back to legislators to ensure they understood the stakes – and I am glad they did.” The legislature’s supplemental budget restores $60 million in wildfire prevention and preparedness funding that had been cut last year.