Longtime Des Moines resident Dave Upthegrove, Washington State’s new Commissioner of Public Lands, was sworn into office on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, pledging to protect and steward the state’s public lands, waters, and forests with a focus on environmental justice, wildfire prevention, and public accessibility.

In a statement following his swearing-in ceremony at the state Capitol, Upthegrove reflected on his lifelong dedication to environmental issues, citing his experience as a Scout, a student of environmental science and energy policy, and a public servant in state and local government.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to serve as your Commissioner of Public Lands and to lead the Department of Natural Resources,” Upthegrove said. “DNR is a special agency with a long legacy of achievement and service. I hope to add to that legacy by leading with four fundamental values: respect, professionalism, integrity, and joy.”

Upthegrove emphasized his priorities for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), including restoring clean air and water, protecting wildlife habitats, enhancing wildfire prevention and response, and increasing recreational access to state lands. He also reaffirmed a commitment to addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities and honoring Tribal sovereignty.

“Embedded throughout must be our commitment to environmental justice and Tribal sovereignty,” Upthegrove said. “That means making sure everyone has access to clean air and clean water. It means reducing the disproportionate impact climate change has on marginalized communities and strengthening the co-management role of our state’s Tribes.”

In closing, Upthegrove urged collaboration to tackle the state’s environmental challenges. “

As I’ve said many times over the past year, these lands belong to We the People, not the powerful few,” he added. “Working together, we can achieve anything.”