DNR Cost-Share Program in Eastern Washington | Steel Roots

Restore Forest Health & Reduce Wildfire Risk with DNR Cost-Share

If you own forestland in Eastern Washington and want to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and receive financial assistance, the DNR Cost-Share (now the Financial Assistance for Wildfire Resilience & Forest Health) program can help.

What is the DNR Cost-Share Program?

The program is administered by the Washington State DNR through its Service Forestry / Small Forest Landowner Office. It offers technical and financial assistance to eligible non-federal forestland owners to implement treatments that reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and support sustainable management.
Key features:

  • Free consultation from a service forester. Department of Natural Resources

  • Cost-share reimbursement for eligible practices (thinning, pruning, brush control, slash disposal, stewardship plans).

  • Applies in Eastern Washington (and now beyond) for landowners owning up to 5,000 forested acres.

Who is Eligible?

  • Non-federal landowners (private individuals/families, non-profits, certain public agencies).

  • Ownership is 5,000 or fewer forested acres in the state of Washington (with some exemptions for public agencies/non-profits).

  • For forest health improvement/wildfire hazard reduction practices: no minimum acreage treatment required.

  • For a Forest Stewardship Plan cost-share: minimum of ~20 acres of forested land.

What Practices Are Eligible for Cost-Share?

Eligible treatments include (but are not limited to):

  • Flammable brush control

  • Non-commercial thinning

  • Pruning

  • Slash disposal

  • Prescribed burning (in some cases)

  • Creation of defensible space around structures

  • Preparing a DNR-approved Forest Stewardship Plan

How Much Financial Assistance Can I Receive?

  • Generally, reimbursement is up to 50% of your documented cost, or up to the “not to exceed” rate specified in the schedule.

  • In some cases (e.g., when neighboring landowners collaborate or special funding is available), the cost-share rate may be higher (e.g., 75% or more).

  • Before starting work: you must receive written approval from DNR for the cost-share. Department of Natural Resources

Why This Program Matters for Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington forests face elevated risks from wildfire, insect infestation, drought and disease. According to DNR’s 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan, there are millions of acres of forest in need of restoration and this cost-share program supports landowners in that effort. Department of Natural Resources
By participating, landowners not only protect their own property but contribute to healthier forests, resilient communities, and sustainable ecosystems across the region.

How to Apply / Where to Get More Information

Step-by-step:

  1. Contact your regional DNR Service Forestry / Landowner Assistance forester for a consultation. Free site visit or technical assistance may be available. Department of Natural Resources

  2. Determine eligibility, select eligible practices, and fill out the Cost-Share Application form. (Important: Do not start work before approval). After approval, complete the approved work, submit documentation, and request reimbursement.

  3. Maintain records and adhere to program terms & conditions.

Application / Forms:

Contacts for Eastern Washington:

  • Northeast Region (Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane counties & Lincoln County north of US Highway 2) — Email: ne_loa@dnr.wa.gov Department of Natural Resources

  • Southeast Region (Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Walla Walla, Whitman, Yakima counties and portions of Lincoln & Skamania) — Phone: 509-925-8510, Email: dnrreseloa@dnr.wa.gov Department of Natural Resources

  • For general assistance: DNR Landowner Assistance Portal – phone 1-800-523-TREE (8733) Department of Natural Resources

Why Choose Steel Roots for Assistance?

At Steel Roots, we specialize in helping landowners navigate the DNR Cost-Share program and implement forest health and wildfire resilience treatments. We offer:

  • A clear, step-by-step roadmap from consultation to reimbursement

  • Coordination with local foresters and contractors

  • Help tailoring treatment plans to your property, goals and budget

  • Guidance on maximizing your cost-share benefit and matching funds

With Steel Roots, you get an advocate who ensures you leverage every available resource to protect your forest investment and reduce risk.

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Call to Action

If you own forestland in Eastern Washington and want to learn how the DNR Cost-Share (Financial Assistance for Wildfire Resilience & Forest Health) program can benefit you, contact us at Steel Roots today. We’ll walk you through eligibility, help prepare your application, and coordinate your treatment plan. Protect your forest, reduce your wildfire risk, and get reimbursed for part of your investment.

Get started now — reach out via phone Scotty @ 509-954-7779 or email steelrootselk@gmail.com and let’s schedule your free consultation.