News Briefs

Spokane Tribe receives Promise Zone status

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced June 6 that the Spokane Tribe of Indians has been awarded one of nine “Promise Zones” in the nation under an initiative started by the administration of President Barack Obama. The Tribe’s Promise Zone includes its 160,000 square acre reservation and all lands held in trust by the federal government on its behalf, which includes 180 square acres near Chewelah and another 145 square acres in Airway Heights.

The Promise Zones Initiative was established in 2014 to address the challenges facing rural and tribal communities by assisting in efforts to create jobs, expand educational opportunities, increase economic activity, leverage private investment and reduce violent crime. Communities must engage in a competitive application process for Promise Zone assistance that is based on the specific needs of a community and promotes collaboration between private business and federal, state and local officials; faith-based and non-profit organizations.

According to a White House press release, to date, 13 urban, rural and tribal communities have benefited from Promise Zone designation, which confers 10 years of federal support for local leaders in high-poverty communities to promote locally-defined priorities. Rounds I and II Promise Zones have altogether garnered over $550 million in federal investments to advance these goals.

Dry weather leads to fire rating increase

OLYMPIA – With warming temperatures and erratic behavior of early-season wildfires, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced June 2 it was increasing fire danger ratings and burn restrictions on lands it protects in Eastern Washington.  

Those with burn permits must check for additional restrictions. 

Effective June 3, the fire danger rating increased to moderate in Spokane, Okanogan and northern Lincoln counties and in Stevens County Fire Districts 1 and 2.

Effective June 3, rule burning is prohibited on DNR-protected lands in Okanogan, Spokane and northern Lincoln counties and in Stevens County Fire Districts 1 and 2. Permit burning and campfires in designated approved campgrounds is allowed in Okanogan, Spokane and northern Lincoln counties and in Stevens County Fire Districts 1 and 2. Rule burning, campfires and permit burns are allowed in Pend Oreille and Ferry counties and in Stevens County outside of Fire Districts 1 and 2. 

Rule burns are outdoor burns that are permitted as long as specific DNR rules are followed. If these rules cannot be safely followed, a burn permit is required.

Daily updates on burn restrictions are available at 1-800-323-BURN or at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/OutdoorBurning.