Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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September 24, 2026  in  Olympia
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Invasive Species Awareness Week Was February 23-27

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New Guide to Combat Ash Tree-Destroying Insect

A new guide to help Washington landowners and land managers detect and limit the spread of an invasive, wood-boring beetle that attacks and kills ash trees is now available thanks to the collaborative effort of state and federal agencies. Native to eastern Asia, the emerald ash borer first appeared in the United States in 2002 […]

May 19, 2026Read More

Governor Declares Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington

OLYMPIA–Gov. Bob Ferguson, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 23-27 as Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week, recognizing the ongoing threat invasive plants, animals and pathogens pose to the state. “Invasive species continue to threaten Washington’s lands, waters and communities,” Ferguson said. “Everyone—from students to farmers to outdoor enthusiasts—has a part […]

February 10, 2026Read More

Governor Declares Invasive Species Awareness Week

OLYMPIA–Gov. Bob Ferguson, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 24-28 as Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week in solidarity with National Invasive Species Awareness Week. “Invasive species and noxious weeds already are a big problem in Washington and species that have yet to reach our state could pose even greater challenges […]

February 10, 2025Read More
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Traveling internationally this summer? Be careful not to bring back anything you shouldn’t. Certain types of foods, plants, even souvenirs may contain invasive pests and disease which can impact our crops, forests, animals, and the environment. When packing, check what items are prohibited to and from the location you’re visiting. The U.S. Department of Agriculture restricts or prohibits many food and agricultural products from other countries. If you’re unsure, play it safe:- Don’t pack fresh fruits and vegetables - Don’t pack meat products (even in dried soup mixes)- Declare all food, plants, and agricultural items when you arrive in the United StatesLearn more: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/campaigns/dont-pack-a-pest/ ... See MoreSee Less
🎶Just a small-town seed, growing into a bigger weed. Don’t let it take the midnight train . . . going anywhere. 🎶Known as "The vine that ate the South," Kudzu is found in Oregon and can spread to Washington. It was previously found in Clark County but was removed and no further infestations have been reported.Kudzu grows fast, smothering native plants, weighing down trees, and damaging infrastructure. Once established, it becomes extremely difficult to remove, “up and down the boulevard” and everywhere else. It’s also on the weed no-play list (as a class A noxious weed)Keep it from making Washington another stop on its tour:- Don't buy, plant, or move kudzu- Practice “Play, Clean, Go” to avoid carrying seeds and plant fragments- Learn more: invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/kudzu/ Images courtesy of Steve Hurst USDA (seeds) and Gerald Homes (field) ... See MoreSee Less
State line? County line? Property line? Draw whatever boundary you want, but invasive species won’t respect it. Feral swine roam as they please, flowering rush and European green crab spread across waterways, and Japanese beetles fly into new areas—and sometimes with the help of humans. These species are also spread when we unknowingly transport them within firewood or as tiny hitchhikers when we don’t clean and not brush off all of our outdoor gear after using it.The Washington Invasive Species Council brings agencies and experts together to figure out strategies to prevent and control invasive species within Washington and to educate the public on what to be on the lookout for, and how to respond to, suspected invasive species.You can help! If you spot a suspected invasive species, report it through the WA Invasives app or online. One report can help stop the next boundary breaker: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/ Images courtesy of Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University (Japanese beetle), Sylvain Cordier (feral swine), and Washington state Noxious Weed Control Board (flowering rush) ... See MoreSee Less
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