Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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Next Council Meeting

July 16, 2026  in  Olympia

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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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Washington shellfish are kind of a big deal.From family clam digs and oyster happy hours to Tribal traditions and coastal jobs, shellfish are part of what makes Washington our favorite place to be. And protecting them starts with simple choices all of us can make.If buying shellfish, buy local when you can.If harvesting shellfish:• Follow Washington harvest rules on public beaches• Never release shellfish — dead or alive — back into the water• Don’t hang shellfish off docks or toss shells into state waters• Leave oyster shells where you harvested them and at the same tide height• Clean boots, gear, and boats before and after leaving the waterSmall actions help protect Washington’s waters from invasive species and disease. Learn more: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/campaigns/safeguard-our-shellfish/[*images courtesy of KUOW Photo/Ruby de Luna (baby oysters) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (clam)] ... See MoreSee Less
You don’t need to be a scientist, biologist, or professional bug detective to report invasive species in Washington. Just follow the instructions and our experts can help identify what you found.Snap it. Upload it. Submit it.Reporting invasive species is easier than sourdough and unlike sourdough, every report helps protect Washington’s waters, forests, farms, and wildlife.Get started: invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/[*species featured on graphic: feral swine, Chinese mitten crab, emerald ash borer, yellow starthistle, invasive freshwater mussels] ... See MoreSee Less
Meet the Northern Pike. An aquatic invasive super villain that won’t be happy until it achieves its ultimate goal—to devour all fish smaller than itself, no matter the cost!This lanky, aggressive predator is highly adaptable and likes to ambush smaller fish, which is even more problematic due to how quickly they reproduce. A female can lay more than 10,000 eggs at a time. And they grow very quickly as well. A one-year-old northern pike can get up ten to twelve inches long while a salmon gets only two to five inches long, making them prime choices for a northern pike’s ravenous appetite.They are already established in parts of eastern Washington and have recently shown up in western Washington and the San Juan Islands. We don’t want them anywhere else! Once they move in, native fish populations never fully recover. That’s why they are a prohibited species in Washington. If you catch a Northern pike, do not release it back into the water. Kill it and report it: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/And then maybe grill it or bake it. (look up recipes online and go nuts)Image courtesy of FedBul. ... See MoreSee Less
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