Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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Next Council Meeting

September 25, 2025  in  Olympia

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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

Invasive Species Council Recognizes Leaders

OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council recognized three top leaders for achievements in managing and preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals at a first-of-its-kind recognition awards ceremony in December. “These are new awards, and they celebrate the contributions of people who are working hard to protect Washington’s rich natural heritage and ensure that non-native […]

December 9, 2024Read More

State Asks Public to Check Trees for Invasive Pests this August

OLYMPIA – Several state agencies are asking the public to take ten minutes this month to check trees in their communities for signs of invasive insects. The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington State Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program, Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University Extension come together each […]

August 6, 2024Read More
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We have no shortage of fungi in the Pacific Northwest! Whether it’s delicious oysters or petite coral mushrooms, fungi are always around and contributing crucial ecosystem services. You may wonder what this has to do with invasive species. Well, some fungi love to eat insects, including invasive insects! Fungi in this special group are referred to as “entomopathogenic.” A group of scientists, led by a professor emerita at Cornell University, took a deep dive into the literature to summarize findings on entomopathogenic fungi and the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). There are two main groups of fungi that can successfully infect and destroy the beetles (see the picture below!).In Japan, where the ALB is native, fungal bands that wrap around trees are used to control beetles. Why aren’t they used here? Well, the answer is actually good news! In the U.S., ALB introductions have been somewhat "rare and localized”, and the eradication response has been swift and successful. However, our fungal friends are good to have in our back pocket, in case an introduction gets out of hand and control measures are needed. Read the fascinating article here: https://entomologytoday.org/2025/07/… ... See MoreSee Less
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