Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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July 17, 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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Visit the link in the post to learn more about our CD3 campaign and renting the mobile trailer!Boating season is nearly here! 🚤🛶⛵Please remember to clean, drain, and dry your equipment before leaving the water access area to minimize the spread of invasive species. This includes both motorized and non-motorized vessels, life jackets, fishing gear, and any other gear that touched the water.If you’re hosting a fishing event, lake fair, or something else, the Washington Invasive Species Council partnered with theWashington Department of Fish & Wildlife to have CD3 units available that can be delivered to your event for FREE. CD3 units are waterless cleaning systems that have everything you need to clean, drain, and dry your equipment. Keep in mind that reservations need to be made at least a month in advance. Learn more: https://rb.gy/0nluim ... See MoreSee Less
Not all heroes wear capes! Check out this happy story from Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Last week, WSDA team members from the Pest Program were surveying for the invasive Spartina when they encountered a donkey in distress. The donkey was stuck in a slough. The team instantly got to work: stabilizing the donkey and ensuring its head remained above the rising water. A successful rescue was then coordinated with the owners! The best part? This happened on World Donkey Day! Now that we have hopefully snagged your attention, don’t leave before we chat about Spartina. This is an incredibly aggressive Class A noxious weed. (Class A weeds must be eradicated immediately by law.) It spreads very quickly, choking out native vegetation. It will rapidly convert fragile and sensitive estuaries into meadows of nothing but pure Spartina. This destroys salmon, fish, and shorebird habitat, threatens restoration projects, and damages the shellfish industry. Please keep an eye out for it and report ANY sightings (see comments for a link to reporting) Find the WSDA’s dedicated control program and more information here: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/weeds/spartina ... See MoreSee Less
Does this plant, with its four-petaled white flowers, bring up a sense of dread? This is garlic mustard, a highly invasive herb and a Class A noxious weed in Washington (meaning its control is mandated by law.) Today we want to highlight a good news story from our Oregon neighbors. Since 2007, conservationists have been tracking the plant in Multnomah County and working to control it. Their efforts focus on restricting the spread of this noxious weed into nearby forests and mountains. So far, they have been able to prevent it from spreading into the Coast Range and further into the Willamette Valley. It’s not easy work, but it’s important work. Garlic mustard alters soil chemistry, restricting the ability of native plants to germinate and grow. Thankfully, there is still not a lot of garlic mustard in the PNW, but we really need your help to keep it that way! Immediately report sightings and most importantly, clean/brush off your boots before and after working or recreating in natural areas! To read the full story, including identification tips, visit: https://kgw.com/article/news/… ... See MoreSee Less
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