WISC - Washington Invasive Species Council

Featured Invasives

Northern Pike

Northern pike are non-native predators of popular sportfish in Washington State. They are a prohibited species in Washington. They reproduce prolifically and primarily prey on fish smaller than themselves, including juveniles of other species. They have been introduced illegally and established populations in eastern Washington, in the Pend Oreille River, the Spokane River, Lake Roosevelt, and a couple of lakes in Spokane County. Recently, northern pike have also been found in Lake Washington after being illegally introduced.

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Featured Invasives

Gypsy Moth

The gypsy moth is one of the worst American forest pest insects. It devours the leaves of more than 500 different species of trees and shrubs and causes enormous enormous damage to the environment and the economy. Most gypsy moths are brought to new areas by people, and Washington sees new introductions every year. Eradication efforts of the Washington State Department of Agriculture have presented gypsy moths from becoming established here. The department conducts annual surveys to locate new introductions.

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Featured Invasives

Quagga and Zebra Mussels

Zebra and quagga mussels are freshwater mollusks that colonize lakes and rivers. Their preferred habitats include the calm waters upstream of dams. They are most abundant on hard, particularly rocky surfaces. They're not in Washington, but they're only a day's drive away. They attach themselves to boats, so if someone uses a boat in an infected lake and then launches the boat in Washington waters, they could be introduced here. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has an early detection program, but everyone’s help is needed to spot them before they become a problem.

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News

Federal, State, and Tribal Governments Join Forces to Practice Emergency Response Should Invasive Mussels Infest Washington Waters

OLYMPIA–State, federal, and tribal governments will come together Oct. 23 at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area for the first on-the-ground exercise in the Columbia River basin to prepare for an infestation of quagga and zebra mussels. Invasive quagga and zebra mussels are small, nonnative, freshwater mollusks that have caused significant environmental and economic harm in […]

October 10, 2019Read More

State Asks Residents to Check Trees for Invasive Pests in August

OLYMPIA-The Washington Invasive Species Council is asking residents to check trees and swimming pools in their yards for harmful bugs as part of the national Tree Check Month in August. August is the peak time of year to look for invasive bugs and report any species that seem out of place. Trees near home and […]

August 7, 2019Read More

Public Invited to Submit Art to Highlight the Dangers of Releasing Pets and Plants into the Wild

OLYMPIA–Calling all artists! The Washington Invasive Species Council invites artists of all ages to participate in an art contest as part of its “Don’t Let it Loose” campaign. The campaign teaches people about the dangers of releasing unwanted pets and plants into the wild and highlights other ways to rehome them. “Most people release their […]

July 17, 2019Read More

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Featured Invasives

Northern Pike

Featured Invasives

Gypsy Moth

Featured Invasives

Quagga and Zebra Mussels

News

Federal, State, and Tribal Governments Join Forces to Practice Emergency Response Should Invasive Mussels Infest Washington Waters

State Asks Residents to Check Trees for Invasive Pests in August

Public Invited to Submit Art to Highlight the Dangers of Releasing Pets and Plants into the Wild

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