Governor Inslee Highlights Need to Prevent and Stop Invasive Species

OLYMPIA–Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed Feb. 24-28 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington to highlight the importance of managing and preventing invasive species, which pose a $137 billion annual cost in damages to crops, forests, fish and other wildlife nationally.  “Our state’s natural habitat and outdoor recreation destinations are part of what make living in Washington so unique,” Inslee said. “Invasive species threaten […]

February 19, 2020
State Bolsters its Defense Against Urban Forest Pests with New Guidelines

OLYMPIA–Pests looking to make their homes in Washington’s urban forests may now face a stronger defense, thanks to a new resource released this this month by the state’s Invasive Species Council. The Washington State Urban Forest Pest Readiness Playbook, published in partnership with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), contains guidelines that towns, […]

November 19, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
Mussel-sniffing Dog “Puddles” Joins Fight Against Invasive Species

OLYMPIA–The newest member of the team that protects Washington’s waterways from invasive species has quite the ruff routine: Sniff, sit, play! Starting this spring, Puddles, a 2-year-old Jack Russel terrier mix, will use her keen sense of smell to help detect quagga and zebra mussel larvae on boats traveling through mandatory watercraft-inspection stations run by […]

May 16, 2019