Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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December 3, 2026  in  TBA
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Invasive Species Awareness Week Was February 23-27

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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

Student designs wanted for invasive species art contest

SPOKANE–The Washington Invasive Species Council (WISC) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invite school-age students to participate in an art contest to help spread the word about not spreading invasive species. Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms that don’t naturally live in Washington and, when brought here, can cause economic and environmental harm. Invasive species […]

November 14, 2023Read More
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As you take in the beautiful fall colors across Washington, keep an eye out for these invasive noxious weeds that also transform, trading their bright flowers and green leaves for a new fall look. These species damage Washington’s ecosystems by outcompeting native plants and reducing habitat for native wildlife, sometimes even changing soil conditions and increasing the risk of wildfires. Knowing what these invasive plants look like year-round is important, so you don’t accidentally spread them. Plants like scotch broom shouldn’t be removed in the fall because it can cause more seeds to spread and germinate. It should be pulled in early spring. Learn more about what plants to watch out for at https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/find-a-priority-species/?_sft_priority-specie-type=noxious-weedsPhotos courtesy of Tim Harrington, Richard Old, Tom Heutte, USDA Forest Service, Steve Dewey, Utah State Univ., Bugwood.org ... See MoreSee Less
It might look like these are both Asian longhorned beetles . . . but look again! One is the invasive insect that can eat more than 40 species of healthy Washington trees. The other is just a furry friend in a spooky costume. Luckily, this invasive beetle has not yet been established in Washington, but it has been found and intercepted in plant material entering the U.S. through Washington. Asian longhorned beetles can look very similar to native species like the banded alder borer and the white spotted sawyer. While these native species will only feed on dead or dying tree branches, Asian longhorned beetles can harm healthy trees.Learn more about how to distinguish this invasive species from its native look-a-likes at https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/citrus-asian-and-red-necked-longhorned-beetles/ ... See MoreSee Less
Looking for the villain that can cover boats, clog pipes, and shut down access to state waters? Mystery solved — it’s the zebra mussel!Zebra mussels are an invasive freshwater species that have already become widespread in the Great Lakes and across the eastern U.S. Experts estimate the total cost of infrastructure damage (like power plants and hydropower facilities), water treatment, and fisheries impact from clogged intake pipes and filters to be over $1 billion each year. They are not yet in Washington, but quagga mussels, a closely related species, have been detected in the Snake River in Idaho. You can help stop the spread by making sure to fully clean, drain, and dry all boats and aquatic gear when leaving and before entering a new body of water. Learn more at https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/zebra-and-quagga-mussels/ ... See MoreSee Less
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