OLYMPIA - Representatives from the national, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington invasive species councils will meet for the first time on Aug. 20 in Seattle to share information and explore coordinating efforts to battle highly destructive invasive plants and animals.
The councils will meet at 9:00 a.m., Aug. 20, in the Center for Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington, 3501 N.E. 41 St., Seattle.
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and other organisms that choke out native species, often causing significant environmental and economic damage.
"Washington is one of the most biologically diverse states in America, which directly contributes to our economic strength," said Bridget Moran, chair of the newly formed Washington Invasive Species Council. "We're in danger of losing much of that diversity because of invasions by non-native species. Plant and animal invaders displace indigenous species and multiply rapidly when there are few predators to keep them in check. They are considered one of the top threats to global biodiversity."
Invasive species hitchhike to new locales in a variety of ways, such as in a ship's ballast water. The cause of their introduction can be as innocent as cleaning out an aquarium and dumping plants and animals into a stream, or moving a boat from lake to lake without cleaning the hull.
In some cases, deliberate introductions were made with the hope of solving a specific problem. Kudzu, "the weed that ate the South," was introduced into the United States in 1876 as a forage crop and for soil stabilization. It is responsible for estimated losses of $500 million a year in land productivity and control costs in the eastern United States. So far, the one known infestation in Washington was eradicated in 2001.
At the August meeting, which will be held at the University of Washington, the three state councils will look at cross-border concerns and seek opportunities to work together as a region. Lori Williams, representing the National Invasive Species Council, will bring a national perspective to the issue.
The Washington Invasive Species Council was created by the Legislature in 2006 and directed to provide policy direction, planning and coordination on invasive species issues. The council also was asked to develop a statewide strategic plan to control the spread of harmful invasive species and prevent the introduction of new invasive species. That plan is due to the Legislature in June 2008.
