The Washington Invasive Species Council is asking the public to join the fight against invasive species.
Invasive species threaten the state’s economy every year to the tune of $1.3 billion, according to the council.
Nationwide, invasive species management costs more than $120 billion a year.
The council released an improved app that enables people to report invasive plants or animals by collecting photos, geographic coordinates, and other information. People in the backcountry can collect data offline and then upload it later.
“Invasive species damage land and waterways, harm local economies, ruin crops, weaken roads and other infrastructure, limit recreation, and harm human health and wildlife,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator of the council. “Left unmanaged, they will change the very way of life and the available of experiences and resources critical to life in Washington state.”
The council’s No. 1 priority is preventing species from being introduced or spreading further in the state.
Of the more than 700 invasive species in and around the state, the council has selected 50 that are top priorities. That list can be viewed here.
Invasive species of plants and animals can be found throughout the state. In July, King County plant specialists removed a giant hogweed plant from West Seattle. The highly poisonous plant was brought over from Russia. Crews have spent years reducing the hogweed population in the county.
