Report invasive weed sightings through new hotline, Web site
October 13, 2009
By Administrator
The state Invasive Species Council recently launched a hotline and Web site for people to report sightings of invasive species.Invasive species are plants and animals that are not native to Washington and can crowd out local wildlife and plants, destroying entire landscapes. Invasive species cost Washington millions of dollars to control every year.
“Invasive species can devastate our native plants and animals,” said Chris Christopher, chair of the council. “If left unchecked, they can change how Washington looks and what wildlife lives here, and devastate farming, fishing and other businesses that depend on this state’s natural resources. They also can affect where and how people can recreate in the state’s lakes, rivers and Puget Sound.”
The creation of the toll-free hotline, 1-877-9-INFEST, is one of a series of actions being taken by the council and its partners to combat invasive species. The council also has revamped its Web site at www.invasivespecies.wa.gov and created posters in state parks and other materials to help educate the public about what they can do to help stop invasions.
“We hope this telephone number and Web site will encourage citizens, gardeners, boaters, hikers and others who are outdoors to tell us when they spot an invasive species, so we can stop it before it has a chance to spread,” Christopher said.
People are encouraged to call the hotline or report online if they see a new plant, insect or animal in their neighborhood or know of someone smuggling plants into the country or releasing pets, such as snakes or aquarium fish, into a stream or park. The Web site also has photographs and stories about invasive species as well as links to many resources for combating their spread.
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