Washington State Invasive Species Council
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On March 20, 2006 Governor Gregoire signed ESSB 5385, creating the Washington State Invasive Species Council.
BREAKING NEWS: Washington's first strategic plan will be released on June 6th. See the Invasive Species Council's website for details.
The Council’s mission is to sustain Washington’s human, plant, and animal communities and our thriving economy, by preventing the introduction and spread of harmful invasive species. To do this, the Council is developing policy level direction, planning, and coordination that will:
• empower those engaged in the prevention, detection, and eradication of invasive species
• include a strategic plan designed to build upon local, state, and regional efforts
• serve as a forum for invasive species education and communication.
In 2007, Council formed five work groups to develop the components of the statewide invasive species strategic plan. Each work group is focused on identifying and eliminating gaps and overlaps in statewide efforts. The goals of the strategic plan are to:
• increase coordination of invasive species management and control programs
• increase the state’s ability to prevent new invasions
• increase coordinated involvement and expertise from private and academic sectors
• implement a state-wide invasive species public education and outreach program.
Audubon Washington is spearheading the Coalitions' work with the statewide Council. At the first meeting, Bríd Nowlan was appointed to the Council as the Coalition's representative, with Nina Carter, Audubon Washington Executive Director, as her alternate.
All Council meetings are open to the public, with time for public comment at the beginning of the day.
See the Council's web page (Washington State Invasive Species Council) for more details.
Future meetings will be:
January 23, 2008
March 10, 2008 (note date change)
May 7, 2008
August 20, 2008
Examples of Councils in other states
Idaho, Hawaii and Oregon are nearby states that have invasive species councils that coordinate efforts to combat invasive species.
Idaho Invasive Species Council
Hawaii Invasive Species Council