News Release URL: http://rco.wa.gov/doc_pages/press/2017/173.shtml
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News Release
For release: Oct. 16, 2017 |
Contact: Susan
Zemek
susan.zemek@rco.wa.gov 360-902-3081 TTY 360-902-1996 |
Washington Hunters Reminded To Be Aware of Noxious Weeds
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OLYMPIA – As hunters head into the
backcountry this fall, several state agencies are asking them to watch out for
noxious weeds, to report any they find and to take easy steps to prevent their
spread.
The Washington Invasive Species
Council, Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board, Washington State
Department of Agriculture and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
are reminding hunters that boots and equipment that might carry noxious weed
seeds could spread these destructive plants to new areas, damaging habitat and
leading to poor conditions for wildlife. Hunters are asked to clean their boots
and gear and also to report any noxious weeds they find to help the State
inventory these species – especially new infestations.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to
help protect the backcountry and wildlife from the devastating impacts of
invasive, noxious weeds,” said Alison Halpern, executive secretary for the
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. “Brushing off your boots and gear
takes just a few minutes but has such lasting effects by preventing further
spread of invasive species.”
Some of what makes invasive plants
and noxious weeds so damaging is that they replace native plants, which can be
important food for game species. In some instances, wildlife have been known to
move to new locations after an expansion of invasive plants.
To protect the landscape and game
animals, hunters are asked to clean all mud, seeds and propagating plant parts
from boots, vehicles and equipment before entering the backcountry so that
invasive plants from their homes are not accidentally introduced to the
backcountry. Everything should again be cleaned before leaving the backcountry.
“The last thing you want is to
introduce a problem plant to your own yard that you picked up while hunting,”
said Justin Bush, executive coordinator for the Washington Invasive Species
Council. “The importance of cleaning boots and equipment cannot be understated.
As a personal example, a hunting companion introduced poison hemlock to his
yard after a bird hunting trip we took in 2015. Luckily, a friend sent me a
photo and request to identify the plant before his mother picked the flower for
a dinner table bouquet. Gone differently, someone could have been poisoned.”
Simple actions like using a boot
brush before and after hunting, or cleaning equipment and tires cannot only
protect the landscape, but also ensure that wildlife is abundant and available
for harvest.
Before hunting, spend some time
familiarizing yourself with noxious weeds by vising www.nwcb.wa.gov.
If you spot one of these species while hunting, report it! (http://www.invasivespecies.wa.gov/report.shtml)
using the WA Invasive mobile app or online reporting form. You also can take a
Global Positioning System (GPS) point and photograph and e-mail it to invasivespecies@rco.wa.gov. Never
assume that landowners or managers know about the issue, your help will be very
much appreciated.
“Prevent the introduction and
spread of noxious weeds. It’s far less expensive than trying to remove species
once they arrive,” Bush said. “If you value the experience of hunting, quality
habitat and abundant wildlife then take a few minutes to preserve it.”
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Justin Bush
Executive Coordinator | Washington Invasive Species Council
Washington Recreation and Conservation Office
Office: 1111 Washington ST SE | Olympia WA 98501
Mail: PO Box 40917 | Olympia WA 98504
Office: (360) 902-3088 |TDD: (360) 902-1996
justin.bush@rco.wa.gov
Report invasive species! | Facebook | Instagram
Executive Coordinator | Washington Invasive Species Council
Washington Recreation and Conservation Office
Office: 1111 Washington ST SE | Olympia WA 98501
Mail: PO Box 40917 | Olympia WA 98504
Office: (360) 902-3088 |TDD: (360) 902-1996
justin.bush@rco.wa.gov
Report invasive species! | Facebook | Instagram