Washington Gov. Inslee announces invasive species week

INVASIVE SPECIES – The week of Feb. 25 is Invasive Species Awareness week, Gov. Jay Inslee announced last week.

“Invasive species threaten the survival of native plants and animals, damage our land and water and inhibit management of natural resources,” Inslee said in a news release. “We must do what we can to remove these threats to biodiversity through prevention and education.”

The governor’s proclamation urges Washingtonians to be proactive in protecting the state’s waterways. That can include cleaning hiking boots and equipment before enjoying the outdoors, taking unwanted pets to the proper places instead of releasing them into the wild, and cleaning boats and gear after leaving the water.

Aquatic invasive species, especially zebra and quagga mussels, can clog boat engines, irrigation pipes and dam machinery.

Idaho, Washington and Montana have increased boat inspections hoping to stop or at least delay the spread of AIS.