National response to a locally growing threat

2005 Archived News

King County offers local resources as new public television series explores how natural ecosystems are threatened by nonnative weed infestations

When you think of weeds, does that ivy patch growing out of control in your backyard come to mind? Now take that mental picture a step further. Imagine those weeds are stealing the nutrients and space that other plants in your yard need to survive. And, rather than spanning 50 feet or so, your yard runs for acres or miles. Sounds like a battle you'll never win, doesn't it?

This is the challenge faced by natural resource agencies and parks departments from King County to the federal level. Agencies are looking for ways to control invasive weeds and maintain the public lands for people to enjoy. Who would have thought a weed that looks enchanting itself could cause extinction of some of the most unique vegetation in the Pacific Northwest?

Invasive plants, such as purple loosestrife and garlic mustard, were brought to this region from other parts of the world. Because these species do not have natural enemies here, they can easily choke out desirable, native plants. This ability to rapidly form monocultures and disrupt local habitats is the tell-tale nature of an invasive species, be it plant or animal.

Experts Take Action
To document the intensifying global and environmental impacts of invasive species infestations, the National Geographic Society and Sea Studios Foundation has produced a new video series, Strange Days on Planet Earth. The four-part series explores the mysterious ways ecosystems are changing and why. The first video investigates invasive species movement worldwide and portrays harsh conditions for plants, animals and humans caused by this movement. Hosted by Edward Norton, the special airs April 20 on KCTS and other PBS stations.

In the Neighborhood
In addition to the growing national concern for protecting native ecosystems from invasive species, local groups and agencies are combating this problem. King County Noxious Weed Board is partnering with the Woodland Park Zoo, Washington Native Plant Society, Cascade Land Conservancy and the University of Washington to reduce the impact and spread of weeds that are beginning to invade the Pacific Northwest. These groups will utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture's plan of early detection and rapid response to implement routine surveying and monitoring activities in addition to immediate weed control tactics.

The King County Noxious Weed Board has also been working to increase government funding in the areas of invasive plant management. Program manager Steven Burke recently attended National Invasive Weed Awareness Week (NIWAW), an annual event drawing government agencies, non-profits and other non-government groups to lobby in Washington, D.C., continue networking and share successes and ideas. For more information on NIWAW visit the North American Weed Management Association website at www.nawma.org.

A great hindrance to these ongoing efforts is the introduction of new, unregulated nonnative plants into the United States. Though some nonnative species appear to look like a nice ornamental addition to gardens or landscaping projects, they could eventually reduce the biodiversity and aesthetic quality of the landscape by reducing the number of species that can survive in their presence.

Recognizing nonnative species and ensuring you are only planting native or non-invasive plant species in yards and gardens is one of the easiest ways to get involved in the fight against invasive weeds. By working to prevent the entry of nonnative species, you can help to minimize the continued ecological and economic impacts that have caused irreversible damage to the environment.

If you are interested in learning more about invasive plant species and how to identify and control them, as well as how to become involved with further volunteer activities, please contact Sasha Shaw at 206-263-6468, visit the Noxious Weed Program Web site at dnr.metrokc.gov/weeds or visit the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) Web site at www.invasivespecies.gov.

Think about why you enjoy the public and private lands in your area. Think about how you want them to look in five, 10 or 50 years. It's time to become aware of, and start combating, plant invaders.