Welcome to the Western Invasives Network
The WIN has been designed to promote communication and cooperation in invasive species eradication and removal. We have focused on providing the tools and information you need to identify and manage invasive plants. The WIN also serves to promote communication between public agencies, non profits, and concerned landowners.
This site was originally developed in coordination with the Northwest Weed Management Partnership to serve the needs of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. That said, we hope that others will find this site useful and relevant and help to expand the Western Invasive Network. If you are interested in developing an invasive species program in your area and would like to be included in WIN, please contact us for further information.
On this site you will find a wealth of educational materials related to Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) originally developed by The Nature Conservancy's Weed Watchers Program. We encourage you to check out these resources and see how you can contribute in your area.
The WIN also provides detailed information pertaining to the identification and management of invasive species targeted for early detection and rapid response by the network of Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMA) belonging to the Northwest Weed Management Partnership. Please click on our interactive map to learn more about the invasive plants in your area. If you discover invaders in your area please report them toll free to the Oregon Invasive Species hotline at 1-866-INVADER.
The WIN also has a discussion forum were you can ask questions and share ideas with other weed workers throughout the region. Please sign up for our forums to begin networking with others in your area. We are also currently seeking forum moderators. If you are interested in taking a more active role in the WIN community please feel free to contact us for more information.
The Western Invasives Network also has a news and events section where we post information and activities going on throughout the region. Please contact us if you would like your activity or event posted on the WIN website. We also welcome guest articles and posts pertaining to invasive species, so start submitting.
We hope that the information and tools on this site will help to develop and strengthen a network of public and private partners that work in cooperation to detect and control invasive species before they become a problem. We also hope to provide information and facilitate discussion to control and eradicate our current invaders.
Why Should We Worry About Invasive Species?
Invasive species have a negative impact on both the ecology and economy of our region. Weedy species reduce the economic viability of farms and ranches, and cost countless dollars a year to control and eradicate. The rapid reproduction and aggressive nature of invasive species displaces native plants, and permanently alters our natural environment. Invasive species are recognized as one of the most severe threats to biological diversity, second only to direct habitat loss and fragmentation. As a form of biological pollution, invasive species spread well beyond their point of introduction ultimately altering large expanses, if left unchecked. Read more about invasive plants.
Why Early Detection and Rapid Response?
After prevention, Early Detection and Rapid Response is the most cost effective and efficient method of dealing with invasive species. If emergent populations of problem invaders can be identified quickly after introduction treatment is much more efficient. This method relies on educating people to identify and communicate problem weeds before they can gain a foothold. This approach requires a shift in resources toward education, monitoring, communication, and developing a planned response.
The Western Invasives Network aims to prevent the spread of weeds by serving as a one stop shop for information on invasive species prevention, detection, and management. This site provides information dedicated to the best management practices, news, current events, grant opportunities, and various resource links to identify and combat invasive species. Check out more resources related to EDRR.
Use the Network
Have you found a potential invader but are unsure of its identification? Have you noticed a garden species behaving aggressively? Would you like to manage invasive species on your property? Share your thoughts, questions, and comments on the WIN forum.