WA Invasives 4.1.8

Invasive species refer to non-native plants, animals, and insects that negatively impact native species, ecosystems, cultural resources of indigenous peoples, and various industries like agriculture, forestry, and hydropower. Due to the expansion of global trade and increased human mobility, the invasion by invasive species has reached unprecedented levels. These species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, habitat quality, and ecosystem function, with studies attributing the decline of 42% of endangered and threatened species in the United States to them. Moreover, in Washington State alone, the costs associated with managing invasive species amount to millions of dollars annually.

The management of invasive species in Washington faces complexity due to the multitude of pathways through which these species are introduced. A collaborative effort involving various local, state, and federal agencies and organizations focuses on preventing introductions, controlling or eradicating invasive species, monitoring their distribution, and gaining insights into their characteristics. This mobile application aims to facilitate the identification and reporting of invasive species before they escalate into more significant issues.

Users can conveniently submit sighting reports of invasive species directly through their mobile devices at the location of occurrence. These reports are then reviewed and approved by staff and technical experts from the Washington Invasive Species Council (WISC) across the state. Approved sightings can be visualized through the app's mapping tool. Additionally, users can access detailed descriptions and images of priority invasive species in Washington State through the app. This mobile application forms part of an integrated invasive species reporting and outreach initiative by WISC, complemented by a website featuring an online reporting form.

• GPS and Photo Tools: Submitting species reports is made easy by utilizing GPS for location capture and image capture functionalities.
• Offline Caching: Users can save sightings on their devices for later uploading when connected to a network.
• Easy-to-Learn Species Info: Access images and information about priority plant and animal invasive species designated by Washington Invasive Species Council.
• View other sighting reports: Explore dynamic maps displaying confirmed sightings of various species in your vicinity collected through the app.

The Washington Invasive Species Council was established by the Legislature in 2006 to provide policy-level direction, planning, and coordination for combatting harmful invasive species across the state while aiming to prevent potentially hazardous introductions. For more information, visit www.invasivespecies.wa.gov.