OISC Accomplishments & Annual Reports
The Oregon Invasive Species Council provides the means for multi-agency communication and collaboration to meet the state's goals. Notable activities and achievements are categorized under the responsibilities of the Council, as set forth in ORS 570.755. These include: Maintaining an invasive species reporting hotline, Educating the public about invasive species, Developing a statewide plan for invasive species, and Providing a grant or loan program for eradication of invasive species. Also included below are some highlights of collaboration from our national, regional, tribal, state, and local partners to prevent the introduction of invasive species and to eradicate, contain, or manage existing invasive species in Oregon.
2021 - 2022
Outreach
The Invasive Species Threats & Opportunities: A Primer for Oregon Policymakers was developed and released in early 2021 through a collaborative effort of the members of the OISC to provide a briefing of selected serious threats from invasive species and opportunities to address these issues that span jurisdictions.
In 2022, the OISC began hosting an Emerald Ash Borer page, a one-stop location that compiled federal, state, and local EAB information and provided guidance on EAB identification and reporting.
Planning
Coordinated the following cross-agency Committees and Working Groups in 2021 & 2022:
Communications
Governance
Legislative
Education and Outreach
Detection
Maintained Oregon’s invasion hotlines, including the Squeal on Pigs reporting hotline serving OR, WA & ID.
The OISC Invasive Species Hotline was crucial in being available to accept EAB reports from day one of the rapid response efforts.
Education
Examples include:
Climate Change Effects on Invasives for the OISC Info HUB
OISC Info HUB: Workflow for the Addition or Removal of Species
Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge Invasive Velvet Grass: Management Plan
Ecological Risk Assessment for Non-native Hognose Snake in Oregon for the ODFW
Outreach Brochure: Aquatic Invasives Identification and Prevention Guide for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council
Common Names for Invasive Species Project for the Oregon Sea Grant
Framework for the Ecological Risk Assessment of Green Crab in Oregon for ODFW
Investigative Report on Spongy Moth Eradication for Customs and Border Protection
2020
Outreach
Enhanced the communication network, including among expanded OISC membership which took effect January 1, 2020.
Formally engaged with hundreds of stakeholders including landowners, industries, agencies, NGOs, and elected officials and their staffs from all corners of the state regarding invasive species threats. This included one in-person forum in Salem, OR on January 28, 2020 to share information, leverage resources, and build partnerships to address critical invasive species issues. Due to COVID-19, all other meetings in 2020 were held virtually, including 5 business meetings.
Planning
Created the following cross-agency Committees & Working Groups in 2020:
Awards Committee: created to support planning and coordination of the Awards ceremony for those demonstrating excellence and going above and beyond in their efforts to protect Oregon from the impacts of invasive species.
Worst Invaders Working Group: created to support enhancing and expanding Oregon’s ‘Invasive Species Information Hub’ resource.
Education
Restructured the OISC website to be more user-friendly, including creating an invasive species resources archive and adding a post-fire resources webpage.
Collaborated with students from Portland State University on 8 invasive species projects that involved researching and visualizing the impacts of invasive species on people and places in Oregon.
Grants
In January 2020, the OISC received 35 applications in response to Oregon’s first Outreach & Education grants program for invasive species. Funding requests totaled more than $450,000, demonstrating the need for more invasive species education and outreach efforts. While OISC members selected potential grant recipients with a potential expenditure of approximately $100,000, the grant program was unfortunately suspended due to COVID-19 reallocation of state funds.
Detection
Maintained Oregon’s Invasive Species Hotlines, including the Squeal on Pigs Hotline serving OR, WA & ID.
Next Steps
The COVID-19 Pandemic and historic wildfire events impacted operations across Oregon, but the resilience of our dedicated members and supporters has not dimmed. The OISC remains committed to supporting Oregon’s invasive species network of organizations, programs, and people tackling invasive species issues. We are exploring creative solutions from all partners to support education, outreach, and early detection projects and working to enhance communications about the impacts of invasive species.
2019
Outreach
Appointed 8 council members representing private industry, the public, and 6 regions of the state in response to revised statute.
Supported outreach for events, including the 2019 USDA Forest Service Region 6 Technical Meeting, CONNECT 2019, and the Oregon Vegetation Management Association 2019 Conference.
Formally engaged with hundreds of stakeholders including landowners, industries, agencies, NGOs, and elected officials and their staff from all corners of the state regarding invasive species threats to agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity. This included an information forum and field trips in the vicinity of Boardman, OR to share information, combine resources, and help build partnerships. OISC information forums averaged 50+ attendees across agencies, disciplines, and backgrounds.
Expanded OISC’s communication efforts with participants in the large and diverse invasive species network in Oregon.
Planning
Established a Strategic Plan Update Working Group to update the Statewide Action Plan (2017-2019) that prioritizes the implementation measures that are designed to: 1) enable NGOs and local governments to prioritize invasive species projects where they are most needed and 2) to assess the progress towards meeting the state’s objectives since implementation of the plan.
Coordinated with other state invasive species councils across the western U.S. with the goal of strengthening regional strategies to maximize the efficacy of early detection and rapid response efforts and prevent further spread of the most harmful invasive species within Oregon.
Education
Collaborated with students from Portland State University to create an interactive story map to illustrate the ways that destructive invasive species threaten Oregon’s economy and native biodiversity.
Highlighted emerging invasive species threats and strategic opportunities for prevention and control with newly electedcounty officials.
Detection
Maintained Oregon’s Invasive Species Hotlines, including the Squeal on Pigs Hotline serving OR, WA & ID.
Grants
Developed Oregon’s first statewide invasive species outreach & education grants program.
Budgeted additional funds for the Invasive Species Emergency Control Account
2018
View/download the 2018 OISC Annual Report PDF
Educated the public about invasive species
Launched Social Media Campaign during National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW)
Conducted educational meetings and conferences
Hosted 2-day Winter 2018 OISC meeting in Salem, OR
Presented at Tree School 2018 in Clackamas County, OR
Presented at CONNECT 2018 in Seaside, OR
Presented at State of the State 2018: Forest Health in Oregon in Corvallis, OR
Co-organized (with Washington Invasive Species Council) a special session on invasive species at the Oregon/Washington Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Partners for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation, Society for Northwest Vertebrate Biology Meeting
Presented at the Government to Government: Natural Resources Working Group Meeting
Highlights of Collaboration
EMERALD ASH BORER: The Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Department of Agriculture have led the effort to create an Emerald Ash Borer Readiness & Response Plan for Oregon. In total, 7 meetings were held over a 12-month period, including a collaborative meeting for the Emerald Ash Borer Advisory Committee that had over 45 attendees.
Collaboration between: Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Agriculture, US Forest Service, Portland Parks and Recreation, Oregon State University Extension, USDA APHIS-PPQ
OISC Role: Share information and resources at meetings, support regional networks, communication, and relationship building to strengthen coordinated efforts
2016-2017
View/download the 2016-2017 OISC Accomplishments Summary PDF
View/download the 2016-2017 Council Member Insert
Maintained invasive species reporting hotlines
The OISC Invasives Hotline gathered over 2,000 reports of suspected invasive plants and insects as of October 2017
The Squeal on Pigs Hotline for reporting feral pigs
OISC website dedicated to educating citizens about the importance of invasive species and providing resources for education and involvement in managing and eradicating invasive species
Educated the public about invasive species
Expanded partnerships with Cooperative Weed Management Areas, Oregon State Extension, neighboring invasive species councils in U.S. and Canada, Pacific Northwest Economic Region Invasive Species
Created new outreach materials: OISC outreach brochure, tabling materials, and website
Supported public engagement events with partners including Washington Invasive Species Council, Oregon Vegetation Management Association, and OMSI
Supported the expansion of the Don’t Pack a Pest campaign
Updated Council publications, including “Top Invaders” list
Conducted educational meetings and conferences
Facilitated the 2016 OISC Summit – “Protecting Oregon from Invasive Species: The Path Forward,” which had 80 attendees in total
Engaged with more than 300 people from across the state about invasive species issues, including 7 Council meetings in Astoria, Hermiston, Clackamas, Salem (2), Bend, and Portland
Hosted 2016 awards for invasive species leaders in the state
Participated in working group meetings as a way to network and share information across taxa through venues like The Wildlife Society, the Garlic Mustard Working Group, and Cooperative Weed Management Area events
Council members and agency representatives participated in professional societies such as: Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Oregon Lakes Association, Washington State Lake Protection Association, The Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species, Columbia Basin Team 100th Meridian Initiative, tribal organizations
Developed a statewide plan for invasive species
Developed and published the Oregon Statewide Strategic Plan for Invasive Species and Action Plan
Supported the development of Oregon’s emerald ash borer readiness and response plan
Provided a grant/loan program for eradication of invasive species
Distributed $231,000 in emergency funding from Invasive Species Emergency Control account for Sudden oak death EU1 strain and Japanese beetle eradication efforts
Highlights of Collaboration
BOAT INSPECTION STATIONS: In 2016, 16,825 watercraft were inspected. 391 intercepted watercraft were contaminated with aquatic invasive species (17 with Quagga or zebra mussels) and decontaminated. In 2017, 21,026 watercraft were inspected, of which 299 watercraft were contaminated with aquatic invasive species (16 with Quagga or zebra mussels) & decontaminated.
Collaboration between: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State Marine Board, Jackson County, Klamath County, Malhuer County, Oregon State Police, Oregon Tourism, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Parks, Army Corps of Engineers,Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, Western Regional Panel, Pacific Northwest Economic Region
OISC Role: Share information and resources at meetings, support regional networks, communication, and relationship building to strengthen coordinated efforts
GYPSY MOTH TRAPPING PROGRAM: ODA trapped two Asian gypsy moths near Port of Portland in 2015. Treatment demanded a multi-agency effort in 2016. ODF and ODA worked together to implement the treatment strategy and the project was a success. Gypsy moths were not detected in follow-up traps.
Collaboration between: Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Forestry, USDA APHIS PPQ, Customs and Border Protection, Port of Portland, US Forest Service, Portland Parks and Recreation, Oregon State University Extension & Oregon Forest Pest Detectors Program. Many additional partners supported the 2016 rapid response, including: public health organizations, SWCDs, neighborhood, community, and homeowners associations, and non-profit advocacy groups
OISC Role: Facilitate information and resource sharing, support community engagement and communication through a website, materials, community engagement strategy and event facilitation
SQUEAL ON PIGS CALLER HOTLINE: Feral swine greatly disturb soils, farmland and natural areas. Swine reproduce quickly and can spread diseases to humans. Dedicated eradication efforts in central Oregon have greatly reduced feral swine populations to approximately 200-500. Oregon, Washington and Idaho depend on this hotline for feral swine sightings.
Collaboration between: USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, Wasco County Soil & Water Conservation District, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, County Governments, Washington State, Idaho State, private landowners in Central Oregon, Bureau of Land Management, Trout Creek Restoration Project
OISC Role: Manage statewide Squeal on Pigs hotline for reporting feral swine sightings and disturbances, support communication to leverage resources & collaboration
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH CAMPAIGN: The Don’t Pack A Pest Program educates travelers about the risks associated with carrying certain types of food, plants, or other agricultural items in passenger baggage. Since 2015, multiple state and federal agencies in Oregon have worked cooperatively to evaluate and expand the Don’t Pack a Pest message reaching dozens of new partners and thousands of students.
Collaboration between: United States Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Port of Portland, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Customs and Border Protection, USDA APHIS-PPQ, Oregon State University, Oregon Sea Grant, International Student Program Administrators and Students, Northern Oregon International Educators, NAFSA
OISC Role: Create printed and digital outreach materials, facilitate information and resource sharing, support regional network connections, and build relationships to strengthen coordinated efforts
STATEWIDE STRATEGIC PLAN: The Statewide Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for planning, strategies and recommended actions for the state to protect Oregon’s resources and economies from invasive species.
Collaboration between: Council members & their agency leadership, council committees, and invasive species professionals from around the state
OISC Role: Coordinated the development of the strategic plan by organizing and spearheading outreach efforts to various stakeholders, continue to connect with regional leaders to align plans across the state & provinces, and coordinate implementation
JAPANESE BEETLE ERADICATION: Japanese beetle eradication in Washington County. Japanese beetle was first detected in Oregon in 2016 and if established, could cost the state an estimated $45.5 million annually in forestry and agriculture losses. In 2017, Oregon Department of Agriculture coordinated the first of a multi-year eradication effort with local, state and federal partners.
Collaboration between: Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Metro, Washington County, and many other supporting organizations
OISC Role: Provided $150,000 in emergency funding for a Japanese beetle eradication project in 2017
OREGON FOREST PEST DETECTOR PROGRAM AND EAB READINESS & RESPONSE PLAN: Invasive insect pests are a threat to Oregon’s forests and natural resources. The Oregon Forest Pest Detector Program is a collaborative training program developed by Oregon State University Extension and Oregon Department of Forestry with other local, state and federal partners to detect invasive pests such as Emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and Asian gypsy moth. Additionally, partners began developing a statewide Readiness and Response plan for the state of Oregon in 2017.
Collaboration between: Oregon State University Extension, Oregon Department of Forestry, and many other local, state, and federal partners
OISC Role: Facilitate information and resource sharing, support community engagement and communication through a website, social media, educational materials, and community engagement strategy
COOPERATIVE WEST COAST BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Ballast Water Management Program coordinates between international, federal, and state agencies along the West Coast to align regulations and works alongside commercial shipping and port industries to decrease the likelihood of zebra mussel and other aquatic invasions.
Collaboration between: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and international, federal, and state agencies along the West Coast
OISC Role: Facilitate information and resource sharing, support regional network connections, and build relationships to strengthen coordinated efforts
OREGON AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN & MONITORING EFFORTS: In addition to The Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife agency-led boat inspection program, they also work closely with partners -- including Portland State University’s Center for Lakes and Reservoirs and US Geological Survey among others -- to monitor water bodies around the state to keep Oregon’s waters free of new aquatic invasive species and limit the spread of existing species. The Oregon Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan is managed by Portland State University in cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies with funding from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Collaboration between: Oregon State Marine Board, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Portland State University’s Center for Lakes and Reservoirs, US Geological Survey, US Fish & Wildlife Service
OISC Role: Facilitate information and resource sharing, support regional network connections, and build relationships to strengthen coordinated efforts
2014-2015
Maintained invasive species reporting hotlines
Web-based hotline was upgraded to be faster and easier to use on mobile devices and includes a GPS locator
Supported the OISC Invasives Hotline and the Squeal on Pigs Hotline
Educated the public about invasive species
“Top 100 Worst Invaders” & Oregon’s Report Card for 2014
Don’t Let it Loose- high school media contest for students and teachers in Oregon
Conducted educational meetings and conferences
Convened four Council meetings in Salem, Portland, and Roseburg
Hosted annual awards for invasive species leaders in the state
Developed a statewide plan for invasive species
The OISC began the planning process in September 2015 to develop a combined statewide strategic plan and action plan with the following five objectives: Prevention, Early Detection & Rapid Response, Control & Management, Education & Outreach, and Coordination & Leadership
Provided a grant/loan program for eradication of invasive species
Distributed funding from Invasive Species Emergency Control account for tunicate monitoring
Highlights of Collaboration
FLOWERING RUSH: Flowering rush was detected in Oregon in 2014, leading to a subsequent rapid response in coordination with state and federal partners and recent development of a Columbia Basin-wide, coordinated management strategy
DON'T PACK A PEST: Phase I of Don’t Pack a Pest campaign in partnership with Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University and other state/national partners
OISC COORDINATOR: Hired a new OISC coordinator team, Samara Group
Previous OISC Accomplishments
2012
The Council produced an updated “Oregon Invasive Species Council Action Plan” for 2012 – 2016. This document included a four-year action plan for council-specific activities and five goals: coordination/cooperation, funding, policy, public awareness and outreach, and research and monitoring.
2010
The Council produced the “Statewide Management Assessment of Invasive Species in Oregon.” This Assessment report provided a detailed description of the state of invasive species in Oregon, including economic implications, and it included survey results from stakeholders across the state, and twelve prioritized recommendations for the Council to enhance invasive species management efforts in the state.
2005
The Council developed the “Oregon Invasive Species Action Plan.” The first of its kind for Oregon, this plan described Council members’ roles and responsibilities for the state and identified the top 100 most dangerous invaders threatening Oregon.
2001
Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC) formed by the Oregon Legislature
1999
National Invasive Species Council established by Executive Order (EO) 13112