Education & Outreach
Summary
Every Oregonian shares responsibility for protecting Oregon from invasive species. Our strategies include increasing awareness for all Oregonians by leveraging partner resources, coordinating educational materials, building public support, and involving historically underrepresented audiences.
Strategies
See actions associated with these strategies in the Statewide Action Plan.
Expand awareness of invasive species through improved communication tools that effectively reach the Oregon public and messaging that resonates with Oregonians.
Collaboratively develop educational materials with network partners to pool expertise and resources.
Promote focused, inclusive outreach and engagement to build public support and involvement among historically underrepresented audiences.
Feature Story | Education & Outreach
Nearly mature Emerald ash borer larva feeding on cambium, the internal tissue of a tree. Credit: © David Cappaert, bugwood.org
Situation: Emerald ash borers are damaging ash trees in 22 states, causing complete defoliation and tree death. It has been identified as the most destructive forest insect in recent history. Infected trees can be difficult to identify and treat, making eradication or control difficult.
Impacts: Defoliation, tree loss, reduced property value, costly removal.
Cost: $49 million, the estimated cost to replace public ash trees in Portland, Oregon.
Pathways: Transported via moving infested wood such as for firewood or wood products.
Campaign: A nationally targeted outreach campaign called "Don't Move Firewood" is designed to keep Emerald ash borer and other wood-residing invasive species from invading pristine areas through movement of firewood.
Key Players & Partners in Prevention
Key Players
Oregon Invasive Species Council, Oregon Sea Grant, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Tribal Governments
Partners
k-12 Educators, Colleges and Universities, Community groups, Media Outlets, NGOs (such as Dig In, Friends of Outdoor School, Northwest Youth Corps, SOLVE, and Willamette Riverkeepers), Nonformal educators, Oregon State University Extension, Outdoor retailers, Pet trade organizations, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Marine Board, Oregon State Parks, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service