Invasive Species Pathways- How Are They Getting To Oregon?

/

A pathway is the way in which an invasive species enters into or moves about within Oregon. There are many different pathways and vectors for introduction and movement, including human activity (e.g., trade, industry, recreation), transport (e.g., boats traveling on a trailer, vehicle tires, hiking boots), and varying environmental systems (e.g., wind, water movement, erosion).

oiss pathways 03c.jpg

THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT PATHWAYS AND VECTORS FOR INTRODUCTION AND MOVEMENT, INCLUDING HUMAN ACTIVITY, TRANSPORT, AND VARYING ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS. ILLUSTRATION BY STUDIO CLEAR.

 

Highlighting Current Pathways of Concern

Untitled.png

Domestic Relocation

According to United Van Lines (2018), Oregon held the #2 spot for inbound moves in 2017, which has increased since 2016, when Oregon held the 3rd highest percentage of inbound moves. However, according to Atlas Van Lines (2018), Oregon had the 8th highest percentage of inbound moves in 2017, which has fallen since 2016, when Oregon held the 2nd highest percentage. Regardless of the exact ranking, the fact is that Oregon has been sitting comfortably on the top 10 list for inbound moves for both moving companies, for multiple years.

Anyone living in Oregon already knows that the number of people living here is growing. But this growth is not only being felt in the Portland-Metro region. According to 2017 Census data, the Bend-Redmond area is 3rd fastest growing metro area in country and Crook County, Oregon is the 8th fastest growing county (with population of 10,000 or more) in the country (census.gov, 2017).

People can unknowingly bring invasive species with them into Oregon when they move here from out of state. Some items of concern include potted plants that may be carrying invasive species, such as the Japanese beetle.

 

Tourism

1.png

  • The total number of deplaned passengers at the Portland International Airport was up 6.1% in July 2017 versus July 2016 (Travel Oregon, July 2017).

  • The number of international deplaned passengers at the Portland International Airport was up 11.6% in July 2017 versus July 2016 (Travel Oregon, July 2017).

 

Travelers can unknowingly bring invasive species back with them from a trip. Some items of concern include certain food items brought back from other countries, which can transport invasive species, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly or Khapra beetle.

 

Learn more by visiting the OISC Don’t Pack a Pest webpage.

 

Outdoor Recreation

2.png

69% of Oregon residents participate in outdoor recreation each year and Oregon’s outdoor recreation economy is worth $16.4 Billion Outdoor Industry Association, 2017).

 

Recreationists can unknowingly transport invasive species while participating in their favorite outdoor activities. What they don’t realize is that these invasive species can have detrimental impacts to these natural areas that they love so much.

 

 

Learn more by visiting the OISC Clean, Drain, Dry webpage and Don’t Move Firewood webpage or visit www.playcleango.org.