2017 Gypsy Moth Activity Report from Oregon Department of Agriculture

The Oregon Department of Agriculture recently released their 2017 Gypsy Moth Activity Report. 15,135 traps placed throughout the state in 2017 resulted in a total of eleven gypsy moths being caught in Portland, Corvallis, Philomath, Eugene, and Cave Junction. No moths were detected from old sites, including Grants Pass where gypsy moths were trapped four years in a row (2013 - 2016), or in the Asian gypsy moth eradication area in Portland where over 8,000 acres were treated by air in the spring of 2016.     

AGM populations from Asia and the Russian Far East continue to pose a threat to the US and to Oregon. International trade and commerce activities increase the likelihood of new introductions. Photo: ODA.

The four maps (above) show locations where gypsy moths were detected in 2017. Delimitation trapping will be conducted in 2018 at all sites where gypsy moths were caught in 2017, as well as 2018. 

To read the full report click here.

Winter 2018 OISC Meeting

The winter OISC meeting took place in Salem, OR this week on February 20 & 21, 2018 and covered a wide range of invasive species topics. In case you were unable to join us, here is a short recap of what was discussed during the Council meeting:

Day 1- Council Meeting Highlights

New Council Member Introductions

• Kristopher Crowley, Burns Paiute Tribe

• Dave Pranger, Morrow County

• Karen Ripley, US Forest Service

Council Operations

Samara Group will continue coordinating the OISC through 2018. A new contract has been signed between Oregon Department of Agriculture and Samara Group as OISC Coordinator.

Western Governor’s Association Survey

Council members will provide input on the Western Governor’s Association’s invasive species survey, OISC Coordinator will compile and redistribute to Council for review before sending to WGA.

Oregon’s Report Card

In lieu of the 2015-2017 Report Card, the Council will produce an Biennium Report that outlines OISC accomplishments as well as successes and challenges for the state of Oregon.

2019 Legislative Concept

• Pending additional discussion, the Council will move forward with a legislative concept request through Oregon Department of Agriculture for changes to Statute ORS 570, which will consist of slight changes to the Council’s structure.

• The Council supports the development of 2 Policy Option Packages (POPs) for Council operations and replenishing the Invasive Species Emergency Control Account.

Coordinator Update

• Jalene Littlejohn presented updates on recent meetings: Government to Government meeting, Gorse Action Group / Sudden Oak Death collaboration, The Wildlife Society meeting

• New quarterly newsletter for Invasive species network in the works

• New connections made with contacts at the Oregon Coast Visitors Association and Adventure Scientists Program

• OISC website has been updated since last Council meeting

• OISC Social media and website numbers are improving

Day 2- Information Forum Highlights

Sarah Navarro, a Forest Pathologist at the Oregon Department of Forestry, discussing Sudden Oak Death in Oregon. 

Rick Boatner, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife's Invasive Species/Wildlife Integrity Coordinator, talking about intercepting boats with invasvie mussels at check stations. 
 

Solve Pest Problems- Online Information Development (View PDF)

Weston Miller
Associate Professor Consumer Horticulture
Oregon State University- Extension

Gorse Action Group- Next steps following Oregon Solutions Project

Carri Pirosko
Integrated Weed Management Coordinator
Oregon Department of Agriculture

Sudden Oak Death (View PDF)

Sarah Navarro
Forest Pathologist
Oregon Department of Forestry

Oregon’s Invasive Species Hotline & iMapInvasives Update (View PDF)

Lindsey Wise
Oregon iMapInvasives Data Administrator
Institute for Natural Resources

Clean, Drain, Dry: Campaign for Non-Motorized Boaters

Marci Krass
Restoration Coordinator
Willamette Aquatic Invasives Network

Japanese Beetle Eradication Project: 2018 Update (View PDF)

Clint Burfitt
Insect Pest Prevention & Management Program Manager
Oregon Department of Agriculture

Don’t Pack a Pest: Phase II Outreach Campaign (View PDF)

Jalene Littlejohn
OISC Coordinator
Samara Group

Nicole Brooks
Agriculture Specialist
Customs & Border Protection

Emerald Ash Borer- Oregon’s Readiness & Response Plan (View PDF)

Wyatt Williams
Invasive Species Specialist
Oregon Department of Forestry

2017 Late Season Mussel Detections- Expanded Inspection Station Hours (View PDF)

Rick Boatner
Invasive Species/Wildlife Integrity Coordinator
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Here’s to another successful Council Meeting!

We hope to see you at our next meeting June 19 & 20, 2018 on the South Coast. More details will be available soon on the OISC meetings page.

*Note: The views and opinions expressed in the attached file(s) or link(s) above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oregon Invasive Species Council. Please contact the author directly if you have any questions regarding the content.

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).

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

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

• 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

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.

Don't Pack a Pest: Let's Keep Agricultural Pests Out of Oregon!

Insect and disease pests are a major threat to Oregon's agriculture. Food and agricultural products that are shipped in personal care packages or brought in airline passenger luggage can carry unwanted insects and disease pests into Oregon. A handful of federal and state partners are spreading the message to international travelers that you should always declare food, plants, and agricultural items to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and "Don't Pack a Pest" (DPAP). The DPAP campaign has an international reach and is coordinated at the national level by United States Department of Agriculture.

For Oregon's part, check out our recently released "Don't Pack a Pest" brochure on the OISC DPAP Campaign Page. A print version of this brochure has been distributed at the Portland International Airport and at various International Student Offices at Oregon Universities & Colleges.

Photo Credit: California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Image on the right is of Khapra beetle larva on grain kernel. The Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is one of the world’s most destructive pests of stored grain products and seeds. Previous U.S. detections of this tiny beetle have required massive, long-term and costly control and eradication efforts. Established infestations are difficult to control because the beetle can survive without food for long periods, requires little moisture, hides in tiny cracks and crevices, and is relatively resistant to many insecticides and fumigants (From USDA APHIS). 

Oregon-based DPAP partners meeting with Northwest Oregon International Educators. Photo Credit: Kayla Martin

Are you part of an academic institution? Learn more about what it means to be a DPAP Education and Research Partner with Oregon Sea Grant.

Have questions about the program or our outreach materials? Contact the OISC coordinator at: coordinator@oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org. 

Invasive Species Hidden In Your Home: Dangerous Decor

Earlier this week, Sam Leininger, a Clackamas SWCD WeedWise program manager, was notified that Pier 1 Imports may be selling decorative roosters made from an invasive weed known as European common reed (Phragmites australis) in local stores. Since common reed in an Oregon class B noxious weed, this was immediately considered a priority for prevention and eradication.

Sure enough, Sam discovered that it was being sold at one of their stores in Clackamas County. When Sam went to talk to the store manager at this location, she notified him that she had already received an email from the Pier 1 Imports corporate office and had been instructed to remove them from the floor.  

"Sam was very pleased to see the response of our local Pier 1 Imports. Their store manager and staff was very courteous, professional, and understanding of the issue. Sam was also gratified to see the quick response from the Pier 1 corporate offices in response to the alerts that had gone out less than 24 hours prior."

To read the full article, click here. To read more about common reed and its classification as an Oregon class B noxious weed, click here. 

The last European common reed rooster in Clackamas County-- now slated for disposal.

If you think you may have European common reed anywhere on your property, please report it to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline.