Invasive Species

Conservation Priorities

Why managing invasive species is important

Invasive species are introduced plants, insects or animals that have become established in a new location without natural predators or climate factors to keep them under control. When left to grow freely, they threaten ecosystem health by pushing out native species and the beneficial insects or wildlife that depend on them. While many introduced species pose no threat, invasive species can significantly harm ecosystems.

How did they get here?

Some invasive plants were brought to our region for food, medicine, or decoration. Many other invasive species, including animals, arrived by accident on cargo ships, boats, or other vehicles. Transporting firewood and nursery materials can be major vectors for the introduction of new invasive species, including the emerald ash borer, which is now in Oregon.

On this page:

    Priority focus

    Early Detection-Rapid Response (EDRR)

    WMSWCD-MiniLeaf

    We locate and manage high risk invasive weeds before they can become established in our region. We target priority species that pose the greatest risk to our local ecology and economy and are still manageable because they are not yet widespread.

    We also help partners find and manage destructive invasive insects such as the emerald ash borer.

    See all EDRR Species
    Browse Our Invasive Species Directory
    WMSWCD-MiniLeaf@2x

    How we manage other invasive weeds:

    On our active restoration projects, we also work to remove common invasive weeds such as English ivy, Himalayan/Armenian blackberry, and reed canary grass.

    We work in partnership with local landowners, watershed councils, neighborhood organizations, the City of Portland and partners of the 4-County Cooperative Weed Management Area.

    Learn more about our conservation services. 

    Related services

    Find out if you're in our service area.

    Service Area

    We can help you:

    Identify, remove, and manage invasive species, and restore habitats affected by invasive species.

    Take action

    to remove invasive species on your property:

    Invasive Species Resources

    Staff contact

    Michelle Delepine

    Conservationist & Invasive Species Program Coordinator

    Contact me about:

    Invasive species
    503-238-4775
    x 115
    971-265-9874

    Kammy Kern-Korot

    (she/her)

    Senior Conservationist

    Contact me about:

    Oregon oak, savanna, wetlands and riparianRiparian areas The land alongside a stream, creek, river, or floodplain habitats; Emerald Ash and Mediterranean Oak Borers; conservation planning and native plantings for pollinators and other wildlife on rural lands.
    503-238-4775
    x 108
    971-265-9870