Invasive Species

Study: Cheatgrass Severity Affected By Grazing

Courtney Flatt — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:18:22 +0000

A new study out of Oregon State University suggests that overgrazing could be helping an invasive grass to flourish. That differs from previous studies that have found grazing can better manage that plant -- cheatgrass -- which threatens rangeland habitat. For EarthFix, Courtney Flatt has more.

Preparing for Zebra Mussels in the Pacific Northwest

Courtney Flatt — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:29:25 +0000

Invasive zebra mussels could soon be heading toward the Pacific Northwest. So, researchers are working to protect and prepare the region’s waterways.

Boat Washed Ashore Near Newport Possible Tsunami Debris

Rachael McDonald — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:13:31 +0000

A boat that washed ashore on Gleneden Beach near Newport on the Central Oregon Coast appears to be debris from the March 2011 Japan tsunami.

Biologists Try To Clean Invasive Species Off Tsunami Dock

Tom Banse — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:16:35 +0000

Federal and state biologists are trekking back to a remote beach in Olympic National Park where a large dock washed ashore. The concrete and steel dock appears to have drifted across the Pacific Ocean after last year's tsunami in Japan.

Crater Lake National Park Bans Scuba Diving, Fearing Invasives

Amelia Templeton — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 12:52:13 +0000

National park officials have abruptly closed Crater Lake to scuba divers. They say they need time to develop rules to keep invasive species out of the Southern Oregon lake. Amelia Templeton of Earthfix reports.

Scuba diving in Crater Lake is tricky. The lake sits on the Cascade crest at about 6,000 feet. So divers have to take precautions to handle the elevation. And then there’s the steep, rocky trail to the lake shore.

Northwest States Ask Public To 'Squeal' On Feral Pigs

Jessica Robinson — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:32:53 +0000

Washington, Oregon and Idaho are joining forces to track populations of feral pigs across the Northwest. These “hogs gone wild” can do massive damage to the landscape. And wildlife agents want to know where swine are on the move. They’re even launching a so-called “swine line” for people to call with sightings.

Feds Confirm Mysterious Idaho Bug Is New Pest In U.S.

Jessica Robinson — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 01:28:04 +0000

Federal agriculture officials say the Northwest has the first appearance in the country of an invasive insect known as the “elm seed bug.” The pest was discovered in southern Idaho. It doesn’t pose a threat to crops or livestock. But it could prove to be a major nuisance for homeowners.

Tsunami Debris Dock Gets Scrubdown, Attracts Onlookers

Tom Banse — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:43:38 +0000

A giant piece of Japanese tsunami debris on the Oregon coast is now scraped free of what marine biologists worried were invasive species. The floating dock landed on the beach near Newport this week. Park rangers and volunteers worked quickly [today] Thursday to remove seaweed, mussels and barnacles, some of which are found only in Japanese waters. Meanwhile, the massive hulk has attracted hundreds of onlookers. Correspondent Tom Banse spoke with O.J Cortez of Reedsport.

Gawkers Welcome, Invasive Species Not, Around Tsunami Debris Dock

Tom Banse — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:37:29 +0000

Park rangers and volunteers worked quickly Thursday to defuse an invasive species time bomb that washed up near Newport, Oregon. They scraped off and sterilized a huge boat dock that was set adrift by last year’s terrible tsunami in Japan. Correspondent Tom Banse reports from the Oregon Coast.