Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that out-compete native wildlife.  They spread rampantly and alter native ecosystems because they have no natural predators to keep them in check. 
Non-native species are introduced to new areas both consciously and accidentally.  Non-native species that are intentionally introduced include landscape plants for gardens and exotic pets.  When non-natives arrive accidentally, they usually travel in the ballast water of boats, hitch a ride on vehicles and hikers and sometimes accompany passengers on planes.  

Invasive species can be divided into 3 categories and should be dealt with accordingly: backyard species, aquatic species, and exotic pets.

Backyard Invasives:
It is important to plant native species of trees, shrubs, and flowers in your backyard because they provide food and shelter for native critters.  Native plants have evolved to thrive in their climate and soil types, so they require less fertilizers, pesticides, and water.  Non-native plants, on the other hand, require more maintenance because they were not originally intended to grow here.  However, once they take hold they have the potential to invade and take over your garden.

Check out this list of native plants for western Oregon. 
www.plantnative.org/rpl-orwa.htm

Aquatic Invasives:
In the Pacific Northwest, harmful non-native plants and animals are moving into our coasts, waterways, and wetlands.  They are degrading habitats, displacing desirable species, damaging infrastructure, contaminating water resources, and necessitating expensive control treatments. 
BOATERS and ANGLERS: Use this checklist to make sure you are not spreading invasive species:

1. Inspect hard-to-reach spots, damp areas, and other protected places on your boat.  Harmful species can survive in such places for days.  Remove any plants and animals you find before leaving the water.
2. Clean your boat and equipment with high-pressure hot water, or allow equipment and your boat to dry in sunny conditions for at least 5 days before entering new waters.
3. Drain and empty water entirely from the motor, wet well, and bilge on land before leaving the water body.
4. Remove any plants, dirt, and water from your gear and clothing.
5. Dispose of bait properly.  Empty your bait bucket on land in a trash container before leaving the water body.  Never release live bait into the water or release aquatic animals from one body of water into another.

For more information, check out the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force www.anstaskforce.gov/campaigns.php
Contact the Oregon State Marine Board at (503) 378-8587 with any questions.

Exotic Pets:

• Make responsible pet and aquarium purchases.  Check the resources below to see whether they are listed as invasive species.
• Do not release ANY pets into the wild.  If you have a pet that you can no longer care for, contact your local pet store or humane society.
• It is especially important not to release your pet red-eared slider turtles because they are a non-native species and are out competing the native turtles in Oregon.
• Do not dump your aquarium water into natural habitats.  Seal aquarium plants in plastic bags and place them in the trash.

How You Can Help:
It is not too late to stop the spread and establishment of invasive species.  You can make a difference in your community and watershed by staying informed about which species are non-native and by detecting and reporting those species.  Check out the resources below to learn which species are invasive.

More Resources:
The Silent Invasion oregoninvasiveshotline.org
Native Gardening and Invasive Plants Guide www.enature.com/native_invasive
National Invasive Species Info Center www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/or.shtml