Early Detection – is a system of active and/or passive surveillance to find and verify the identity of new invasive species as early after entry as possible, when eradication and control are still feasible and less costly. Surveillance can be targeted at: a) areas where introductions are likely, such as near pathways of introduction b) sensitive ecosystems where impacts are likely to be great or invasion is likely to be rapid ​ Rapid response -- is the effort to eradicate, contain or control invasive species while the infestation is still localized. It may be implemented in response to new introductions or to isolated infestations of a previously established invasive plant.

Invasive species is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity. Eradication efforts are most successful for infestations not much larger than one hectare. Those infestations larger than 100 hectares are generally unsuccessful, unsustainable and certainly more costly, both monetarily and via the environmental impacts. The Office of Technology Assessment stated that “the environmental and economic benefits of supporting prevention and early detection initiatives significantly outweigh any incurred costs, with the median benefit-to-cost ratio of 17:1 in favor of being proactive."

We are based out of Seattle, and work primarily in the Cascades and Olympic Peninsula, however we also strive to expand our work throughout much of Washington and Oregon. Contact us if you are interested in hosting one of our EDRR Citizen Science Training Workshops by emailing info@pnw-ipc.org.