Don’t get lost in the weeds! Stay informed-attend the 15th Annual ISEP!

Back by popular demand! The Columbia Gorge Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) is hosting its 15th Annual Columbia Gorge Invasive Species and Exotic Pest Workshop! This event is designed to provide information on invasive species management to land managers and the interested public. Learn about new pests and management strategies in Washington, make connections and participate in our invasive species quiz! We are thrilled to once again host the event in person at Skamania County’s Hegewald Center! The event agenda is posted below.

Please note:

Lunch will not be provided at the event, so please bring a lunch or plan on eating at one of Stevenson’s local restaurants during the break.
On the day of the event, please park behind the Hegewald Center near the Skamania County Fairgrounds; parking is not allowed in the front of the building.
There will be no refunds issued due to inclement weather. Attendees can receive refunds up to one week prior to the event date.

Offered Recertification Credits

Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) – (pending review)

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) – (pending review)

Disclaimer: Any and all materials, presentations, or discussions pertaining to pesticide use or safety should be considered non-technical in nature and should not be construed as advice. Anyone using or planning to use any pesticides is responsible for their actions and should review and follow all label recommendations at all times.

We hope to seed you there!

Draft AGENDA

2025 Invasive Species and Exotic Pest Workshop

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Hegewald Center

710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, WA, 98648

9:00 – 9:10 Welcome

Hannah Brause, WSU Extension

9:10 – 9:20 Columbia Gorge CWMA Update

Courtney Comer, Columbia Gorge CWMA

9:20 – 9:30 Invasives Hotline Update

Jacob Rose, Portland State University

9:30 – 10:00 Spotted Winged Drosophila In Huckleberries

Ilene Goudy, Confederated Bands of the Yakama Nation, Virginia Yalechchin

10:00 – 10:15 Morning Break

10:15 – 10:45 State Noxious Weed Board Updates

Mary Fee, Washington State NWCB, Troy Abercrombie, ODA

10:45 – 11:15 EDRR Palmer Amaranth

Thurman Johnson, Spokane County NWCB

11:15 – 11:45 Mental Health in Invasive Species Management

Susan Bird, Yakima County NWCB

12:00 – 1:30 Break for Lunch

1:30 – 2:00 Invasive Species Quiz

Kimberly Quayle, Washington DNR

2:00 – 2:15 Lightning Talks- Round 2

2:15 – 2:45 Orobanche cumana

Susan Bird, Yakima County NWCB

2:45 – 3:15 Afternoon Break

2:15 – 3:45 TBD

2:45 – 3:15 Afternoon Break

3:45 – 4:00 Closing Remarks

Hannah Brause, WSU Extension

3:45 – 4:00 Closing Remarks

Hannah Brause, WSU Extension