2026 Columbia Gorge Invasive Species and Pest Workshop

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 in the bottom portion of the lot at 600 SW Rock Creek Dr. For additional information, please see the “Parking” section down below.
  • 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) – (4)

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) – (4)

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!

AGENDA

2026 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 Protecting the Sacred Wiwnu from a new threat – the Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)

Ilene Goudy, Confederated Bands of the Yakama Nation

10:00 – 10:15 Morning Break

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

Mary Burrows, Washington State NWCB, Troy Abercrombie, ODA

Troy Abercrombie, ODA

10:45 – 11:15 The Story of Palmer Amaranth’s Discovery as a Bird Seed Contaminant 

Thurman Johnson, Spokane County NWCB

11:15 – 11:45 Mental Health in Weed Control

Susan Bird, Yakima County NWCB

11:45-12:00 Lightning Talks-Round 1

  1. Tongs of Death – Ethan Coggins, DNR
  2. Identification of Celastrus orbiculatus – Abigail Luiten, WA DNR
  3. Yellow Floating Heart EDRR in Hood River – Beth Myers-Shenai, ODA

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

  1. Lower Deschutes CWMA – Dean Dark, Lower Deschutes CWMA Coordinator
  2. Stinkwort – Courtney Comer, Skamania County Noxious Weed Control Program
  3. False Brome in the Upper Hood River Valley – Matt Jordan, Hood River County

2:15 – 2:45 Introducing Orobanche cumana, Sunflower Broomrape, 1st find in North America

Susan Bird, Yakima County NWCB

2:45 – 3:15 Afternoon Break

3:15 – 3:45 New and Exciting Biocontrol Agents Coming to a Weed Near You

Jenn Andreas, WSU

3:45 – 4:00 Closing Remarks

Hannah Brause, WSU Extension

Detailed Agenda

For a more detailed agenda, including summaries of presentations, download the PDF here!

Parking Map

Click here for the parking map!

ISEP is being held at the Hegewald Center at 710 Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, WA, 98648. There is no general parking in the lot of the Center. ADA parking will be located at the front of the building (circled in green on the map). Signage and a staff member will be present on the day of the event to direct attendees.

General parking is located at 600 SW Rock Creek Dr, Stevenson, WA 98648 towards the back of the lot (circled in blue on the map). On the event day there will be signage indicating where in the lot to park. There is a foot path from the lot to the back of the Hegewald Center that leads straight into the auditorium (blue line on the map).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!