Funding will enhance the existing noxious weed management program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, through its Forest Health Protection program (CFDA 10.680), awarded the State of Washington Department of Agriculture $248,960 on September 10, 2025, to enhance noxious weed management and invasive species control efforts through September 9, 2030. The grant funds geospatial data collection, management, and analysis of noxious weeds, with emphasis on augmenting control projects targeting Tree-of-Heaven—an invasive species that facilitates the establishment of Spotted Lanternfly. Deliverables include the implementation of public reporting and tracking systems to monitor invasive species distribution and control efforts across Washington state.

The funded activities support integrated pest management objectives aligned with national forest health priorities, including prevention and suppression of invasive plant proliferation on non-federal lands. The project will develop control plans and preparedness measures for potential Spotted Lanternfly introduction while strengthening Washington's existing invasive species management infrastructure through enhanced geospatial data capabilities and coordinated tracking mechanisms.

Other projects to be funded include geospatial data collection, management, and analysis of noxious weeds and for augmenting a current control project to reduce the impacts of tree-of-heaven and reduce the chances of spotted lanternfly introduction. This control project involves public reporting and tracking to understand its distribution, the efforts to control the spread of the invasive species, and efforts to develop control plans and prepare for the arrival of the linked spotted lanternfly.