Western governors form council to target invasive species

WESTERN U.S. (AP) – Western governors say states need to work together to stop the spread of invasive species. The Western Governors’ Association on Friday launched the Western Invasive Species Council and named representatives from 13 states and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The governors say invasive species are costing the U.S. $120 billion every year and pose a significant threat to Western rangelands and water systems infrastructure.

Among the threats are feral swine, invasive annual grasses such as fire-prone cheatgrass, and aquatic quagga and zebra mussels.

The governors say invasive species don’t recognize state lines, so states need to coordinate activities.