Visitors to Washington's State Parks asked to help stop the spread of invasive pests

OLYMPIA, Wash.-Washington State Parks is asking its visitors to help stop the spread of invasive pests that may be harmful to forests.

Parks in the Evergreen State are susceptible because they are visited by people from all over the state and country who bring camping supplies, including firewood-a main carrier of invasive pests, according to a Washington Parks press release.

"We are the only organism capable of transporting these pests the long distances that lead to widespread invasion, so our awareness matters,” Dave Cass, Parks Agency Forester, said.

When firewood is moved any bugs in it are moved as well. To combat the spread of invasive pests via firewood, state parks recommends buying your firewood in the area you intend to use it.

Another simple step to prevent the spread of invasive pests is to check your camping gear for insects before packing up and moving locations, according to WA State Parks.

“Visitors to state parks need to be especially considerate because of the unique risk our parks face as an entry point for an invasive pest and because our trees and forests are what we love and value about many of these places," said Cass.