For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, June 24, 2003

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) today applauded the National Audubon Society's new campaign to control invasive species. The Audubon Society released their list of the top ten invasive species "Hot Spots" within the National Wildlife Refuge system.

The Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Washington, is Number 2 on the Audubon Society's list of locations in which the threat of invasive species is significant and growing.

Invasive species are harmful, nonnative plants, animals, and microorganisms found throughout the United States that are causing widespread damage to bird and wildlife habitat, crops, rangelands, and waterways. Willapa Bay is threatened by Spartina grass, which is rapidly infesting intertidal mudflats and salt marshes.

"I am pleased that the National Audubon Society is raising the profile of invasive species like Spartina grass. We need to do all we can to protect fragile wildlife and habitat areas like Willapa Bay for future generations," Senator Murray said. "I am committed to the cause of beating back Spartina grass in Willapa Bay and we couldn't ask for a better partner than the National Audubon Society. I look forward to working with the Audubon and the Friends of Willapa Wildlife Refuge to help target both funding and public policy to help conserve wildlife."

Senator Murray secured $1 million in the fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill to help fight the Spartina grass infestation in the Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge.