Washington State Representative Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) received the Distinguished Leader Award
For Release:
December 9, 2024
Contact: Stephanie Helms
Washington Invasive Species Council
OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council recognized three top leaders for achievements in managing and preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals at a first-of-its-kind recognition awards ceremony in December.
“These are new awards, and they celebrate the contributions of people who are working hard to protect Washington’s rich natural heritage and ensure that non-native species don’t gain a foothold here,” said Stephanie Helms, executive coordinator of the Washington Invasive Species Council. “We are pleased to honor these wonderful models of service for their dedication to protecting our state from invasive species.”
Distinguished Leader
Washington State Representative Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) received the Distinguished Leader Award for her outstanding leadership, direction, advocacy and support of invasive species policy. Dye worked to elevate invasive species prevention and management at the state, regional and local levels. She was successful in adding $3.6 million to the 2025 state budget, half of which came from the federal government for zebra and quagga mussel prevention.
Invasive zebra and quagga mussels attach to hard surfaces and can clog pipes, fish ladders, dam operations and boating areas. It is estimated that establishment of these mussels could destroy the state’s freshwater fishing industry and cost hundreds of millions of dollars each year to manage. The additional money secured by Dye has increased monitoring and readiness programs for these invasive mussels should they move into Washington. Additionally, Dye led a collaborative effort through the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region to call on state governors and members of Congress to increase funding for aquatic invasive species prevention and management. A letter was sent and signed by more than twenty legislators from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.