Quinault Gateway Weed Project

Since 2002, The Grays Harbor County Noxious Weed Control Board recieved grant funding from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determiination Act of 2000 to protect the Lake Quinault National Forest from weed invasion.

Quinault Indian Nation's tribal members, Washington Conservation Corps, correction crews, and volunteers, as well as staff from the weed board have been removing weeds from road and trail areas.

Knotweed threatens wetlands and waterways in the Lake Quinault area.

Lake Quinault is on the southern end of the temperate rainforest, with huge trees and mossy forest floors. Protecting this unique area from weed invasion is very important to residents and visitors alike, not to mention the wildlife that flourish here..

Lake Quinault and the Quinault River are home to 6 species of salmon and both summer and winter run steelhead. There are 2 fish hatcheries in the Quinault watershed. Lake Quinault and the Quinault River are an important part of the Quinault Indian Nation's cultural heritage.

Control of invasive species is crucial to the protection of resources used by: fishers, hikers, swimmers, bird watchers, native plant enthusiasts, year-round residents and tourists.