Hilburn's interest and involvement in the area of invasive species has allowed him to dream a little bit about ways to defend Oregon against invasive species. That group would help coordinate activities, educate the public on what to look for, and be a single point of contact for the state. We need one place for people to report invasive weeds, marine organisms, fresh water organisms, animals, or whatever. This system would act as a clearinghouse to refer the reports to the appropriate agency. Hilburn also dreams of a contingency fund that would allow a quick jump on an invasive species before it spreads and eradication becomes costly or impossible.
Coordination is essential.
So is the education of the public. Experts worry that the upcoming bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition could result in celebrants bringing to the West such undesirables as zebra mussels on the bottom of boats that retrace the river journey of the expedition. Whether a comprehensive education and coordination program is developed or not, Hilburn says it would be a mistake to continue business as usual. Biological pollutants we have now continue to spread as new ones come along. It's an extremely important issue for Oregonians to be aware of.