ClimaTICK Changes: Climate Change Impacts on Ticks and Their Associated Pathogens in the Northwest

Although tick-borne illnesses are relatively rare in the Northwest, ticks in the region can still transmit various diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and tick relapsing fever. Climate change-driven increases in temperature and declines in humidity may influence tick behavior and expand suitable ranges for some species in the Northwest. These changes may also alter the pathogen prevalence of certain diseases within tick and host populations. Tick surveillance programs in northwestern North America are inconsistent across state and country borders, and are limited by funding, resources, and effective options for management. Some management strategies exist, but most are limited to small scales. Improving public awareness and collaboration across states and between researchers, land resource managers, and medical professionals is currently the most effective way to prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses.

Don't Move a Mussel: Preventing and Managing the Spread of Invasive Mussels

In September 2023, invasive quagga mussel larvae were detected in the Columbia River Basin, the last major North American river basin without an established population. The presence of these and other invasive mussel species such as zebra and golden mussels poses a direct threat to sensitive ecosystems, local economies, and cultural resources. Warming waters and other climate factors may facilitate the expansion of suitable habitats for these species. In turn, the impacts of established invasive mussels could worsen the climate challenges already being faced in the Northwest.

Don't Get Crabby, Get Proactive! Managing European Green Crab in a Changing Climate

The European green crab has received significant attention for its known and potential economic, cultural, and ecological impacts in the Northwest and beyond. This Management Brief compiles information on the ways warming temperatures can influence this ongoing invasion and highlights the role climate adaptation can play in management.

Managing the Threat of Emerald Ash Borer Invasion in a Changing Climate

In June 2022, the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis; “EAB”) was discovered in Forest Grove, OR, marking its first appearance west of the Rocky Mountains. Forest managers fear for the future of Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) and at least 8 other tree species found only in western North America. Climate change may broaden the threat of EAB invasion and will require climate-smart, proactive management to sustain healthy forests.

EAB has been detected in additional Northwest counties since this Management Brief was first published in 2022.  As such, we've expanded our EAB page to list various resources for staying up-to-date on EAB across the Northwest.