WSDA Blog

What began as a routine day in the field for the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Spartina Survey Team turned into a memorable and heartwarming rescue mission.

While conducting an invasive Spartina survey along the John’s River mudflats, WSDA team members Mac and Russell discovered an unexpected sight: a donkey stuck in a tidal slough. The tide was coming in fast, and the animal’s head was dangerously close to the rising water.

Thanks to the team’s rescue training, the crew quickly took action to stabilize the donkey. They used a rescue float to help support the animal’s head and keep it above water until additional help could arrive. WSDA staff immediately coordinated with Animal Services, who in turn contacted the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Department, per county protocol.

The donkey’s owners were located and assisted in the rescue, and we’re happy to report the animal is now back home and recovering well. Remarkably, this all happened on World Donkey Day — a fitting day to save a long-eared friend!

“This isn’t what I had in mind when we trained Mac and Russell in swiftwater and flood rescue,” said Chad H. Phillips, Riparian Invasive Weed Projects Coordinator, Pest Program, Plant Protection Division. “But it’s not surprising either — our team is out in remote and challenging environments all the time. Whether it’s removing invasive Spartina or helping rescue a stranded animal, they’re always ready to act. It just goes to show how connected our mission is to the broader health of Washington’s ecosystems.”

Just as the stranded donkey needed timely intervention to escape a dangerous situation, our native ecosystems rely on swift action to stop invaders like Spartina alterniflora — an aggressive coastal grass that displaces native vegetation and disrupts vital habitats. Each season, Spartina crews map and manage infestations across Puget Sound and coastal estuaries, working to preserve the health of these natural systems. Coordinated efforts from our team and many partners have reduced the total acreage of Spartina from a high of over 9,000 acres to a combined total of just 6.7 acres last year. We are continuing this work with the hope of totally eradicating Spartina from our shores!
 
From removing harmful species to rescuing stranded animals, our goal remains the same: safeguarding the environments that sustain life in our region.