The 2012 Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan was developed by the Virginia Invasive Species Advisory Committee for the Virginia Invasive Species Working Group. The plan was approved by the Working Group in August 2012. The Advisory Committee is comprised of stakeholders including state, federal and local government agencies, private industry interests, and nongovernmental organizations. The plan identifies seven goals and supporting strategies that guide invasive species prevention, early detection, rapid response, management, research, and educational efforts. An implementation table prioritizes key actions as necessary next steps for the Working Group and state agencies to take in establishing a coordinated approach to invasive species issues. The plan also includes an overview of state laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to invasive species. The plan can be downloaded from this website.

News

Virginia Invasive Species Working Group Meeting

On August 30, 2012, the Working Group met in Richmond. Chaired by Secretary of Natural Resources Doug Domenech, the Working Group includes Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore (vice-chair) and department heads or representatives from DCR, DGIF, DOF, VMRC, DOH, VDOT, DEQ, VIMS, Virginia Tech, The Nature Conservancy, Dominion Power, and the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association.

DCR Stewardship Biologist Kevin Heffernan presented the revised invasive species management plan for Virginia. The new plan was approved by the Working Group and will be posted on this site soon.

The Working Group heard reports on new noxious weed regulations proposed by VDACS, the latest distribution information on emerald ash borer, nutria and feral swine surveys, and a hydrilla management program at Claytor Lake. To view the presentations, see the links below (all PDF).

• Emerald ash borer in VA
• Nutria in VA
• Feral hogs in VA
• Hydrilla in Claytor Lake, VA
• VA Noxious weed regulation

The Working Group approved a request from the Invasive Species Advisory Committee to write a letter to USDA-APHIS in support of listing wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus hirtellus spp. undulatifolius) as a noxious weed.

Members of the public offered comments, including representatives from the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission, Friends of Quantico Bay, and Virginia Native Plant Society. The next Working Group meeting will be scheduled for some time in Spring 2013.

Virginia Wildlife Society Meeting: February 7-8, 2012

“Invasive Species Management: Waste of Money or Sound Public Investment?” The 2012 annual meeting of the Virginia Wildlife Society will focus on the pros and cons of invasive species management. Researchers and resource managers will present their findings and views on invasive species impacts to wildlife and the economy. A call for papers has been announced. Find out more about the meeting and how to submit proposals.

Thousand Canker Disease Discovered in Virginia

On June 24, 2011, thousand canker disease was discovered on two black walnut trees in Chesterfield County. A fungal pathogen and an associated beetle together comprise the disease. Thousand canker disease kills native black walnut trees, while hickories, pecan, and English walnut appear to be resistant. Twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) infects a host tree with a fungus (Geosmithia morbida) when the beetle forms galleries beneath the tree bark. Together, the beetle and the fungus girdle the lower trunk of a tree, cutting off the flow of nutrients to the upper trunk and branches. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services began survey to determine the extent of the infestation and established a temporary quarantine to limit the spread. The quarantine includes Chesterfield and Henrico counties and the City of Richmond. For more information on the disease, follow these links:

• VDACS Thousand Canker Disease and Quarantine Information
• Virginia Tech Pest Alert (PDF)

New Native Plants for Conservation and Landscaping Brochures

In the fall of 2011, the Virginia Native Plant Society and the Department of Conservation and Recreation published newly revised brochures on the use of native plants in landscaping and restoration projects. The brochures provide lists of native species along with their uses, light and water requirements, and range information. Three brochures highlight species for specific regions of the state: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains. The other two focus on specific habitats: grasslands and riparian buffers. The brochures are available as paper publications and in electronic formats from the Department of Conservation Division of Natural Heritage. To order or download, go to the DCR native plants webpages.

Emerald Ash Borer December 2011 Update

Get the latest information on frequently asked questions regarding emerald ash borer in Virginia from this new fact sheet (PDF) published by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The fact sheet includes maps of counties infested by EAB and counties included in the quarantine, articles regulated by the quarantine, and sources for more information.

Control and Uses of Tree-of-Heaven Guidebook Published by Department of Forestry

Not only does this new publication, the Control and Uses of Tree-of-Heaven Guidebook, (PDF) present a wide range of methods to control tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), it also provides practical uses of this weed tree that may surprise you. Tree-of-heaven can become excellent firewood, charcoal, and lumber with none of the odor that gives this species its other common name: stinkweed. These uses were tested and favorably reviewed. Charts show how tree-of-heaven compares to other tree species for qualities like heating value, hardness, shear, and bending. The guide evaluates the potential for landowners to balance cost of control with some economic return.

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