Action:
Amends Regulations to Expand Beach Vitex Quarantine to Entire State
Action 3316
General Information
Action Summary |
The purpose of these amendments is to prevent the long distance (artificial) spread of Beach Vitex to coastal areas of the Commonwealth. The current regulations prohibit the movement of regulated articles in Accomack and Northampton counties and the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The amendments will prohibit the movement of regulated articles in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. Including all Virginia localities in this quarantine will help prevent the spread of this plant from inland areas to the coastal areas of Virginia.
Beach Vitex, is a highly invasive, deciduous, woody vine native to the Pacific Rim, that grows rapidly along dunes and shorelines causing damage to these areas by crowding out native plants and threatening the habitats of various animals, including the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. Beach Vitex has been planted in the mid-Atlantic area for the purpose of stabilizing dunes and has been found growing in numerous locations in Virginia. Beach Vitex has proven to be less effective than native grasses in controlling dune erosion and native grasses are now considered superior to Beach Vitex for dune stabilization plantings.
This regulation restricts movement of regulated articles, as defined in ¬2 VAC 5-316-40. A certificate or permit must be issued before movement of regulated articles into, within, or out of the regulated area can occur. Conditions under which the certificate or permit will be issued are described in ¬2 VAC 5-316-70. This will reduce the impact of the Beach Vitex to coastal areas and protect Virginia’s native plants and wildlife.
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Chapters Affected |
Only affects this chapter.
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Executive Branch Review |
This Action is exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act.
The normal executive branch review process is not required. As such, it can be submitted directly for publication and
is effective upon publication.
Exempt Citation:
§ 3.2-703
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RIS Project |
Yes [002483] |
New Periodic Review |
This action will not be used to conduct a new periodic review.
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Stages
Stages associated with this regulatory action.
Stage ID |
Stage Type |
Status |
5591
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Final
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Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/08/2010. |
Contact Information
Name / Title:
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Larry Nichols
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Program Manager
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Address:
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102 Governor Street
371-7793
Richmond, VA 23219
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Email Address:
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Larry.Nichols@vdacs.virginia.gov
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Phone:
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(804)786-3515
FAX: (804)371-7793
TDD: ()-
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