Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
 
Board
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
 
chapter
Regulations for Tradespersons Installing Invasive Plant Species [2 VAC 5 ‑ 455]
Action Promulgate regulations governing the installation of invasive plant species by tradespersons in Virginia
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 12/6/2023
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11/14/23  8:11 am
Commenter: Mary Dudley McLean

Invasive Plant notification to customers by plant vendors
 

As a student of Ecology and teacher of children I have learned that ivasive plant species take the place of native plants that evolved in Virginia thus providing both food and shelter to other species that evolved here also. The invasive plants species do not provide critical services towards the survival of many insects that other species such as birds and amphibians like frogs and salamanders. Fewer species can live in our commonwealth than before these invasive species were introduced in a misplace choice for a certain look and no insect damage showing. We actually have less alive because they can smother other plants, useful vines and even trees creating a virtual monoculture and even overwhelm buildings and utilities. Consumers need to be warned of the dangers of invasive plants in their gardens because they can escape to their neighbors or ecologically valuable public lands costing many hours of labor and expense to remove. As a certified Master Naturalist I have spent countless hours over the last 15 years removing English Ivy that replaces food and shelter for animals and insects. We clip it from trunks to prevent it from spreading, overwhelming and killing trees. By seeds spread by unwitting birds Porcelain Berry  vines, while superficially pretty, also overwhelm and replace trees, shrubs and other useful vines. The list is long. I depend upon our knowledgeable employees to identify all those that threaten the quality of life in our Commomwealth. 
Thank you for your time and care for all that lives in Virginia including the people who enjoy the animals that will benefit from fewer invasive plants.

CommentID: 220643