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I support and urge lawmakers to pass HB47 for the sake of environmental conservation. By enforcing regulations on retail sales and introducing prominent signage, the bill takes a commendable approach to inform consumers. The proposed message, "Plant with caution: invasive plant species. May cause environmental harm. Ask about alternatives," effectively raises awareness about the ecological consequences. This legislation is vital for preserving our environment and empowering individuals to make choices that contribute to the overall well-being of ecosystems across Virginia.

I support HB47. Gardeners need to be alerted that a plant they are considering purchasing is an invasive species. Invasive plants harm our native Virginia ecosystems. I think many gardeners would look for alternative plants if they knew a species being sold was invasive. The bill would also encourage nurseries to offer more Virginia native plants for sale. Thank you for considering my comment.

SUPPORT. Invasive species are a well-documented problem in Virginia and beyond. At a minimum, consumers need to be provided with proper information about the plants they purchase.

I support and strongly urge the passage of HB47 to protect Virginia’s native flora and land. Many invasive plants are marketed to consumers for their aesthetic value, fast growth rate, and lower cost. The average consumer cannot readily identify non-native, invasive species. Invasive tree and plant species grow prolifically and choke out natives species. Many invasive species (i.e. Tree of Heaven ‘Ailanthus altissima’) are host for invasive insects (i.e. Spotted Lanternfly ‘Lycra delicatula’) that attack and destroy native trees (i.e., maples, pines, oak, etc.) and crops (i.e., apples, peaches, grape vines, etc.) financially devastating our state’s agriculture. Identifying a plant as invasive educates the consumer and provides necessary information aiding in purchasing decisions that helps protect our native flora.

Leading weekly volunteer group sessions to remove invasive plants in Laurel Hill Park, I see first hand the destruction that non-native plants, such as English Ivy and Bradford Pear trees, cause to our environment through their out competing of native plants. Working with a rotation of new volunteers I also see the lack of knowledge of most citizens about non-native plants and their impacts. Signage is necessary to warn potential buyers in order to educate the public and tackle the scourge of these unintended escapee plants. Given the lack of knowledge, signage really needs to be on individual plants. Volunteer groups, such as VA Master Naturalists & Tree Stewards are available in most areas to assist nurseries, nor should the burden to nurseries be considered too onerous given the negative impact to our ecosystems. Plants like English Ivy quickly blanket natural areas blocking out all other native plants on the ground and capable of killing native trees by climbing.

Invasive plants are detrimental to our ecosystem. Please support these bills to limit them. Thank you.

I strongly support passage of both HB47 and HB1167. It is time for Virginia to stop pussyfooting around the severe ecological and biodiversity issues created by the proliferation of non-native and invasive plants. As a volunteer working in invasive plant removal, I can attest to the damage being done to our natural areas and our backyards by the continued sale of plants that are well known to be troublesome invasives. In the James River Park system, English ivy is rampant, with disastrous results to the native flora, especially the stately old trees in the park. There is plenty of money to be made by garden centers in the sale of native plants; it is unconscionable that they have been permitted to continue proliferation of this problem through the near total non-regulation of these destructive plants. A ban on English ivy is absolutely necessary, and a warning to consumers that other plants are deleterious to our ecosystem is a good first step, though a total ban on invasives is what is really needed.

Please support bill HB47, which seeks to educate the plant buying public of the invasive nature of some plants being offered for sale in local nurseries. Our woods are being choked and destroyed with invasive plants and vines, which is a depressing sight. If more people understood the ramifications of the plants they buy, then maybe those invasive plants wouldn't be in the environment in the first place. I am trying to do my part by helping clear invasive plants from my local park. As well, I hope you will support bill HB1167 prohibiting the sale of English Ivy. Thank you for your support.

I enthusiastically support passage of both HB47 and HB1167. I am one of the volunteers referenced in others' comments who works several times a month in our local parks to stem the spread of English Ivy and other invasive flora, under the leadership of various local Invasive Management Area site leaders. It is onerous work but, in my view, essential work, to help restore, if possible, the regionally indigenous populations of flora and fauna. Invasive species are, in essence, a form of pollution to our local natural habitats and harm our local ecosystems by establishing ecologically barren monocultures and supplanting ecologically integrated and diverse habitats. Curtailing further introduction of such invasive species either through outright bans or by imposing mitigation surcharges would be a significant restoration step in our state.

Please support HB 47, which would require retail sellers of invasive plant species (species listed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation) to post a sign adjacent to any such plants they are selling. I think this is important as it is a simple way to alert buyers about these invasive species before they buy them. They could still buy them, but it would be with the knowledge that they are considered invasive (and thus may cause harm to the environment). Aside from simply educating consumers, it could help decrease the threat faced by Virginia's land/waters from non-native invasive plant species. It is very costly for local and state governments and landowners to control these invasive plants. This is a small burden for retailers, who already place many signs around plants but is a big gain for consumers, and the environment and has financial benefits. Many thanks for your consideration, C. Friedman

I ask for your strong support of HB 47, that aids in the suppression of invasive plant species. This is essential in protecting native plants and maintaining a balanced eco system at a time when both are being challenged. The requirements can be implemented in retail sales with minor compliance or expense required. Thank you for your serious consideration of my request. Respectfully, Irene Caperton

State and local governments and private landowners spend millions of dollars a year to control invasive plants, including tree-killing vines, that are causing harm to natural resources. • Virginians who buy plants at retail locations in most cases do not know some are invasive and cause environmental and financial harm. • Invasive plants sold at retail locations, such as Japanese barberry, tree-of- heaven and privet, readily spread to neighboring properties. • Placing signs to identify plants is common practice in garden centers. A requirement to identify invasive plants will place minimal burden on retailers. • This bill will support the customer’s right to know about their purchase, help limit future costs of controlling invasive plants, and benefit native plants and animals.

Dear Representatives: I'm writing to urge you to support HB 47 and HB 1167. HB 47 is extremely gentle compared to what is actually needed (a ban on selling invasive species at all). However, the bill offers a place to start by requiring signage to warn would-be purchasers of invasive plants. HB 1167 bans the sale of English ivy and is a much-needed step in getting a grip on the invasive species that are taking over our landscape. As a Virginia resident who has spent hours in the trenches fighting invasive species, I can assure you that these things are formidable. Once you learn to recognize them, you can see that they're everywhere. They are a grave threat to our ecosystems and our agricultural systems. Please do the common sense thing and support these bills and support other invasive species bans as they arise. Thank you. Margaret Moore Charlottesville, VA

The sale of invasive plants should be illegal, but at a minimum, plant retailers should be required to label an invasive plant as such. Many folks do not know which plants are invasive -- which is true of my neighbors, and was true of me when I planted a barberry that has now colonized large patches of the field below our house. If I'd known then that barberry "babies" would hinder the growth of dogwood and redbud seedlings, I would never have planted that barberry! If HB47 becomes a law, it will help prevent invasive onslaughts such as what took place on my property.

Please enact HB1167 and HB47.I have been a site leader for the Invasive Management Area program, and have spent almost every weekend for the past 14 years pulling invasive plants. I have seen trees covered in Ivy weaken after a snowstorm and fall down. Invasive species are costing the county A LOT of money in terms of removal and loss of biodiversity, which affects the health of the ecosystem. I have seen a return of monarchs and other butterflies, and varying species of birds and insects after the removal of most invasive plants and the introduction of native plants. My boyfriend's yard was almost completely covered in English Ivy. It took a few years, but I removed it all, only to have it return because the neighbors did not remove theirs. I asked the local garden shop to stop selling Ivy, but they claimed people still asked for it. This is probably true, which means even though Native plant societies have done a ton of education, a lot more needs to happen. Until then we need the county's help in banning the sale of English Ivy. HB47 will help our efforts in educating the public, as many people are unaware of which species in invasive.

Plant buyers often have no idea that they are contributing to the degradation of the environment with their purchases. They need to know which species are invasive. I strongly support this bill.

This bill is a necessary measure to help protect our critically important forests and natural areas. Sadly many are already overrun with invasives such as English Ivy. Many citizens volunteer their time to remove ivy, but it is still being sold. We need to recognize that allowing ivy to be sold undermines all of the commonwealth’s environmental and climate resiliency goals. Thank you for sponsoring this bill. I truly hope it becomes law.

I urge you to enact HB1167 and HB47. English Ivy and other invasive species are a pernicious and growing (literally!) problem. Even when planted innocently by a homeowner looking to beautify their property, these plants end up jumping borders and destroying native plants, and the ecosystems they support, far beyond their site of origin. Virginia has so many beautiful and treasured native flora and fauna, many of which are truly struggling against this onslaught. Please give them a chance to flourish by restricting the distribution of invasive non-native species as much as possible. Thank you.

I am writing to you regarding invasive species that are causing harm to our beautiful Commonwealth. Please support HB-47 requiring retailers to post a sign next to invasive plants. I believe once Virginia residents realize that there are plenty of beautiful VA-native plants they can substitute for invasive plants, we can reduce the onslaught of vegetation that is negatively affecting our wildlife and residents (for example, hikers, campers, hunters, fishermen, gardeners, and children who like playing outdoors). Also, state and local governments and private landowners spend millions of dollars a year to control invasive plants, so discouraging the planting of invasive plants makes sense from an economic perspective. Respectfully submitted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. Ideally invasives would be illegal to sell in our state. However if that is too far reaching, at the very least labeling them clearly that they are invasive and all of the negative effects that has on our environment should be clearly posted with each invasive sold by the seller.

HB 47 Invasive plant species; requirements for retail sales - This bill should become law. The public deserves to know that their well-meaning purchases for beautification of their gardens will not contribute to the degradation of Virginia's natural habitats.

SUPPORT HB47 AND SB306 Topic: Invasive plant species, requirements for retail sales Overview: Requires, for the retail sale of any invasive plant species on a list established by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, that retailers post a sign next to any invasive plants they offer for sale that identifies them as invasive plants that may cause environmental harm. Reasons to support: • Virginia’s land and waters are under increasing threat from non-native invasive plant species, with many of our native plant species being displaced by invasive plant species. • State and local governments and private landowners spend millions of dollars a year to control invasive plants, including tree-killing vines, that are causing harm to natural resources. • Virginians who buy plants at retail locations in most cases do not know some are invasive and cause environmental and financial harm. • Invasive plants sold at retail locations, such as English Ivy, Japanese barberry, tree-of-heaven and privet, readily spread to neighboring properties. • Placing signs to identify plants is common practice in garden centers. A requirement to identify invasive plants will place minimal burden on retailers. • This bill will support the customer’s right to know about their purchase, help limit future costs of controlling invasive plants, and benefit native plants and animals.

I as well as the Friends of the Accotink support HB47 as Invasive plants are serious problem and we need to start tackling the roots of the problem namely the nurseries which propagate and sell these plants due to their ability to grow them cheaply and sell them at marked up rates. Given that invasive plants do not abide by property lines and cause billions of dollars of damages to agriculture and the environment. While labeling these plants is a small step it is also a necessary one if we are to get a handle on the problem.

I firmly support HB47 and HB1167. As an earth scientist and an Invasive Management Areas site leader, I am very concerned aout the impact if invasive plants on our ecology, soil health, and water quality. We have incredibly dedicated volunteers working to manage invasive plants, but the lack of action to deter people from planting them significantly undermines those volunteer efforts.

I SUPPORT HB223, HB320, and HB47. (I declared support for HB221 to curb outdoor and feral cats in another comment.) I only wish HB47 could go farther and place an outright ban on the sale of invasive plants. I am appalled that it isn't already the law that someone convicted of animal cruelty is barred from ever owning a pet in the future. Let's fix that post haste! And HB320 is important to pass because we need to get rid of invasive species - they are causing tremendous damage to our native flora and fauna. (As are free-roaming cats, hence my support for HB221.)

Please support passage of HB47 with wording that restores its original intent - i.e., requiring garden centers and big box stores to label each plant that is invasive, rather than requiring just general signage within the store. The stakes are high, with tremendous challenges to stormwater control and ecosystems associated with invasive non-native plants that have made the leap from back yards to our parks, stream valleys, forests, wetlands and neighboring privately owned green spaces. In 2023, local Holmes Run volunteers donated more than 1,829 hours to stewardship of our stream valley in Fairfax/Falls Church/Alexandria. Approx. half of those volunteer hours were devoted to removing invasive plants and tree vines during 54 stewardship events in the upper watershed. This shows how passionately people care about their local green spaces. A typical occurrence: While training 11 brand-new volunteers in a tree rescue operation near Roundtree Park in Falls Church/Annandale several days ago, I was peppered with questions from the adults about the vines and plants back home in their own yards. They were eager - and surprised - to learn that poison ivy is a native vine that does NOT hurt trees and is actually a 'superfood' for insects and birds, while ubiquitous English Ivy, winter creeper and honeysuckle are among the 'bad guys' that need to be eradicated wherever they are found because there is no way for a tree to defend itself against them. This is so typical of what we experience when working with well-meaning volunteers and our own neighbors - most have heard about the havoc being caused by invasive plants, but few know which ACTUAL plants are or are not part of the problem. Nor are all nonnative plants considered invasive! Labeling each invasive plant would also clarify which nonnative backyard favorites are NOT part of the problem. Please help these consumers -- your constituents -- to know what they are buying. Require labels on problem plants that negatively impact our watersheds -- starting from the point of sale!

I strongly support HB 47. As a resident of eastern Goochland County, I have truly been alarmed over the increasingly HUGE presence of invasive plants in our area. Japanese Stilt Grass, English Ivy, Privet and more Privet....the list goes on and on. Our state has an exquisite abundance of native plants that enrich our eyes. I have rejoiced in the native perennials, shrubs and trees that I have added to our landscape. They are the lifeblood of our native insect pollinators, of our beloved song birds, and of so many species in Virginia. Without the native plants to feed them, the insects, the caterpillars, and so many living creatures will continue to lessen in their numbers. Invasive is a perfect description of these noxious plants as they truly invade the space where once ephemeral Spring Beauties and other exquisite natives thrived. I strongly believe that nurseries, with education and support, would actually find that they could make MORE profit by removing invasive species from their inventories and replacing them with native plants that would not only be more beautiful but also nurture the living beings that depend upon them. I, and many other landscape designers and horticulturists with whom I have worked for many years, choose to support the growers and nurseries that promote natives. As Virginians become even more aware of the stresses upon our native populations, I believe they will increasingly support the corporations that are, whenever possible, supporting our increasingly threatened environment. Thank you for your efforts!

Strongly support this legislation. We need regulations that encourage and guide nurseries to carefully curate the inventory they offer to everyday customers who typically don't understand the importance their plant choices have. Quantifiable costs of treating, managing, and remediating non-native invasive plant populations are astounding. Qualifiable costs (damage to ecosystems, fragmentation of habitat, starvation of plants and animals that count on co-evolved native plants for sustenance and shelter, unintended toxicity of the herbicides that are used to remediate invasive plants, etc.) are even more alarming. This is a smart and useful thing the government can do to actionably help the environment.

HB47 Please support this bill. Invasive plants should not be available for sale in Virginia nurseries. Our state government has estimated that invasive plants are costing Virginia's economy upwards of $1 billion per year. I walk around our neighborhood clipping English Ivy off of trees as these invasive vines slowly kill trees. Much of the general public, landscapers and nurseries are ignorant about the cost of invasive plants. They spread and over take our landscape destroying habitat and food for our birds, pollinators and other wildlife. HB320 Please support this bill which would allow the many volunteers that are tackling the invasives problem to do an effective job in eliminating them once and for all by using herbicides. HB316 Please support this bill so we can move to a circular economy. We need a recycling vision and facilities so that Virginians can keep plastic out of the ocean, re-use glass, paper and aluminum. Business opportunities exist at the local levels. Food waste and compostable packaging need a digester. Plastics can be recycled into toys and other consumer products. There should be no single use products that pollute our land and our oceans. Without commitment this won't happen. HB245 Please support this bill and let's see what chemical companies are dumping into our environment. PFAs are dangerous and are accumulating in all of our bodies. They are everywhere. We need to stop and protect ourselves and our children. The toxic chemicals surround us and we allow the chemical companies to dupe us into thinking that they are safe.

Please support HB47! HB47 has great personal interest to me. Several years ago, when undertaking a landscaping project on my property, my wife and I requested help from a nursery to select plants. At the time, we knew very little about plants -- only enough to know native plants were preferrable – and we requested native plants in our purchase. I believe many citizens of the Commonwealth are in this same situation -- believing native plants are beneficial but not having the knowledge or tools to practically make the right choices. Long story short, close to $4,000 worth of plants were installed and only after did we discover many of those were known invasives. I have been removing them since. The problem we encountered is one faced by many people, and one easily solved with proper labelling. I also believe the bill will encourage the education of nursery personnel. In our case, I do not believe anyone attempted to deceive us -- I do believe the nursery worked knew as little about native plants as we did. This is not an acceptable situation given the damage that invasive plants are doing every day, in nearly every spot in the Commonwealth.

I support HB 47. Invasive plant species are not only a nuisance but are destructive to the local flora and fauna. They can get out of control quickly and take over large areas creating a monoculture where nothing else can live. All you have to do is drive down the road in the spring and see all the Bradford pears in bloom along the side of the road or look into the trees and see the English ivy strangling them. Gardeners are not always aware that the plants they are buying are invasive. Why would a nursery purposely sell plants that are destructive to our lands and wildlife? The public needs to be given the information in order to make an informed decision when they are purchasing plants.

As volunteer who frequently spends time removing invasive plants in public parks, I fully support HB47. This is a small; but significant step in helping to prevent the spread of invasive plants.

People don't realize what harm invasive plants are doing to the natural world. At least if we inform them they have a choice- so industry in this choice is not deprived of its' unwholesome profit. (If people realized we are depriving our beloved songbirds of the larvae --each nestling needs about 8,000 worms per Dr. Doug Tallamy's researchers, they'd choose otherwise!) Of course, that's too much information for an impulse purchaser to read, maybe they just want something simple & easy. But more and more people are awakening- hello climate chaos-- and we need to at least begin to even the playing field! Many thanks for supporting HB47-SB306. (I worked for a NC interests' biggest U.S. profit-spot, right here at the Burke Wal-mart when Covid hit.) They were still selling English Ivy and Wisteria, both choke trees to death. These proposed labels would barely register as cost to this company. We can't afford the climate havoc invasives create in Va. Smaller business cannot afford the ill-will selling invasives creates. My Master Gardener friends would never sell such. We are 50 years behind in our forest recovery for example, and lest we loose even more species native to our fine VA forests, we must consider one of the man-made factors killing our trees-- invasives. Thank you for your help on this grave matter.

People don't realize what harm invasive plants are doing to the natural world. At least if we inform them they have a choice- so industry in this choice is not deprived of its' unwholesome profit. (If people realized we are depriving our beloved songbirds of the larvae --each nestling needs about 8,000 worms per Dr. Doug Tallamy's researchers, they'd choose otherwise!) Of course, that's too much information for an impulse purchaser to read, maybe they just want something simple & easy. But more and more people are awakening- hello climate chaos-- and we need to at least begin to even the playing field! Many thanks for supporting HB47-SB306. (I worked for a NC interests' biggest U.S. profit-spot, right here at the Burke Wal-mart when Covid hit.) They were still selling English Ivy and Wisteria, both choke trees to death. These proposed labels would barely register as cost to this company. We can't afford the climate havoc invasives create in Va. Smaller business cannot afford the ill-will selling invasives creates My Master Gardener friends would never sell such. We are 50 years behind in our forest recovery for example, and lest we loose even more species native to our fine VA forests, we must consider one of the man-made factors killing our trees-- invasives. Thank you for your help on this grave matter.

Please approve HB47. At the very minimum nurseries should label invasive plants, trees & vines to inform customers, many of whom could then make the informed decision to instead select one of hundreds of beautiful native plants.

I strongly support this bill. As someone who volunteers with several organizations in Fairfax County that are struggling to remove invasive vines -- primarily English ivy -- that are killing native trees and overwhelming our parks, I know firsthand that this problem is serious and growing. It has negative consequences for our native ecology and the health of the ecosystem, as well as for those of us who appreciate the beauty and richness of our native forests. I am disheartened by the many property owners who let invasives take over their yard and spread into their neighbors, and also the plant nurseries who sell and promote invasive plants.

Any barriers we can add to the sale of invasive species without violating commerce clause should be added. This small step could be as important as putting warning labels on tobacco products. There are plenty of native alternatives to invasive horticultural plants.

Richmond is overrun with invasive plants like English Ivy. I see it in parks, public spaces and roadsides. Nurseries need to at least label them so that the consumers know the danger of planting them.The best solution would be to stop selling them. I support HB47

The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) is a private nonprofit association of 47 soil and water conservation districts in Virginia. The Association provides and promotes leadership in the conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs. It coordinates conservation efforts statewide to focus effectively on issues identified by local member districts. Our mission is to serve and strengthen soil and water conservation districts in the stewardship of natural resources. Invasive plants cause both economic and environmental problems in all regions of the Commonwealth. Often sold to unwitting purchasers, invasive plants easily and rapidly spread onto neighboring private lands and into adjacent county, state, and federal conservation areas. They often cause expensive and difficult to solve management problems for neighboring landowners and degrade the environmental health of private property, forests, and parks across the Commonwealth. At the December 2022 annual meeting of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Association unanimously expressed support for legislation and other efforts to further control the spread of invasive plants in Virginia. We believe that Virginia consumers want to know what impact their actions may have on the environment. HB 47 is a pro-consumer, pro-environment, truth-in-labelling bill. It gives consumers the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions; it does not deprive them of choice. The bill may have the secondary economic benefit of promoting markets in Virginia for businesses that choose to cultivate and sell native Virginia plants. The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts therefore strongly supports HB 47 patroned by Delegate Seibold. We believe HB 47 takes a positive step to address the many problems posed by invasive plants across the Commonwealth. We urge its prompt passage.

I SUPPORT this bill and wholeheartedly hope that you VOTE YES to help keep invasive plants out of back yards. In fact this bill doesn't go far enough. I would like an out and out BAN, however I'll take what I can get, so I guess this bill is a good start. Invasives are choking out the woods and fields around my house. Worse- they are getting into the nearby Shenandoah National Park. Please do everything you can to help this problem. Our wildlife depend on native plants which are getting obliterated by these invasives!

This testimony is in reference to HB 47. As a property owner trying to landscape my property in accordance with the needs of local wildlife and water and soil conservation, I am engaged in a never ending battle with the invasive vegetation introduced by previous property owners. In particular, non-native, invasive English Ivy and Periwinkle, which are widely sold in nurseries and marketed as a means of erosion control and as fast growing, low maintenance landscaping solutions. This legislation, which is intended to make consumers aware of the environmental harms of planting exotic, low maintenance fast growing species, will also hopefully, slow the pace of new installations of common invasive species on newly cleared residential tracts and new housing developments. While as legislators, you may feel reticent about an adversarial approach to the conventional nursery industry, please be aware that its core business model is explicit and active indifference to the needs of wildlife and the survival of native plant communities in North America. It does not care if the ecological and economic value of our forests are diminished by the aggressive spread of English Ivy, Winter Creeper, Japanese Wisteria, Burning Bush, Japanese Barberry, etc. While I am sympathetic to the short term economic harm to small, independent retail nurseries that may be caused by a change in consumer preferences away from conventional landscaping, I believe it is necessary to provoke a change in the horticultural industry towards the production of local, native alternatives. There is a growing demand for native plants by property owners interested in conservation landscaping and a serious supply problem. Thank you for your time and your service to the Commonwealth.

I am in full support of HB 47 which will draw attention to the proliferation of non-native plants sold in Virginia nurseries. The adverse environmental effects of the massive and long term use of non-native plants has come to critical mass not only to the balance of landscape plantings but the ecosystem balance to support wildlife, supportive insect populations and human populations. Thank you for the introduction of HB47 and the affirmative vote to pass this legislation.

I support this bill that will help protect Virginia's natural and wild areas by being overrun by non-native invasive plants. I am amazed that businesses are allowed to sell invasive plants that hurt our environment. Please pass this bill. Thank you.

I strongly support HB47, which would require retailers to clearly identify invasive species. Invasive species destroy native habitat by choking out and competing with our native plants. It is very important to promote and protect our native plants, as they support wildlife and pollinators. Without pollinators, food crops will not survive. Humans damage our planet in so many ways, and buying invasive species is another way where we are negatively impacting our environment. Too many folks unknowingly purchase invasive species because the plants are not labeled as such. If retailers were required to clearly and prominently label plants as invasive, consumers would be able to more carefully consider their plant purchases. Please support and pass this bill.

As a physician, I know that clean air is key to our well-being. As a biologist, I know how important trees are to helping to keep our air clean. And as a citizen of Northern Virginia, I see the damage these invasive plants such as English Ivy are doing to our trees. In the D.C. area, 9 out of the 11 parks studied were categorized as in imminent or probable failure. Please support HB47 | Seibold. It makes no sense to remove these invasive plants if we are going to keep selling them.

Please support SB 47. The rampant growth of invasive plant species is threatening the health, vitality, and viability of our natural ecosystems, public parks, street and residential trees. If left unchecked, the loss and damage caused by invasive plants will precipitate further loss to Virginia’s flora and fauna, setting off a chain reaction of loss to surrounding areas. Volunteers all over Virginia are working against time to arrest and reverse the trend of invasive plant takeover, but it is not enough. More action is needed at the State level. If this bill is not passed, our natural ecosystems, public parks, and the statewide tree canopy will be forever lost to invasive takeover. SB 47 is a moderate and reasonable step to take. It does not place an undue burden on the nursery or customer. It’s a small step forward that simply requires nurseries to identify invasive plant species and the harm caused by them, and to make that information available to customers. It doesn’t restrict the sale of invasive plants, the decision about what to buy remains with the customer.

All along our roadways I can see the nearby trees covered in, and being killed by, invasive vines. This infestation is needs to stop. Please support HB47. Steve Steve Hryckiewicz

I live in a retirement community that maintains a 22-acre natural area intended to provide trails and wildlife viewing for our residents, important components to remaining active and healthy. This small forest is also a haven for migrating birds--very necessary habitat in The Valley. Unfortunately, this area is overrun by invasives choking out native plants that would naturally grow here. With the die-off of many ash trees and stresses on others, what happens in the understory is very important to ensure our forest remains intact. A small group of seniors here is dedicated to removing invasives that continue to be sold commercially, such as English Ivy, Mahonia, Winged Euonymus (Burning Bush). It's very disheartening to know that what we're removing has been, and theoretically, could be planted again by landscape companies and/or our neighbors. I strongly support this bill.

I am a research scientist who lives and works in Loudoun county. I study plant-insect interactions and have a deep appreciation for the importance of planting native plants and curbing the hostile take-over of invasive species in our area. Based upon that expertise, I ask that you support HB47 in the current GA session, which will require informational labeling on invasive plants by retailers in our state. These plants generally begin as home landscaping favorites, but overtake adjacent landscapes because they are easy to propagate and generally not eaten by our local fauna. They threaten our state in many ways, including extremely costly removal, encroachment into vineyards and cattle pastures, and destruction of local trees. In addition to high economical costs, these plants degrade ecosystems. Ecosystem services to our state include obvious boons such as clean air and water, and pollination of agricultural crops, the loss of which is costly to Virginia residents. Additionally, invasive plants do not feed Virginia native insects. This is because most insect species are only adapted to processing the defensive chemicals of one or a few favorite types of food, and they are not able to overcome the defenses of foreign plants. This is a problem because insects serve as a critical point in food chains, and herbivorous caterpillars grow up to be critical pollinators. Pollinating insects are critical to global food security as the majority of food crops require external pollination to generate fruits and vegetables. While most residents may care little for the life of an insect, they likely care very much about the price and availability of food. Birds in particular are harmed by loss of insect food sources, as their young feed almost exclusively on soft, protein-rich caterpillars. That is, caterpillars are essentially bird baby formula. Access to quality natural areas is known to improve health and well-being . In particular, listening to birdsong has been shown to reduce anxiety and paranoia . Birds require landscapes full of trees, native flora, and insects to thrive. All of these are endangered by encroachment of invasive plants. Additionally, neighborhoods with better tree canopy and denser vegetation enjoy lower crime rates. This is true of both violent crime and property-related crime . Both our wild and landscaped trees and shrubs suffer when invasive plants such as English Ivy cover and suffocate them, rapidly destroying trees that took many decades to grow. HB47 is an important step towards reducing the many negative impacts of invasive plants, and will help Virginia residents make better choices. Please vote in favor. Supporting References: https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health#:~:text=These%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,reduce%20anxiety%2C%20and%20improve%20mood https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20841-0 https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/40701 https://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/Thm_Crime.html

I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 47 (HB 47), which proposes crucial measures to prohibit Commonwealth agencies from planting, selling, or propagating invasive plants and aims to educate the public about the dangers associated with purchasing and planting invasive species. Invasive plants damage and degrade crops, pasture and forestlands, clog waterways, and destroy trees. They pose a significant threat to both our economy and ecology. The unchecked proliferation of invasive species has been causing extensive damage to our natural ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity, disruption of habitats, and degradation of soil quality. This, in turn, has severe implications for the delicate balance of our environment. The economic toll of invasive plants is huge. Invasive plants cost Virginia more millions of dollars annually. The costs associated with managing and mitigating the impact of invasive species on agriculture, forestry, and landscaping are substantial. By taking proactive measures to decrease the planting of invasive plants, we can significantly reduce the economic burden imposed by the relentless spread of these species. HB 47 is instrumental in safeguarding Virginia's natural heritage and economic interests. I urge you to lend your support to this bill to ensure its successful passage through the legislative process. Additionally, I encourage you to advocate for increased public awareness about the dangers of invasive plants to empower citizens to make informed choices in their landscaping and gardening practices. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Your commitment to preserving Virginia's environment and economy is deeply appreciated, and your support for HB 47 will undoubtedly contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for our Commonwealth. Sincerely, Donna Jean Umiker-Sebeok 200 Garrett St. #414 Charlottesville, VA 22902 jean.sebeok@gmail.com

I strongly urge passage of HB47. As a landowner, I work hard to remove encroaching non-native and invasive plants that drive out Virginia's native plants and animals on my land. This bill will greatly help Virginians, like me, to make informed purchases that restore and preserve our working and recreational landscapes.

Blue Ridge PRISM is a public charity dedicated to reducing the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystems of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas through regional and statewide advocacy, landowner support, implementing control measures, and public education. Blue Ridge PRISM supports HB 47. Invasive plants like Japanese barberry, burning bush, Callery pear, English ivy, and fountain grass are sold at retail locations across the Commonwealth. These plants readily escape cultivation and impact neighboring farms, pastures, backyards, forests and communities. Urban communities, farmers and forest owners are particularly impacted by the unintentional introduction of invasive plants by their well-meaning neighbors. For example, invasive fountain grass overtakes upland pastures limiting forage for cattle removing valuable upland pastures out of rotation. Invasive shrubs spread into forests preventing tree seedlings from taking root, growing into the next generation of crop trees and becoming forest habitat for beloved native plants, animals and insects. Thick invasive vines kill mature urban trees critical to cooling urban neighborhoods and tear down trees in precious green spaces. This bill will support consumer choices, their right to know if a plant is invasive, and if it will cause negative impacts to their property and that of their neighbors.

Blue Ridge PRISM is a public charity dedicated to reducing the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystems of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas through regional and statewide advocacy, landowner support, implementing control measures, and public education. Blue Ridge PRISM supports HB 47. Invasive plants like Japanese barberry, burning bush, Callery pear, English ivy, and fountain grass are sold at retail locations across the Commonwealth. These plants readily escape cultivation and impact neighboring farms, pastures, backyards, forests and communities. Urban communities, farmers and forest owners are particularly impacted by the unintentional introduction of invasive plants by their well-meaning neighbors. For example, invasive fountain grass overtakes upland pastures limiting forage for cattle removing valuable upland pastures out of rotation. Invasive shrubs spread into forests preventing tree seedlings from taking root, growing into the next generation of crop trees and becoming forest habitat for beloved native plants, animals and insects. Thick invasive vines kill mature urban trees critical to cooling urban neighborhoods and tear down trees in precious green spaces. This bill will support consumer choices, their right to know if a plant is invasive, and if it will cause negative impacts to their property and that of their neighbors.

Please vote to pass HB47. This bill is critically important to me personally and to the future of Virginia's environment. My husband and I work tirelessly on our property to remove the invasive plants that threaten to choke out native plant growth and to diminish vital resources necessary to local wildlife. Sadly, the task is endless, in large part due to plantings in neighboring properties that spread by air, water, and animal carriers to the land we steward. Best would be to restrict sale of these plants. At minimum, consumers should be informed regarding the environmental risks that their landscaping choices pose. The public deserves a chance to make a difference. I urge you to do all you can to pass this bill. .

Please vote to pass HB47. This bill is critically important to me personally and to the future of Virginia's environment. My husband and I work tirelessly on our property to remove the invasive plants that threaten to choke out native plant growth and to diminish vital resources necessary to local wildlife. Sadly, the task is endless, in large part due to plantings in neighboring properties that spread by air, water, and animal carriers to the land we steward. Best would be to restrict sale of these plants. At minimum, consumers should be informed regarding the environmental risks that their landscaping choices pose. The public deserves a chance to make a difference. I urge you to do all you can to pass this bill. .

I strongly support passage of this bill.

Passing HB47 is critically important to the future of Virginia's environment. My husband and I own a farm in Madison County. We have worked hard to remove as many of the invasive plants from our property – and it is a continuing battle. Unfortunately the fact that nurseries and “big box” stores such as Lowe’s and Walmart can legally sell invasive plant is terrible. If other people buy and plant invasives from nurseries and other stores, my farm is at risk of them spreading to my land. The public deserves to know whether the plant they are about to buy is not native and invasive so they can make an informed choice. I strongly urge passage of this bill. Thank you for helping to protect our land and wildlife by passing this bill.

Invasive plants do a lot of damage to the local ecosystems that sustain us. While we educate the public on how to care for our wildlife, our drinking water, and our own wellbeing, it is imperative that invasive plants not be sold. I have gone through garden centers putting “VA Native” stickers on plants that not only look lovely, but are likely the thrive locally. I would like to see many more of these. The majority of plants are not native, but are not invasive either. These should not be banned. But a small number of species should be banned due to the damage they cause. A realistic assessment of the impact on the bottom line of garden centers from removal of these few invasives needs to be weighed against the serious damage they cause.

Please support HB47. State and local governments and private landowners spend millions of dollars a year to control invasive plants, including tree-killing vines, that are causing harm to natural resources. Virginians who buy plants at retail locations in most cases do not know some are invasive and cause environmental and financial harm. Placing signs to identify plants is common practice in garden centers. A requirement to identify invasive plants will place minimal burden on retailers. This bill will support the customer’s right to know about their purchase, help limit future costs of controlling invasive plants, and benefit native plants and animals.

As a Certified Master Naturalist, I spend countless hours helping to educate the public on the negative impact invasive plants have on all the life in the habitat they encroach upon. We have worked tirelessly to remove invasive not only from our property (which abuts the RWMA and the Shenandoah National Park) but from public property as well. Unless the purchase of invasive plants is discouraged, it is a battle we will lose. Invasive plants are not only a threat to other plants, but to all the wildlife that depends on specific native plants. I support this bill.

Our state and many others face a growing problem with invasive plants. As a land owner I have seen an encroachment on our land and on neighbor’s lands over recent years. As a retired landscape maintenance worker fir 23 years I also witnessed — and had to deal with — this problem. In that capacity I learned that many people purchase plants from nurseries or have them installed by landscape companies without realizing that they can spread prolifically and are often hard to control. This bill would help to inform them of the dangers and possible negative consequences, so that they can make an informed choice. It would not restrict the sale, but in the long run it could help to cut back on this problem without penalizing or restricting anyone.

I’m writing on behalf of the Virginia Native Plant Society, as well as in my role as a professional independent landscape designer and as a certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional. Please, please, use your vote and your influence as Chairman of the committee to support SB 306 to better control the spread of invasive plant species, including but not limited to both familiar noxious weeds and perhaps even more dangerous, popular garden "staples” such as Autumn Olive, Japanese Barberry, English Ivy, Oriental Bittersweet, Japanese Honeysuckle, Butterfly Bush, Miscanthus, Pennisetum, and so many more. As a designer and native plant specialist, I see the life threatening effects of invasive plant species at virtually every job site I visit—not to mention the parks, squares, and other public spaces intended to serve our neighborhoods and urban spaces; and the potential wildlife corridors that are essential for maintaining the biodiversity that supports us all. Once introduced to a site, invasive plants not only may but WILL quickly and assuredly colonize adjacent tracts--or traveling by wind, water, fur or soles, even to remote areas. In their wake, native plant communities soon wither and die, debilitating the ability of the native organisms on which they depend. Once these invasive species gain a foothold, it becomes a Herculean task to disentangle them, requiring exponentially greater and more repetitive time, labor, MONEY, and deadly chemical poisons that threaten to contaminate our water, air, soil, wildlife, and other natural resources—not to mention our children and our pets. The growers who supply local nurseries, as well as wholesale suppliers of large scale landscape projects, are rarely well-informed about the threats of establishing these seeds of destruction—and even less often accept responsibility for their role in promulgating the problems. By continuing to produce and sell these plants, we fuel the destruction of the natural world in which we live and undermine our power to generate the equilibrium so crucial for managing climate change. It is common practice for purveyors of plants to identify and market their merchandise. At the very least, they should be required by law to conspicuously post (and ideally, distribute) accurate information about any potential environmental threats posed by these invasive plants. (At best, they should be prohibited from selling them in the first place—and incentives should be developed to encourage them to suggest native alternatives and replace invasive species with local eco-types of native plants.) By placing signs in every retail (and even wholesale) nursery setting, we may hope to educate, inform, and guide the intentional or unwitting reckless behavior of managers and consumers, the general public, and the children who will inherit the future —and thereby save taxpayers and government agencies millions of dollars in often ineffective long-term management strategies. Thank you in advance for paying close attention to this issue, and taking immediate action to derail this perilous train. Most sincerely yours, Anne L. Henley Anne Henley, MLA, CBLP (Level One) VSLD Certified Landscape Designer Liriodendron Natural Landscape Design Email: liriodesign@yahoo.com Mobile: 434/825-4626 Studio: 434-923-0365 [All calls are screened; please be sure to leave a message!] Website: http://liriodesign.net ==========================

Passing HB47 is critically important to the future of Virginia's environment. As a conservation-minded landowner I have spent years removing invasive plant, shrub and tree species from my land but my efforts are for nought if other people buy and plant invasives from nurseries because they will spread to my land. The public deserves to know whether the plant they are about to buy is not native and invasive so they can make an informed choice. I strongly urge passage of this bill.

I support this bill and want my representative to do so also. The public should know when they are purchasing a plant that will spread and harm native plants and wildlife. Thank you 😊

Please support passage of HB 47. As one who has spent hundreds of volunteer hours fighting all types of invasive plants, I can attest to the damage done to our local ecosystems by the species the appear on the DCR list. HB 47 will raise public awareness about the negative consequences of purchasing and propagating invasive species. It will not outlaw their sale but does provide a necessary warning to help consumers make an informed choice.

I own a 200-acre farm in Rappahannock County, and a substantial amount of my time and budget is spent fighting invasive plants in the fields. I support HB47. It's an important and necessary next step to inform customers by identifying invasive plants wherever they are sold. Unknowing people buy these plants, plant them on their property, and then the plants escape and spread well beyond their boundaries. The seeds are carried by wind and streams and animals, and they become a scourge on the landscape, pushing out valuable native plants and infiltrating pastures. These plants invade not only my fields but my woods, shading out and smothering seedlings and preventing valuable hardwood trees from growing. Invasive vines strangle the trees and kill them where they stand. Invasive plants are an expensive and extensive statewide problem, and we need statewide approaches like this one, informing consumers so they can make better decisions and help improve the conditions of lands all over the state. Please support HB47.

HB47 is a critical bill that needs to be passed to assist in protecting the native plants, animals & insects that rely on native plants to thrive and survive. Prohibiting the sale of non-native plants will significantly help and will reduce the number of invasive non-native plants that crowd out and take over our natural areas & resources. VA is being overrun with non-native invasives which will continue to be exacerbated with climate change and lack of public awareness if a prohibition is not enacted. Thank you for your consideration.

This bill is desperately needed, as many individuals have no idea that the plants they are choosing, and in fact which are being RECOMMENDED to them by nurseries, are causing havoc in our local ecosystems. A friend was relandscaping her backyard and specifically asked for no invasives, but when I came to see the work done, the nursery had used 2 plants on the DCR invasives list, in addition to one that is on the Arlington invasives list. In my neighborhood, the HOA is refusing to believe that English Ivy is a problem, despite it's inclusion on the invasives list. A sign with information at the nursery would be a huge help. We need to ban these invasives, but this is a good first step.

Invasive species present pressing environmental and economic harm to Virginia. Countless organizations and private citizens spend hours upon hours removing these species from public and private lands across the Commonwealth; as a Virginia Master Naturalist, I help with such removals in areas such as the James River Park System and Presquile Wildlife Refuge. Our efforts at removal are hampered by the continued sale and propagation of these species, especially landscaping favorites such as English Ivy. Many well-meaning homeowners unknowingly purchase these species for their yards, contributing to ongoing ecological harm. This bill will be a huge step forward in ensuring consumers and landowners are properly informed about the potential harm of these species before they purchase them. It would be a simple change for nurseries and stores that could have a huge impact on the proliferation of these species. Please act to mitigate the spread of invasive species in the Commonwealth.

Dear Representatives: I'm writing to urge you to support HB 47. This bill is extremely gentle compared to what is actually needed (a ban on selling invasive species at all). However, this bill offers a place to start. As a Virginia resident who has spent hours in the trenches fighting invasive species, I can assure you that these things are formidable and they're taking over our landscape. Once you learn to recognize them, you can see that they're everywhere. They are a grave threat to our ecosystems and our agricultural systems. Please support HB 47 and do what you can to eliminate future sales of invasive species in Virginia. Thank you. Margaret Moore Charlottesville, VA

As a landowner in Greene County, I regularly witness the harmful impact of invasive plants, easily accessible at retail outlets, spreading across neighboring properties. As a responsible land steward, I invest significant time and resources combating species like nandina, English Ivy, mahonia, periwinkle, and liriope, commonly sold in retail nurseries. Virginia’s state and local governments allocate millions annually to combat invasive plants. This proposed bill aims to empower customers with more information about their purchases and the danger those present to the environment.

I am in strong support of the enactment of HB47. As a rural land owner, I must devote considerable time, energy and cost to the removal and control of invasive species on my land. These invasives are spread by wind and wildlife activities from adjacent lands. This is a community problem that must be addressed by community action. I am also active in the management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and other heavily used public trails in Virginia. Control of invasive species is a growing challenge along these trail corridors. This is done by a combination of volunteer and paid staff labor. The current spread of invasives is greater than the resources available for their control. There is a sizable cost to the taxpayer to fund these control efforts which is much greater than the potential profit to the merchants who still engage in their sale. HB47 is a modest measure whose passage would result in informing prospective buyers of the nature of an invasive for sale, and of the resulting harm its planting could result in propagating and imposing on others. Its passage would promote a more healthy, sustainable landscape for our farmlands and forests, and would provide great economic benefit by reducing the costs of controlling invasive species that is now placed on the individual land owner and on local and state governments.

Please support passage of HB 47. As a landowner and steward of 10 acres in Greene County who spends many hours each month walking in natural and undeveloped areas I am seeing the devastation of ecosystems that is happening because of invasive plants sold at retail locations readily spread to neighboring properties. As a private land steward I am spending much time and money to control species such as nandina, English Ivy, mahonia, periwinkle and liriope that are sold presently to unsuspecting customers at almost all retail nurseries, and they have spread onto our property. State and local governments in Virginia spend millions of dollars annually to control invasive plants, as well. This bill will support the customer’s right to know about their purchase. Thank you for your work.

As an avid gardener and birder, I support legislation to minimize and/or stop sales of invasive species. I remove english ivy choking native trees and constituently weed new growth out. Porcelain berry vine is invading our HOA’s forested area and is going to be a continuous problem for years! We do NOT need continued sales of any invasive species. We need sales of our beautiful natives! Please pass this bill. It is a good start.

Rockfish Valley Foundation is a nonprofit organization located in Nelson county, specifically in the rockfish Valley south of Nellysford Virginia. our impact is throughout Nelson and beyond. We provide trails accessible to the public, a children’s nature park called Spruce Creek Park, and a natural history center. Mission in part is environmental literacy. We are implementing a trail grant from Virginia Department of conservation and recreation along the trails. It includes projects in collaboration with Blue Ridge prison and Virginia Department of forestry. We are currently working on several trail based education projects known as ENLIT modules Peter Agelasto Peter.agelasto@gmail.com 434 987 1165

We absolutely need this bill to be passed. Virginia is run amok with invasive plants leading to a long list of serious consequences. Whenever there is a chance to help prevent the spread of these, we must act immediately and urgently.

I support the passage of this bill.

Richmond Tree Stewards have spent years and countless volunteer hours helping to fight the spread of invasive plants and protect our urban canopy and forests in and along our city streets, parks and waterways. We strongly endorse this legislation and ask your support.

Please support HB 47. We are working very hard to restore the beauty and health of Virginia's natural landscape and environment. This bill will help the effort to educate the populace and thus strengthen Virginia's ecology (flora and fauna). It is a win for everyone: farmers, ranchers, hikers, bikers, leaf peepers, paddlers, climbers, hunters (natural plants help Virginia's wildlife thrive and procreate) gardeners, birders, naturalists, tourists and the future generations of Virginia.

Virginia agencies, individuals, and conservation organizations spend an estimated $1 billion per year and countless hours (https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/09/05/invasive-plants-have-spread-all-over-virginia-some-groups-say-that-needs-to-stop/) combating invasive plants that degrade Virginia's natural and public areas, as well as private and agricultural properties. But heaven forbid that the state should restrict the ability of landscapers, home improvement stores, etc., to make money selling invasive plants! Please support HB47 to at least inform consumers of the dangers of the plants they're looking at. And I would like to see the bill require landscaper designers to inform their clients of invasive plants they recommend.

This is critical to address. Invasive plants cause considerable environmental damage to native habitats, yet continue to be sold at garden centers. This action would provide educational opportunities to purchasers who may be unaware of the impacts of the plant(s) they are purchasing. This action will provide for a more informed purchase.

To whom it may concern, We wish to express our concern for invasive plants being sold at local plant stores, i.e. Lowes and ask for more legislation be made available to inhibit said stores from selling invasive plants to the general public. We are trying to educate our community on the dangers of invasive plants for our ecosystem and would ask for your support. We go to public areas to remove invasive plants as well as each other homes and need help in getting native plants integrated into our landscaping. Thank you for your time.

Please support HB47, Invasive plant species; requirements for retail sales. I am a homeowner who has spent many hours trying to eradicate Bradford pears planted by the previous owner. Even when the trees have been cut down, they sprout all over from the roots and are a terrible nuisance. When these trees spread to wild lands, they outcompete native trees needed to support native wildlife. I am also a volunteer who has spent many hours removing invasives on public lands. Invasive vines like English ivy can kill even mature trees, yet it is still being sold to people unaware of the damage it is going to ultimately cause in their landscape and the wider environment. Labeling invasive plants is the minimum that should be done to prevent consumers from spending their hard-earned money on plants that are going to cause damage and require many hours and dollars to eradicate.

Please support Delegate Seibold's HB 47. Most consumer products with a potential for harm carry warning labels. The harm invasive plants wreck on both agricultural and natural areas has been amply documented. Yet, English ivy, Asian wisterias, vinca, Japanese pachysandra, creeping jenny, exotic privets and viburnums, running bamboo, nandina, albizia, and more, and non-sterile species of burning bush, miscanthus grass, and Japanese barberry bush are mixed in with all the other non-harmful plants for sale leaving customers with no idea that their purchases could degrade natural habitats and cause economic damage. Clearly labeling all invasive plants at point of sale makes perfect sense.

Please support this bill! This bill is an important step to bringing awareness about invasive plants. Many people are not familiar with which plants are potentially invasive until it is too late. I have purchased and planted several invasive species without fully understanding the consequences of my actions. Now I am faced with a labor intensive task of trying to eradicate several invasive species on my property including bamboo, periwinkle and nandina. I have spent many hours volunteering in our county parks helping to cut invasive vines that threaten shade trees. Invasive plants are destructive! Nurseries need to clearly label these plants and offer alternatives. My local nursery manager told me that he has been able to increase his sales by offering native alternatives to invasive plant species.

I lead a consortium of 29 HOAs representing nearly 200,000 residents in Loudoun County (the Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance) who have come together to request support from our County government to tackle the issue of invasive plants in our communities. The Loudoun Board of Supervisors unanimously passed funding to scope the issue this past October. Invasive Plants are causing significant economic, health/safety and environmental damage in our communities. A huge cause of the issue is simply lack of awareness awareness at this point, with Virginians purchasing 1000's of invasives every day from nurseries as well as Big Box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's, and then planting them in their yards. At best, 1-5% of Virginia residents know what an invasive plant is. Passing this bill would be a game changer in Virginia. If residents recognize that a plant is an invasive and why that is bad, they will stop buying them. And retailers will then stop selling them, and switch over to the kinds of plants that support our Virginia economy, health and safety of our citizens, and support a healthy environment for generations of Virginians to come to enjoy.

I spend about 200 volunteer hours each year removing invasive plants in a state park near me and I make only a dent in a portion of the park. Invasive plants are major problem and this legislation will help people to be aware and therefore less likely to add to the problem.

Economic damages associated with invasive species in Virginia have been estimated at more than $100 billion each year. Invasive plant species also degrade local ecosystems and exacerbate other causes of habitat loss, threatening native species. A recent study has established that sales of invasive plants by nurseries play a large part in the spread of invasive plants. The average consumer is likely to be unaware of the dangers posed by invasive plant species. Requiring nurseries to appropriately label known invasive species gives consumers an important "heads up" that will allow them to make more knowledgeable choices.

Labeling of invasive plants being sold, will allow consumers to make an informed decision before they make a purchase. I walked along the James River yesterday where I observed that invasive plants are endemic. They crowd out natives and do not provide the food or habitat that meets the needs of native and local birds, insects or mammals. Many of these plants were introduced before the harms were known. We now know that our actions can impact areas outside the boundaries of our own gardens. Please consider requiring labeling of invasive plants so we as consumers can be better informed before making our plant purchases.

I am commenting on HB47 | Seibold | Invasive plant species; requirements for retail sales. As an avid gardener who is knowledgeable about native plants and invasive species, I believe this is a very important first step in controlling the further spread of invasive species and the damage they do to our environment. It is essential that all plants that are sold in the state that are invasive species be clearly designated as such on each individual plant for sale. Otherwise consumers have no way of knowing what they are buying.

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I am writing in support of HB84. I have a PhD in Ecology and Evolution and have been involved in freshwater conservation and research in Virginia and some other southeastern states. I am familiar with the operations of mines and the risks posed to local waterways. The people who live in the area need to be made aware of what is going on in the local community in a timely manner.

Appalachian Voices is in strong support of HB84. It is modeled after a recommendation from the 2002 NASEM large-scale gold mining study, a report the General Assembly commissioned. The report flagged a specific concern of potential environmental impacts from exploratory drilling and also made a recommendation that public engagement be increased. This bill is also from direct concerns expressed by community members who live near current exploratory drilling sites, who are concerned about their private drinking wells and property values. This is a narrow, commonsense approach to provide a minimal notice to adjoining properties and local governing bodies that exploratory drilling will occur. Of note, it does not prohibit the activity in any way.

Comments Document

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters encourages you to SUPPORT HB84, HB85, and HB309 HB84 (Simonds) Mineral mining and exploration; public notification. HB 84 would require companies conducting exploratory drilling to provide notice to local government and nearby neighbors 15 days prior to drilling taking place. Reasons to SUPPORT HB84 -- Notification would inform local governments and neighbors of mining activity that could impact groundwater levels, water quality & property values. -- This would allow localities or neighbors to make mining companies aware of any unique local considerations the company should be aware of prior to drilling occurring. HB85 (Simonds) Mineral mining and exploration; public notification. HB85 would prohibit the use of cyanide in mineral mining. Response to recommendations made by the National Academy of Sciences Engineering and Medicine that found "Virginia's regulations are insufficient to protect against the potential impacts of gold mining." Reasons to SUPPORT HB85: -- Negative ground and surface water impacts are more likely to occur with the use of cyanide processing. -- Cyanide spills can ruin drinking water, destroy ecosystems and cause massive fish kills. HB 309 (Hope) Forest Conservation Plan; Department of Forestry to develop. HB309 would: Establish the Forest Conservation Act. Requests that the Department of Forestry assess the health of Virginia’s forests, determine how many acres are healthy and how many acres are at risk and why. The primary interest of this act are areas adjacent to streams or wetlands, those on steep or erodible soils or those within or adjacent to large contiguous blocks of forest or wildlife corridors. Reasons to SUPPORT HB85: -- A baseline assessment would the state to identify trends and consider programs and funding to ensure Virginia protects its natural resources. -- Virginia continues to lose tree canopy, including intact forests. -- Forest loss hinders the state’s ability to improve water quality, reduce flooding and mitigate the impacts of climate change. -- Intact forests not only provide habitat for wildlife, but also act as sponges, filtering water and slowing runoff into our streams, reducing erosion and sediment in our waterways.

Testimony in SUPPORT of HB 84 and HB 85 Christopher G. Miller President The Piedmont Environmental Council Warrenton, Virginia Chair Tran and Members of the Subcommittee, The Piedmont Environmental Council, incorporated in Virginia in 1972, has a mission to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of HB84 and HB85, both of which address critical issues in metals mining in the Commonwealth. With the increased demand globally for many rare minerals and metals for electronics, batteries and many other emerging technologies, Virginia can reasonably expect an increase in prospecting and investment in minerals mining. In 2022, a study of Virginia’s regulation of metals mining by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Health found, "Virginia's regulations are insufficient to protect against the potential impacts of gold mining." Improving the regulatory oversight of minerals prospecting and certain mining practices is essential to protect both groundwater and surface water resources across the Commonwealth. PEC is particularly wary of the impact a return to metal mining operations could have on adjacent and downstream communities. Because metal deposits span the state, numerous watersheds would be affected, including the Chesapeake Bay. In our region, the eastern edges of Orange, Fauquier and Culpeper counties (located in the gold-pyrite belt) are most likely to be targeted for new proposals. Parts of the Piedmont region of Virginia have been sites for significant metals mining, including historically significant gold mining, over hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the legacy of those historic mining operations includes significant unreclaimed mine sites, with unremediated waste materials including cyanide contamination, some of which threatens groundwater and surface waters to this day. Please see the location of former mines on this mapping tool. HB84 provides notice to communities and adjacent landowners of mineral prospecting, an activity which has the potential to affect groundwater and surface waters beyond the property boundaries. The notice requirement is similar to that which would be required for any other significant land use change, including a rezoning or a special use permit. Given the scope and scale of long term impacts associated with metals mining, it is reasonable to provide that notice to local governments and adjacent and nearby landowners. HB85, recognizing the specific threat of contamination from cyanide used in mineral processing, bans the use in mining operations in Virginia. Please vote to support HB84 and HB85.

Comments Document

Please accept the attached comments for review concerning HB 84. Thank you.

I am a potentially impacted community member, and I ask that you vote in support of this bill. As a landowner, I deserve to know if nearby lands are being used in a way that will impact my land.

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I am writing in support of HB85. I have a PhD in Ecology and Evolution and have been involved in freshwater conservation and research in Virginia and some other southeastern states. I am familiar with the operations of the Haile Mine in South Carolina and am aware that pollution from cyanide and other harmful chemicals from the mine is one of the major threats to biodiversity in the area. If our sensitive aquatic organisms are at risk, the water is also not safe for humans in the area. Much of the mineral mining proposed in Virginia is in the James River watershed which supplies drinking water to more than half of the population of Virginia. Please pass HB85 and make mineral mining safer for both humans and wildlife.

Appalachian Voices is a strong supporter of HB85 and respectfully asks for your support. Potential cyanide contamination from mineral mining and processing is a major and avoidable threat to Va waterways. Specifically at risk is the James River watershed, the James River which supplies drinking water for millions and any downstream communities. This is a commonsense approach to avoid a processing material which can harm Virginians. Of note, and as confirmed in subcommittee testimony by the Department of Energy, there are other ways to process gold which do not involve cyanide.

Comments Document

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters encourages you to SUPPORT HB84, HB85, and HB309 HB84 (Simonds) Mineral mining and exploration; public notification. HB 84 would require companies conducting exploratory drilling to provide notice to local government and nearby neighbors 15 days prior to drilling taking place. Reasons to SUPPORT HB84 -- Notification would inform local governments and neighbors of mining activity that could impact groundwater levels, water quality & property values. -- This would allow localities or neighbors to make mining companies aware of any unique local considerations the company should be aware of prior to drilling occurring. HB85 (Simonds) Mineral mining and exploration; public notification. HB85 would prohibit the use of cyanide in mineral mining. Response to recommendations made by the National Academy of Sciences Engineering and Medicine that found "Virginia's regulations are insufficient to protect against the potential impacts of gold mining." Reasons to SUPPORT HB85: -- Negative ground and surface water impacts are more likely to occur with the use of cyanide processing. -- Cyanide spills can ruin drinking water, destroy ecosystems and cause massive fish kills. HB 309 (Hope) Forest Conservation Plan; Department of Forestry to develop. HB309 would: Establish the Forest Conservation Act. Requests that the Department of Forestry assess the health of Virginia’s forests, determine how many acres are healthy and how many acres are at risk and why. The primary interest of this act are areas adjacent to streams or wetlands, those on steep or erodible soils or those within or adjacent to large contiguous blocks of forest or wildlife corridors. Reasons to SUPPORT HB85: -- A baseline assessment would the state to identify trends and consider programs and funding to ensure Virginia protects its natural resources. -- Virginia continues to lose tree canopy, including intact forests. -- Forest loss hinders the state’s ability to improve water quality, reduce flooding and mitigate the impacts of climate change. -- Intact forests not only provide habitat for wildlife, but also act as sponges, filtering water and slowing runoff into our streams, reducing erosion and sediment in our waterways.

Testimony in SUPPORT of HB 84 and HB 85 Christopher G. Miller President The Piedmont Environmental Council Warrenton, Virginia Chair Tran and Members of the Subcommittee, The Piedmont Environmental Council, incorporated in Virginia in 1972, has a mission to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of HB84 and HB85, both of which address critical issues in metals mining in the Commonwealth. With the increased demand globally for many rare minerals and metals for electronics, batteries and many other emerging technologies, Virginia can reasonably expect an increase in prospecting and investment in minerals mining. In 2022, a study of Virginia’s regulation of metals mining by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Health found, "Virginia's regulations are insufficient to protect against the potential impacts of gold mining." Improving the regulatory oversight of minerals prospecting and certain mining practices is essential to protect both groundwater and surface water resources across the Commonwealth. PEC is particularly wary of the impact a return to metal mining operations could have on adjacent and downstream communities. Because metal deposits span the state, numerous watersheds would be affected, including the Chesapeake Bay. In our region, the eastern edges of Orange, Fauquier and Culpeper counties (located in the gold-pyrite belt) are most likely to be targeted for new proposals. Parts of the Piedmont region of Virginia have been sites for significant metals mining, including historically significant gold mining, over hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the legacy of those historic mining operations includes significant unreclaimed mine sites, with unremediated waste materials including cyanide contamination, some of which threatens groundwater and surface waters to this day. Please see the location of former mines on this mapping tool. HB84 provides notice to communities and adjacent landowners of mineral prospecting, an activity which has the potential to affect groundwater and surface waters beyond the property boundaries. The notice requirement is similar to that which would be required for any other significant land use change, including a rezoning or a special use permit. Given the scope and scale of long term impacts associated with metals mining, it is reasonable to provide that notice to local governments and adjacent and nearby landowners. HB85, recognizing the specific threat of contamination from cyanide used in mineral processing, bans the use in mining operations in Virginia. Please vote to support HB84 and HB85.

As a potentially impacted community member, I ask that you please vote in support of this bill, which would help protect all Virginians from harmful impacts of cyanide use.

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HB122: I would like to say that I do not support this bill in any way, shape or form. I am worried that such a bill would lead to the unfair destruction and/or euthanasia of many free roaming outdoor cats. We would be better served by requiring spay/neuter of pets. Thank you

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The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) is a private nonprofit association of 47 soil and water conservation districts in Virginia. The Association provides and promotes leadership in the conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs. It coordinates conservation efforts statewide to focus effectively on issues identified by local member districts. Our mission is to serve and strengthen soil and water conservation districts in the stewardship of natural resources. At our December 2022 annual meeting, the Association unanimously expressed support for legislation to remove any incentives to convert forest and prime agricultural lands into solar industrial facilities, but instead provide incentives for such solar facilities to be developed on brownfields and on existing residential and commercial structures, where they can contribute to greenhouse gas emission reduction without impairing environmental quality in the Commonwealth. In 2016, the US Department of Energy estimated that 30% of what was then Virginia's electricity demand could be satisfied by rooftop solar, but that was 8 years ago, Virginia's demand for energy has changed dramatically since then, as have both the federal and state statutory and regulatory framework affecting renewable energy. We need the reliable current Virginia information that will be provided by this bill. In December 2022, Time magazine estimated that 33% of the national demand for electricity could be met by putting solar panels over parking lots, but we don't have any information specific to Virginia. We have no idea what the solar energy development potential is for brownfields in Virginia, including old industrial and coal mining areas, but these lands could be very helpful in both meeting our renewable energy needs and in revitalizing communities. HB 198 would help us understand this potential. To better conserve our open space and natural resources we need to understand how we can provide incentives to install solar in locations that will not damage our environment or harm Virginia's agriculture. The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts therefore strongly supports HB 198 patroned by Delegate Krizek. We believe HB 198 takes a positive step to address the many problems posed by the ongoing loss of forest and prime farmland to industrial utility scale solar development across the Commonwealth. We urge its prompt passage.

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I'm Heath, Founder of CaseConnector.io. We're experiencing an overflow of cases from our Client Acquisition Program and see a potential fit with your firm's expertise. Let's discuss further? Reach out at https://caseconnectors.com or my personal email heathd@caseconnector.io Best, Heath Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathdonald

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I'm Heath, Founder of CaseConnector.io. We're experiencing an overflow of cases from our Client Acquisition Program and see a potential fit with your firm's expertise. Let's discuss further? Reach out at https://caseconnectors.com or my personal email heathd@caseconnector.io Best, Heath Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathdonald

Comments Document

I have sent each of you emails with information on HB891 and HB1312. This is the year we hope DCR Conservation officers finally obtain VaLORS. My husband and I, along with the Virginia Association for Parks, have advocated for many years and have been to testify many times for this benefit. It looks like these bills are not up for discussion today. Please have your legislative staff check the email, with attachments. Grateful for your service, Bonnie Klakowicz

Strongly support this legislation. We need regulations that encourage and guide nurseries to carefully curate the inventory they offer to everyday customers who typically don't understand the importance their plant choices have. Quantifiable costs of treating, managing, and remediating non-native invasive plant populations are astounding. Qualifiable costs (damage to ecosystems, fragmentation of habitat, starvation of plants and animals that count on co-evolved native plants for sustenance and shelter, unintended toxicity of the herbicides that are used to remediate invasive plants, etc.) are even more alarming. This is a smart and useful thing the government can do to actionably help the environment.

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I'm Heath, Founder of CaseConnector.io. We're experiencing an overflow of cases from our Client Acquisition Program and see a potential fit with your firm's expertise. Let's discuss further? Reach out at https://caseconnectors.com or my personal email heathd@caseconnector.io Best, Heath Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathdonald

HB320 Pesticide control exemptions - This bill should become law. Volunteers can play an important role in an overall strategy to control invasive plants on public land, but their effectiveness is greatly curtailed if they are unable to apply herbicides. Supervised and limited use of herbicides will increase volunteer effectiveness by avoiding repeating the same work year after year.

HB320 please support & pass. As stated in previous comment, this would allow volunteers with training and oversight by govt entity to use unrestricted herbicides through spot treatments of invasives. Ironically these products and limited use are sold to consumers with zero Virginia restrictions for use on their private property. This bill would allow use on public lands but only with training and guidance by the local entity. Industry complaints about this bill fail to recognize the limited products and use involved here.

As a geologist, Invasive Management Areas site leader, and Oakton resident, I support bills HB1000, HB1056, HB1085, HB1100, HB1449, HB1520, HB320, and HB524. These bills will improve the way we understand and and live in harmony with nature by encouraging research partnerships, avoiding the harm of pollution, invasive plants, and pipelines, and encouraging the preservation and protection of valuable ecosystems.

I support this bill. As a person passionately devoted to saving trees and our eco system, I recognize that herbicides are critical for the eradication of some invasive species. I think agencies or non-profits could provide safety training to ensure that volunteers use these products safely-just as the NPS requires volunteers to be trained before they can cut down invasive species on park land.

I support this bill. As a person passionately devoted to saving trees and our eco system, I recognize that herbicides are critical for the eradication of some invasive species. I think agencies or non-profits could provide safety training to ensure that volunteers use these products safely-just as the NPS requires volunteers to be trained before they can cut down invasive species on park land.

I support bill HB320 along with the support of Friends of the Accotink. While I am in general leery of chemical pesticides the reality is that certain invasive species have such extensive root systems and virulence of growth/regrowth that herbicides are an effective necessity ideally in limited forms such paint herbicide application to high virulence. Asian Wisteria Porcelain berry vine, mature Asian honeysuckles are all examples of plants that take over and become extremely challenging to remove if it is possible at all.

I SUPPORT HB223, HB320, and HB47. (I declared support for HB221 to curb outdoor and feral cats in another comment.) I only wish HB47 could go farther and place an outright ban on the sale of invasive plants. I am appalled that it isn't already the law that someone convicted of animal cruelty is barred from ever owning a pet in the future. Let's fix that post haste! And HB320 is important to pass because we need to get rid of invasive species - they are causing tremendous damage to our native flora and fauna. (As are free-roaming cats, hence my support for HB221.)

Friends of Accotink Creek supports HB 320. Allowing volunteers apply best practices for controlling invasive vines (painting herbicide on freshly cut stumps/roots) will allow them to do the job properly. Just cutting the vines is a waste of time. Uprooting vines on a regular basis risks serious back injury to volunteers. Some infestations like lesser celandine and ailanthus trees can ONLY be controlled by herbicides. Virginia hasn't the funds to pay herbicide crews to treat all its invasive-infested areas. The slack will have to picked up by volunteers.

Invasive plants are destroying Virginia's natural places, proliferating in parks and along roadsides. They destroy native habitat and infrastructure and cost Virginians millions to manage. It is essential to create a sizable volunteer force to increase our response to controlling invasive plants. We need to enable volunteers to use herbicide to address this problem in the commonwealth. By changing the regulations to allow any unpaid volunteer with the authority of a local political subdivision and properly designated instruction to treat invasives, we can begin to make a dent in this problem. I have first hand experience working with volunteer groups on private land, who when properly trained can be a powerful force in land management. It is a cost-effective and common sense approach.

HB47 Please support this bill. Invasive plants should not be available for sale in Virginia nurseries. Our state government has estimated that invasive plants are costing Virginia's economy upwards of $1 billion per year. I walk around our neighborhood clipping English Ivy off of trees as these invasive vines slowly kill trees. Much of the general public, landscapers and nurseries are ignorant about the cost of invasive plants. They spread and over take our landscape destroying habitat and food for our birds, pollinators and other wildlife. HB320 Please support this bill which would allow the many volunteers that are tackling the invasives problem to do an effective job in eliminating them once and for all by using herbicides. HB316 Please support this bill so we can move to a circular economy. We need a recycling vision and facilities so that Virginians can keep plastic out of the ocean, re-use glass, paper and aluminum. Business opportunities exist at the local levels. Food waste and compostable packaging need a digester. Plastics can be recycled into toys and other consumer products. There should be no single use products that pollute our land and our oceans. Without commitment this won't happen. HB245 Please support this bill and let's see what chemical companies are dumping into our environment. PFAs are dangerous and are accumulating in all of our bodies. They are everywhere. We need to stop and protect ourselves and our children. The toxic chemicals surround us and we allow the chemical companies to dupe us into thinking that they are safe.

Comments Document

Our industry is opposed to allowing unlicensed and non-certified persons apply pesticides. Our industry works very hard to ensure persons train for at least 40 hours and pass VDACS' examinations before they apply these products. While House Bill 320 addresses a real need, the proliferation of invasive plants, allowing volunteers to apply pesticides is the wrong solution and is an insult to businesses who diligently train employees to become certified, attend additional training every two years, and are constantly monitored by VDACS. That licensing, training, and monitoring ensures pesticides are applied properly, without harm to the environment, the applicator, and anyone else who might be exposed to the pesticide. Safety, calibration, application procedures, and prevention of spills are just four components of proper pesticide usage - licensed applicators undergo extensive training in those and other vital areas. Attached is a letter we sent to Liza Fleeson Trossbach, Program Manager of the Office of Pesticide Services, expressing our concerns regarding allowing unlicensed volunteers to apply pesticides. Thank you for your consideration, Tom Tracy, PhD mobile (757-681-6065)

Please support HB320! Invasive plants are over-running the natural areas of the Commonwealth. Volunteers are necessary to push back this scourge, which harms biodiversity today and ruins the future of our parks. Volunteers can be made much more effective by permitting controlled usage of herbicides in certain circumstances. HB320 has great personal interest to me. I work with the National Park Service in a very similar fashion, as a volunteer but permitted to utilize herbicides in certain circumstances. As a result of this permission, I am much more effective in removing the invasive plant damage that is occurring every day in natural areas near my home. Doing so improves my motivation and enthusiasm to volunteer as I see my efforts are not wasted. I spend close to 500 hours a year removing invasives and am making a material difference in the health of natural areas. The ability to use herbicides as a volunteer, in this bill, is not unlimited. Park authorities would get to choose who and how any volunteer could operate. In other words, the bill does not create a right to go use herbicides – it only allows local authorities to leverage volunteers to assist in protecting our threatened natural resources. No local authorities have enough resources to protect their natural areas without leveraging volunteers and this bill could improve the effectiveness of volunteers.

I am a "Tree Rescuer" -- a volunteer who removes invasive vines in order to save our beautiful trees and tree canopy. It is very discouraging to see a tree that one "saved" by manual removal of English Ivy, only to have it come back the next year. We need a permanent solution to remove these invasive vines - we cannot continue to come back to the same trees year after year AND rescue new ones each year. Herbicides can be safely applied by trained volunteers. This is the only way we can start to permanently remove some of these invasive species; otherwise, it is a losing battle.

Please approve HB320 to allow unpaid volunteers to apply herbicide. Invasive plants, trees & vines are devastating our natural environment. Tireless volunteers spend thousands of hours a year manually removing invasive plants but many invasives come back a few months later. Training volunteer site leaders to apply herbicides to invasives in specific ways could have an enormous, long-term impact on stopping their spread.

Please support HB320. It is extremely important to allow volunteers to be able to utilize herbicides when they are trying to help remove invasive plant species. While there are some invasive plants that can be managed by manual or mechanical means alone, There are may species — such as Tree of Heaven, Japanese knotweed, and Asian wisteria — that cannot be successfully controlled without the use of appropriate herbicides. And there are simply not enough paid personnel to manage the volume of these invasive plants that we are dealing with in the Commonwealth. Our state government has estimated that invasive plants are costing Virginia's economy upwards of $1 billion per year. Please allow unpaid volunteers to help remove invasive plants in the most effective way possible. Thank you for your consideration.

Please support HB320. It's super important for managing invasive plants in municipal and regional parks. I know this from years of experience leading volunteers to manage plants like English ivy, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, and other invasive plants that cannot be easily managed without herbicides. We volunteers are currently heavily reliant on our jurisdiction staff partners, for example, to apply small amounts of herbicide to stumps that volunteers have cut, so the plant doesn't grow back. But our local jurisdictions often aren't able to provide enough herbicide support. If we were able to train and apply herbicides in small quantities, responsibly, ourselves, this would allow our volunteer work to be much more effective without costing our jurisdiction partners much at all. Under Virginia law, private property owners may use unrestricted herbicides on their own properties without VDACS pesticide certification. HB320 simply extends this exemption to municipalities, authorizing them to design and implement a volunteer invasive plant control program, to treat natural areas on their properties that otherwise will not get treated for lack of resources. The safety, training, and liability components of the program would be the responsibility of the municipality. There are no contractors or municipal parks staff doing this work that volunteers would displace.

I am in favor of this bill. I run an invasive plant removal group in Fairfax County. We are not able to keep up with the invasive plants by only cutting. Park personnel do not have enough time to apply pesticides often enough to make significant progress against invasive plants. We need as many options as possible to combat invasive plants.

HB 320. Each day I see negative impacts caused by nonnative invasive plants on our forests and watersheds. That’s why I volunteer my time as a Tree Rescuer clipping vines from native trees. But we need ability to responsibly use unrestricted pesticides so we can “stump treat” a small dab of herbicide on certain vines, killing the roots as well. Please vote for and support HB320.

Please vote yes to HB 320 to allow regular volunteers (under the supervison the of the particular park authority) use herbicides on public lands to help the state fight infestations of invasive plants. Parks don't have the funds to hire the numbers of licensed herbicide professionals needed for the scale of the problem. I speak as a volunteer who removes invasives in a local park where we cut and recut the same same old vines and bushes over and over again. Herbicides would be much more effective -and safer for us than risking back injury yanking out massive roots. Sometimes this kind of work is done by teenagers with community service hours to do. They sign in and are handed sharp dangerous tools like pick axes. If this is considered safe, why fret about giving volunteers small spray or sponge bottles of herbicide?

I am writing to support legislation for cities to be able to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, instead of it having to be a state regulation. The Mayor and City Council in Alexandria, as well as many concerned citizens would like to be able to use electric-powered leaf blowers only. As you know, Alexandria is one of the most densely populated cities in the country, and we are almost constantly assaulted by the sound of gas-powered leaf blowers three seasons of the year. And the effects of the gas on the environment are harmful. This is one more thing we can do to help our ailing planet.

I have been a member of blue ridge prism and manage a 1600 acre farm in loudoun county VA. Herbicide is an essential tool to managing invasive species, and with proper training, can make a significant impact to win the war on invasive plants. I fully support the use of herbicides and volunteers are a crucial piece to the puzzle. Please empower these volunteers so they can help make a difference!

Blue Ridge PRISM's is a public charity dedicated to reducing the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystems of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas through regional and statewide advocacy, landowner support, implementing control measures, and public education. Blue Ridge PRISM supports HB 320 which critical to developing a skilled volunteer workforce to assist public land managers to care for city/county/state parks, forests, and natural areas.

Please vote yes for Delegate Bulova's HB320. Virginia has about 3.7 million acres of public lands. Very little of it (from what I've seen) is free from tree-killing vines or other invasive vegetation. The same for thousands of miles of our roadsides. Either taxpayers fork out for herbicide crews where needed, or we allow volunteers do the job. The first option would likely cost billions. The second, next to nothing. Here Virginia might learn from the state of Illinois which in 2010 amended its pesticide law to allow volunteers with at least one hour of safety training apply pre-mixed consumer-grade herbicides on public lands to control invasive plants. Much of these applications consist of daubing freshly cut vines or stumps with product from 4 oz, non-spill, sponge bottles. This method is safe, economical, and eliminates overspray.(For more info, contact the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Illinois.)

Please support this bill. I have spent hundreds of volunteer hours on public lands cutting and snipping invasive plants. The impact of these actions are only temporary, if the plants are not uprooted or killed with the use of herbicide. It is very difficult to eradicate established invasive vines and shrubs without the help of herbicides. In order to apply herbicides, certification is required. To become a certified applicator, one must learn about all chemical pesticides and train under a certified commercial applicator. This is big barrier for even the most committed volunteer. This bill would make it easier take advantage of willing and eager volunteers to help battle the invasive vines and shrubs threatening our forests and natural landscapes.

Please approve HB320: Pesticide control exemptions; herbicide applications by unpaid volunteers. It may be confusing at first glance, what this will do is allow the severely cash-strapped managers of public lands to take advantage of the volunteer pool that is already accessible to the owners of other spaces such as HOA common land. It does not force them to do it, but if they choose to do so, they can write in as many rules as they like to satisfy any concerns about safety and liability. As it is, our natural areas continue to degrade under the onslaught of invasive non-native plants. The volunteer workforce toils away trying to control many of these plants only to have them pop right up again a few months later. You can only imagine how frustrating it is to watch infestations of tree-killing vines steadily spread despite all our hard work. A program that trains selected volunteers to apply herbicide in carefully delineated ways would vastly increase their contribution to the overall effort to save our trees and our natural areas from going completely to pot, which is what is happening now.

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Friends of the Rappahannock supports the passage of HB406 as water intakes present a serious threat to fish populations and their full impacts are not currently understood.

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On behalf of the Charlottesville City Council, we are in full support of HB1100. The legislation would give us critical tools to protect and expand our tree canopy and natural environment

Dear Members of the Committee, As one of your constituents, I wanted to convey my support for the many tree related bills in front of the committee. These specific Bills will allow localities to more effectively conserve existing trees and maintain newly planted trees. Conserving and increasing Virginia’s tree canopy is critical not only because trees are beautiful, but because they also provide the following crucial benefits: - Reduce flooding - Stormwater runoff reduction - Less heat islands, which leads to reduced energy costs and healthier citizens - Improve air quality and reduce air pollution - Sequester carbon All of these benefits create a win – win – win by helping the environment, improving human health, and providing cost effective positive economic impacts. I hope that you all recognize the critical benefits that trees provide across the state of Virginia and that you will support these bills. Sincerely, Winston Bibee

Comments Document

I am Denise Mosca, a constituent of Keith Hodges in Gloucester County, living at 6977 Ark Road. Please allow HB 529 and HB1100 to pass out of committee to be considered by the House. Because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, localities need to be granted the flexibility to manage trees specific to their local planning and individual stormwater response. In a 2020 study Virginia Dept. of Forestry VADOF estimated that Virginia is currently losing 14,000 acres annually to land conversion. From 2014 to 2018 Gloucester County has experienced a net loss of 217 acres of tree cover. The 2020 VADOF study delineated the following benefits of trees (see attachment): Trees are a low cost option to provide resilience. Keeping healthy, mature trees on site costs far less than taxpayer-funded programs to construct “hard” storm water infrastructure. HB 529 and HB1100 are local option bills; they provide the freedom to the locality to enact the provisions or not. There is a site specific clause for deviation in HB 529 to address hardship of the developer provided that neighborhood stormwater management and tree preservation goals are considered. Fairfax County has adopted this ordinance package as of 2009 and it has neither slowed nor hindered development or stifled affordable housing initiatives. Virginia has already delegated authority to the localities to implement stormwater plans that make the most sense for their circumstances. Please allow localities the low cost options to maintain and increase tree cover for their stormwater planning and all the benefits that trees provide for Virginia.

Land development is VA is massive business, and despite existing measures our tree canopy is shrinking in the name of gigantic mcmansions and invasive English grass lawns. Tree canopy preservation in every district should have tighter regulations to stop the decimation of our tree canopy.

As a geologist, Invasive Management Areas site leader, and Oakton resident, I support bills HB1000, HB1056, HB1085, HB1100, HB1449, HB1520, HB320, and HB524. These bills will improve the way we understand and and live in harmony with nature by encouraging research partnerships, avoiding the harm of pollution, invasive plants, and pipelines, and encouraging the preservation and protection of valuable ecosystems.