I appreciate and applaud the approach DCR has taken to address the requests from VNLA, Nature Conservancy and others that the process of identifying plants as invasive, and the further step of nominating a plant for regulation, that is, terming it noxious, be a science based assessment of the risks posed by these plants.

I do not support local regulation of different plants in different parts of the commonwealth.  I do support a memorandum of understanding between the agencies to use the risk assessment protocol, early detection methods,the invasive species advisory and working groups, and the noxious weed regulations now in effect to make a consistent targeted effort at communication and education regarding plants deemed noxious, where limited but concerted state and local resources can be focused on control and eradication.