Invasive Plant Removal Program Approved By Loudoun County Supervisors

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — After a pilot program, Loudoun County is ready to launch a permanent program to address the spread of invasive plant species.

Last week, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved the Invasive Plant Species Management Program, which will focus on awareness and removal of invasive plant species that hurt the local economy and ecosystems. The program will begin in the fall and be led by the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District. In January, the board had approved $2 million from the fiscal year 2024 fund balance for the invasive plant removal program, which includes an estimated $291,000 for staffing and operational costs.

Under the program, eligible landowners will receive funding and guidance to carry out invasive plant removal projects and provide knowledge to residents on identifying and removing invasive plants. Participants will monitor and maintain the project areas for a three-year funding period.

Property owners who own land parcels in Loudoun County will be eligible to apply. They must commit to maintaining the project for the three-year period. Property owners can check back on the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District website for information on applying in the fall.

Separate from the program for property owners, Loudoun County's Parks, Recreation and Community Services are planning large-scale invasive removals, according to board meeting documents.

According to the county government, there are at least 30 invasive plant species found in Virginia's Piedmont region. Some of the common invasive species found in Loudoun County are the Autumn Olive, Bradford Pear, Chinese Privet, English Ivy, Garlic Mustard, Japanese Barberry, Japanese Honeysuckle, Japanese Stiltgrass, Sericea Lespedeza and Tree-of-Heaven.

Invasive plants can take over space from native plants and cause other negative impacts. According to the Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance, one example is the Bradford Pear, also known as the Callery Pear due to its weak wood structure posing a greater risk of falling during storms. Another example is the invasive Tree-of-Heaven, which is the preferred host of the invasive spotted lanternfly. The insect in turn poses a risk to agricultural industries like vineyards and orchards.

In the last three years, the county has been working with partners like the Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance, Blue Ridge Prism, Virginia Cooperative Extension – Loudoun and the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District to assess pilot projects and develop a permanent program. The fall 2024 pilot program provided funds for invasive plant removal to the Aldie Estates, Brookmeade, Church Mills, Countryside and One Loudoun homeowners associations plus the Flora and Fauna Farmstead in Lovettsville.