B.24. VIRGINIA INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 
B.24.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF VIRGINIA’S PLAN 
The Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan includes a significant focus on aquatic 
invasive species (AIS). In accordance with the Virginia Invasive Species Act of 2003, the 
Management Plan was written by the Virginia Invasive Species Council in cooperation with the 
Council’s Advisory Committee in 2005 (available at 
http://www.anstaskforce.gov/State%20Plans/VISMP-fmal.pdf ). The Management Plan outlines 
seven goals to (1) coordinate efforts; (2) prevent introductions; (3) strengthen and support an 
early detection network; (4) develop rapid response capabilities; (5) control established invasive 
species; (6) support or conduct research and risk assessments; and (7) provide information. 
Under each goal, the Management Plan identifies strategies and needed actions. An 
implementation table outlines responsible and cooperating agencies, time frames, and costs of 
planned efforts. 
B.24.2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN VIRGINIA 
Temperatures in Virginia are expected to increase by 3 to 4°F (1.6 to 2.2°), depending on 
the season. With warmer temperatures, there will be less snow and more rain in the winter and 
more evaporation in the summer, which may lead to lower stream flows and groundwater levels. 
Algae and eutrophication may become more prevalent as waters warm. Increased precipitation 
may increase flooding and run-off, which can lower oxygen levels and alter species composition. 
Sea level rise could also result in habitat loss and salt water intrusion (Moore et al., 1997). 
Warmer water temperatures could facilitate the establishment and spread of AIS. For 
example, the tropical plant hydrilla, found in five counties in central and eastern Virginia, may 
spread into more western parts of the state as temperatures rise (NRCS, 2007). Other species 
that are found further south could also migrate to Virginia and successfully overwinter as air and 
water temperatures increase. Additionally, AIS that have a wider tolerance for environmental 
conditions, such as the northern snakehead, may out-compete native fish species and become 
more widespread if water chemistry and temperatures are influenced by climate change. 
B.24.3. THE VIRGINIA PLAN’S CURRENT INTEGRATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE 
Table B-23 summarizes how the Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan addresses 
and incorporates the projected effects of climate change. The Management Plan recognizes that 
climate changes may cause currently non-invasive but non-native species to become invasive. 
The Plan also recognizes that species adapt to changing conditions. However, the Plan does not 
address climate change effects on its management actions. 
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