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Virginia
What invasive species are there in Virginia?
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has created a list of invasive species in Virginia that people should be aware of.
The DCR has compiled a list of invasive species that can be found in Virginia. An invasive species is a plant, animal or pathogen that can harm the environment because they are non-native to the area. These species are not needed in our ecosystem in order for it to thrive, it’s more important to protect the native species of Virginia.
1. Feral swine
Feral swine, also known as wild pigs, wild hogs or boars, originates from Europe. They were brought to the states by settlers and were used for food. Now, feral swine disrupt the ecosystem by damaging people’s crops, uprooting trees and wallowing in wetlands.
2. Northern snakehead
The northern snakehead is a type of fish that originates from Asia, more specifically, China, Russia and Korea. It’s predicted that they were introduced to America by fishermen for people who own exotic fish. This fish can lay up to 75,000 eggs a year and are fierce protectors of their nests.
3. Spotted lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly originates from China and Vietnam. They are an essential pollinator in Asia and wasps keep their population low. In the United States, they do not have any predators which makes their numbers grow. The spotted lanternfly is dangerous to our crops and native trees.
4. Tree-of-heaven
The tree-of-heaven can grow up to 80 feet tall. The plant can grow quickly and release its seeds into the wind. It was brought to the United States as a decorative plant but the tree-of-heaven releases chemicals that can reduce the growth of plants around it.
5. Wavyleaf grass
Wavyleaf grass growth can become dense, this can cause seedlings on the forest ground to have restricted sunlight which disrupts their growth. This grass can spread by attaching itself to people or animals, so it is important to be aware if one has attached itself to you.
6. Bradford pear tree
Bradford pear trees, also known as Callery pear or ornamental pear, received this name because its shape perfectly resembles a pear. These trees are planted into people’s yards because of their gorgeous flowers and ability to grow quickly. However, the Bradford pear tree can spread its seeds effortlessly and they can restrict native trees by taking over areas.
7. Two-horned trapa
The two-horned trapa originates from Japan and East Asia. It has the ability to cover bodies of water which blocks the sunlight and harms the ecosystem. Water that is covered by two-horned trapa becomes unusable for recreational activities like boating and fishing.
8. Imported fire ant
The imported fire ant originates from South America it was accidentally introduced to the United States during the 1930s. It is harmful to crops and smaller animals by using its painful stinger.
9. Emerald ash borer
The emerald ash borer is a beetle with a metallic-green look to it that harms the Virginia native ash tree. These trees do not have a natural defense, so it’s important to protect them from emerald ash borers and other species that can harm them. When buying firewood, it’s important to buy it close to where you’ll burn it. This helps prevent the spread of these invasive species.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In this world of college football, with the transfer portal and recruiting battles, bad blood is present more than ever before between head coaches.
That’s not the case between the Virginia Tech head coach and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, however. In fact, Franklin revealed at ACC Kickoff on Thursday that the two are actually close friends, dating back to their time at the Nike trip that various coaches take over the summer.
“Dabo’s my guy,” Franklin said on Thursday. “We go way back. We’ve been on the Nike trip for a long time. His wife and my wife are friends.”
The long-time Penn State head coach is making the move to the ACC after being fired from the Nittany Lions in October. 12 seasons of being with the program had Franklin hold a 44-21 record against top 10 opponents, an impressive record for a new conference foe of Swinney’s.
But when that trip comes around, there’s a camaraderie between Swinney and Franklin and both of their wives. In fact, the two hang out with each other instead of the other coaches at times. It simply comes to an “edgy” time in college athletics that raises tempers.
“I’m going to be honest, I wouldn’t say we’re necessarily like the type of people that love a lot of other coaches and a lot of other programs,” Franklin said. “It’s hard when you just compete year-round.”
On Swinney’s end, there are a few who could immediately come to mind among Clemson fans. Perhaps the most recent would be Ole Miss coach Pete Golding, who played the most significant role in the tampering of former linebacker Luke Ferrelli.
It’s a select list of coaches who make the good side of the Tigers’ head coach, and Franklin is certainly on that list. On the other hand, Hokies’ head coach has Swinney on his own shortlist.
“Obviously, tremendous respect for what he has built at Clemson and what he’s done at Clemson, and what he’s done for the ACC,” he said.
The two will see that close relationship face off at Memorial Stadium this upcoming season. Clemson will host the Hokies on Oct. 24 in what could be a potential title-eliminator for the ACC Championship.
Of course, the last game that we’ve seen the Tigers play in was against Franklin’s former team in Penn State at the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. That game ended in a 22-10 contest that saw a foundation of Franklin players end Clemson’s season in disappointment.
Swinney will see many of those players once again in October, including starting quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, in that contest. The anticipated Hokie starter recorded 260 yards and two passing touchdowns on the Tigers in the Bronx that day.
Although friends become foes, another ACC coach has given Swinney his flowers for what he’s been able to do for the conference. In the upcoming moments, Franklin will look to prepare his team to prove itself on one of the biggest stages in the ACC, while Swinney looks to put his team back at the top of a conference he’s dominated for over 15 years.
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MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WSET) — Extreme drought conditions in parts of Virginia have prompted an emergency drought warning for a wide swath of the region, including Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Franklin, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Roanoke counties, along with the cities of Danville, Roanoke, Salem and Martinsville.
The governor has warned that if conditions worsen, she will activate mandatory nonessential water-use restrictions.
In Martinsville, city leaders have issued a voluntary water conservation notice and are urging residents and businesses to cut back where they can. The request comes as local businesses that rely heavily on water say the drought is already affecting day-to-day operations.
SEE ALSO: Botetourt County residents adjust daily routines as voluntary water restriction continues
John Hughes, owner of John’s Car Wash, said the dry conditions have hit his business hard in recent weeks. “For the last 3 weeks, it’s been hitting pretty hard. We done three yesterday and haven’t done anything today with the drought and hot weather. Yeah, I’m really concerned about it,” Hughes said.
Restaurants are also feeling the strain. David Kitzmiller, an owner of Be Wiched, said water is essential for routine tasks such as washing dishes and preparing some menu items.
“We use a lot of water for washing dishes and some of our recipes if they limit us in anyway defiently can’t produce and its a scary aspect,” Kitzmiller said.
Kitzmiller added that cutting back is not always realistic for businesses that must meet sanitation needs. “Not really feasible for a business that depends solely relies on water to wash their dishes, so that can’t definitely be an impact there,” he said.
City leaders emphasized that the conservation request is voluntary for now, but they are encouraging everyone to do their part by taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet when it is not in use, washing only full loads of laundry, and limiting outdoor watering whenever possible.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Five people were charged after Virginia Beach Police conducted a two-day human trafficking and vice operation on July 3, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
The department’s Special Investigations Bureau conducted the operation, which was aimed at identifiying human trafficking victims, reducing the demand for commercial sex and targeting individuals seeking to exploit or recruit children for prostitution.
Detectives used many investigative techniques to proactively identify individuals involved in criminal activity related to prostitution, human trafficking and offenses against children. The operation was conducted in Virginia Beach, involving personnel from all of the bureau’s squads.
As a result of the operation, five people were identified and charged with offenses ranging from solicitation of prostitution to sex trafficking and crimes involving minors. Two vehicles and U.S. currency were seized during the operation. Other people were connected to victim services through Samaritan House.
The operation led to the following people being charged:
- Shane Carter, 28, of Norfolk, was charged with solicitation of prostitution.
- Robert Harris, 64, of Virginia Beach, was charged with solicitation of prostitution and assault and battery.
- Larry Pittman, 53, of Portsmouth, was charged with sex trafficking and use of electronic devices to facilitaate certain offenses involving minors.
- Kenric Frazier, 46, of Portsmouth, was charged with sex trafficking, use of electronic devices to facilitate certain offenses involving minors and solicitation of child pornography.
- Cameron Lewis, 24, of Norfolk, was charged with solicitation of prostitution.
Investigators also developed leads about people who are suspected of trafficking and exploiting others for commercial sex. Those are now active and ongoing investigations. There may be more charges and arrests pending further investigation and consultation with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
If you’re a human trafficking victim or know someone who is, you can report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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