RICHMOND — Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week signed four bills aimed at combating invasive plants across Virginia, addressing what supporters say is an underrecognized threat to the state’s farms, forests, waterways and wildlife.

The bipartisan legislation moves on several fronts. One bill prohibits invasive plants from being planted along state highways. Another allows regulators to add plants to the Noxious Weeds List based on scientific merit. A third empowers local jurisdictions to raise funds to treat and control invasive plants. The fourth gives state agencies flexibility to use volunteers to help control invasive plants on state lands.

The bills were carried by Del. Amy Laufer (HB88), Del. Holly Seibold (HB109), Del. Katrina Callsen (HB388), Sen. Saddam Salim (SB89) and Sen. Ryan McDougle (SB163). Three of the bills were developed with the involvement of Blue Ridge PRISM, a Shenandoah Valley-based invasive plant management nonprofit. The Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition supported all four measures.

Invasive plants are widely recognized by ecologists as a significant driver of habitat degradation, biodiversity loss and disruption of ecosystem function. They can also affect agricultural operations, public health and recreational areas.

Del. Seibold, who carried HB109, said the bill builds on earlier legislation she passed requiring invasive plant education at retail garden centers.

The new laws take effect in the coming months. More information on invasive plant management in Virginia is available at blueridgeprism.org.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.