The Issue

We, the residents of Berryville and Clarke County, are writing to express our urgent concern and formal opposition to the broadcast application of herbicides by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and their contracted partners along our public roadsides and waterways.

Recently, contracted crews applied herbicides along the Shenandoah River corridor, directly impacting our iconic native Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica). This indiscriminate spraying threatens not only our local aesthetic beauty but the very biological integrity of our region.

Core Concerns

Destruction of Native Flora: Virginia Bluebells are a critical early-spring ephemeral. They provide essential nectar for pollinators emerging from hibernation. Once these colonies are chemically compromised, they may take years to recover—or be lost entirely.

Ecosystem & Wildlife Impact: The Shenandoah River is a delicate ecosystem. Herbicides used on roadsides frequently leach into the groundwater or runoff directly into the river, harming aquatic life and disrupting the food chain for local bird and fish populations.

Sustainability & Soil Health: Repeated chemical applications degrade soil microbiology and encourage the growth of herbicide-resistant invasive species, creating a "treadmill" of chemical dependency rather than a sustainable management plan.

Public Health: Roadsides are utilized by residents for walking, cycling, and moving livestock. Unnecessary chemical exposure poses a risk to both pets and citizens.

Our Demands

Immediate Moratorium: An immediate halt to herbicide spraying in designated "Riparian Zones" and areas known for native wildflower growth within Clarke County.

Implementation of Mechanical Alternatives: A shift toward mechanical mowing and integrated vegetation management (IVM) that prioritizes the timing of native growth cycles.

Strict Oversight of Contractors: Enhanced training and strict geographic boundaries for third-party contractors to ensure sensitive habitats are bypassed.

Local Autonomy: Support for state-level legislation that allows Clarke County and Berryville greater authority to regulate or opt-out of VDOT’s chemical spray programs.

Conclusion

Our native plants are a part of Clarke County’s heritage. To sacrifice our bluebells and the health of the Shenandoah River for the sake of "convenient" maintenance is a failure of environmental stewardship. We urge our lawmakers to act now to protect our landscape for future generations.