(802) 763-7733 info@whiteriverpartnership.org PO Box 705, South Royalton, VT 05068

Didymo bloom found in Bethel

Didymo bloom found in Bethel

June 19, 2008

State biologists confirmed a didymo bloom on Locust Creek today, the first bloom found on a tributary of the White River. Didymo may be seen growing on rocks from the mouth of Locust Creek up to the first bridge on Old Route 12.

This news came after a nuisance didymo bloom was confirmed last week on the main stem of the White River in Bethel. A “nuisance bloom” is defined as a mass of stalks that extend for greater than 1km and persist for several months of the year.

The area affected by this nuisance bloom runs from Locust Creek (near the Route 12 North intersection with Route 107) downstream to Cleveland Brook (just upstream from Peavine Park in Bethel). River users are urged to avoid moving from this affected area into uncontaminated areas (such as the Third Branch or upper Locust Creek) without first thoroughly disinfecting their clothing and gear.

Didymo, which was first found in the White River in July 2007 near Stony Brook in Stockbridge, Vermont, is a cause for concern because it forms thick mats on rocks that can choke out aquatic organisms, is easy to spread via human contact, and fouls the water for recreation. Since eradication is not possible, public education about spread prevention is the most effective response method available.

The White River Partnership (WRP) and Trout Unlimited (TU) are teaming up to address Didymo in the White River watershed through a far-reaching education campaign this summer. New brochures have been printed and are being distributed to local businesses – mainly outfitters, outdoor stores and other businesses that sell fishing licenses – in hopes of educating people who fish, swim and boat in the river about decontaminating gear and clothing used in the water.

In addition, WRP and TU members will be monitoring the river and installing permanent signs along the river urging people to Check, Clean and Dry any and all clothing and gear that has been in the White River. For more information about the Check, Clean and Dry protocols, visit our Didymo Resources page.

New Signs in Hartford

New Signs in Hartford

June 03, 2008

Three signs were recently erected in the public parks along the White River in Hartford: Lyman Point Park, Watson Park, and Clifford Park. The signs are designed to educate visitors about the riparian buffers that have been planted in the parks through the joint efforts of the White River Partnership, the Hartford Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Hartford Conservation Commission. Funding was provided through a grant from the Wellborn Ecology Fund.

Spring tree plantings

Spring tree plantings

April 18, 2008

We invite YOU to plant a tree along the White River this spring on the following dates:

2008 Tree planting dates

Saturday, April 26, 10:00am – The WRP’s Down Stream Team and the Town of Hartford Recreation Department, Conservation Commission, and Tree Board are coordinating a tree planting at Lyman Point Park and Veteran’s Park in White River Junction. Meet in the parking lot behind the Hartford Municipal Building.

Saturday, April 26, 10:00am – Mike Bald, the WRP’s Trees for Streams Coordinator, is coordinating a tree planting for community volunteers on Silloway Farms in Randolph Center. Call Mike at 763-8260 for directions to the planting site.

Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11, AM/PM – Mike Bald is coordinating multiple tree plantings for community volunteers on two farms participating in the CREP program, a Farm Bill incentive program that compensates farmers for taking land out of production along streams and reestablishing a vegetated buffer. Call Mike to schedule the date and time that works for you or your group to plant trees in Randolph Center or Braintree.

Weekdays, May 1 – 16, AM/PM – The WRP recruits hundreds of students from area schools to help plant thousands of trees along the White River and its tributaries. This spring, students will be helping plant over 2,400 trees on the two CREP farms in Randolph Center and Braintree. If you are interested in helping supervise these school groups during the week, call Mike at 763-8260.

Tree planting FAQs

What should I wear? We recommend wearing clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. A hat and raincoat often come in handy at our spring plantings.

Should I bring my own tools? The WRP provides gloves and shovels, but welcomes you to bring your own. Make sure to label your tools beforehand.

What else should I bring? We try to provide refreshments at each event, but recommend bringing water to drink and a camera to capture the action.

Where do the trees come from? We order trees from a variety of sources. This year, the bareroot stock is coming from Cold Stream Farms, Lawyer Nursery, the Tennessee Wholesale Nursery, and the Intervale Conservation Nursery; the 6-8’ trees are coming from Drinkwater’s Nursery in St. Johnsbury.

Where do the other planting materials come from? We order the tree tubes from Forestry Suppliers, the brush blankets from Arbortec, and the bamboo stakes from The Hardware Store in Rochester.

What provisions are made for safety? The WRP gives a safety talk at each event, and makes a first aid kit available. In addition, the WRP carries liability insurance to cover all volunteers during events.