News

Didymo found in White River

July 16, 2007

An invasive algae, called “didymo” or “rock snot,” has been found on the White River. According to state biologists, the didymo algae has been confirmed on the mainstem between Stony Brook in Stockbridge and Cleveland Brook in Bethel. The White River Partnership is working with the state biologists and a number of other organizations, including Trout Unlimited and the Connecticut River Watershed Council, to educate the public about stopping the spread of the didymo algae within and beyond the White River watershed.

What is didymo?

Didymo does not present a health hazard to humans. However it can impact our native fish populations, like trout and salmon. The algae attaches itself to the gravel and rocks at the bottom of the river bed. When the algae blooms, it forms massive mats that coat the gravel and rocks. These mats crowd out the native organisms in streams and rivers that fish eat, which may result in their decline.

The algae is easy to spread. Each cell is very small, so they absorb easily into clothing, wading boots, and sandals as well as stick to hard surfaces like tubes, kayaks, and fishing gear. If these items do not dry completely, the algae can be spread the next time the item is used.

DON’T SPREAD DIDYMO!

Although there is no known method of removing or killing the algae once it is in the river, WE CAN STOP IT FROM SPREADING! Simply soak all clothing, wading boots, sandals, etc in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes. Wash all hard surfaces like tubes, kayaks, and fishing gear with hot, soapy water as well. A 5{db44c3d5e5b2521111bb9179cb40e40c4d2777ab57a0c9e12ea819349259de2f} detergent solution is effective = 3/4 cups of any detergent (dish soap, antiseptic hand soap, or laundry detergent) per gallon of hot tap water will kill the algae.

We need your help!

The state biologists are developing signs to educate the public about how to stop the spread of didymo. White River Partnership and Trout Unlimited volunteers will be posting these signs along the mainstem of the White River over the next week. If you would like to help, please contact Mary Russ at 802-767-4600 for more information.

Water Quality Monitoring Begins

June 26, 2007

In June, the White River Partnership (WRP) launched its seventh season of monitoring the water quality of streams and rivers throughout the White River watershed in central Vermont. Twenty-two dedicated volunteers are keeping tabs on 26 sites throughout the watershed, measuring water temperature, clarity, and electrical conductivity (a measure of dissolved salts), and also collecting water samples that are tested for E. coli at the WRP’s Rochester office.

E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of all warm-blooded animals. It is best used as an indicator of water pollution from human or animal waste—its presence reveals that fecal material from a variety of sources (leaking septic systems, waterfowl, livestock, wild animals, and pets) is entering the water and that there is a potential for the water to contain pathogens that could make people sick. Because the White River watershed is a popular destination for swimming, paddling, fishing, and tubing, the WRP has been keeping a close eye on E. coli levels in an effort to understand and combat potential sources of pathogens.

Since 2001, almost half of the sites monitored by the WRP have revealed high E. coli counts according to the State’s accepted safe swimming standard of 77 organisms per 100ml of water. Because Vermont’s standard is the strictest in the nation, the WRP also uses the Environmental Protection Agency’s national standard of 235 organisms per 100ml sample. Only one monitoring site on the Middle Branch regularly exceeded this federal standard in 2006.

The larger tributaries to the White River, including Ayer’s Brook, the Third, Middle, and First Branches, routinely experience high E. coli levels after rain storms. A heavy rain can cause E. coli levels to jump. In areas where the only source of E. coli is that which occurs naturally, heavy rain does not have much of an effect on E. coli levels. However in areas where there are additional sources of E. coli, such as leaking septic systems, waterfowl, livestock, and pets, heavy rain storms can cause E. coli levels to increase dramatically.

Because of its close relationship to public health, we make the E. coli results available to the public each Thursday, via email, mail and our website. If you would like to receive the weekly E. coli results directly, please call (802) 767-4600.

Summer Events

June 12, 2007

You are invited to join the WRP this summer…

FARMER’S FAT TUESDAY – Tuesday, June 12, The Farmer’s Diner, Quechee, 4:30 – 7:30pm

The Farmer’s Diner in Quechee Village is donating 15{db44c3d5e5b2521111bb9179cb40e40c4d2777ab57a0c9e12ea819349259de2f} of their dinner food sales to the WRP on Tuesday, June 12. We invite you to join us, eat well and benefit our local nonprofit organization. Reservations are encouraged: 295-4600. For more information about community partnerships with the Farmer’s Diner, visit their website.

CLEAN WATER DAY – Saturday, June 9, Montshire Museum, Norwich, 10:00am – 2:00pm

The Governor’s Clean and Clear Program is hosting the second annual Clean Water Day to recognize the good work that Vermonters do to improve and maintain water quality in our lakes, ponds and rivers. This year’s celebration will feature events and projects in the Connecticut River Basin. The festivities this year kick-off in the morning with the Governor’s Press Event and Family Fun Day at the Montshire Museum (museum admission, $9 adults, $7 children). For more information about this and other events happening around the state, visit their website.

AYERS BROOK PUBLIC MEETING – Tuesday, June 5, Randolph Union High School, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Landowners along Ayers Brook and other interested community members are invited to join the WRP, the VT Water Quality Division, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission, and Bear Creek Environmental to discuss the corridor management plan we are developing for Ayers Brook. Refreshments will be served.

EXOTIC INVASIVE PLANT WALK – Saturday, June 2, Royalton Academy building, 9:00am – 12:00pm

Celebrate Trails Day by joining us for a walkabout to identify non-native invasive plants. Mike Bald, who removes non-native invasive plants for the US Forest Service, will lead the walkabout.

For more information about these events, please contact us.