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.
News
Posted: September 5, 2007 by wrp_admin
September Events
September Events
September 05, 2007
You are invited to join the WRP in September…
Working Woodlands Workshop, September 12
How is it that streams and forests compliment each other? What is happening to the streams in our watersheds? Should we be changing the way we treat our land to protect our streams and surrounding habitats? Join Vermont Agency of Natural Resources watershed basin planner Marie Caduto and forester Jon Bouton as they explore stream and streamside environments, natural processes, and human impacts on these habitats. We’ll see how streams change and evolve with time, discuss managing our activities near streams to protect stream dynamics, and learn how volunteers can help assess stream health. Meet at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park Carriage Barn Visitor Center in Woodstock at 3:00. Free and open to the public. To register, call 802-457-3368×22.
Tunbridge Fair, September 13 – 16
Visit the WRP booth at the Fair (across from the gazebo) to see didymo up close; to get 2007 water quality monitoring results; and to learn more about what the WRP is doing in the watershed.
Outstanding Tree Farm Tour, September 15
70 years of stewardship has earned Dick Rose and his property in Stockbridge a reputation for exemplary forestry. Join the VT Woodlands Association and the WRP’s Forestry Work Group for a visit to VT’s Outstanding Tree Farm. Come for all or part of the day. For more information or to register, call 802-747-7900 or visit www.vermontwoodlands.org.
River Cleanup, September 15
Students at Vermont Law School are organizing a river cleanup as part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. Meet in the Chase Center at 9am for goodies, trash bags, and directions. For more information, contact Jamie Ferro at 760-393-1279.
For more information, call 802-767-4600.
Posted: July 19, 2007 by wrp_admin
Help Us ID Didymo
Help Us ID Didymo
July 19, 2007
Please help us identify where didymo is (and isn’t) in the White River.
If you see algae in the river that matches three of the descriptions below, you may have found didymo:
Location
Color
Texture
Appearance
If you think you’ve found didymo, please collect a dime-sized sample, fold it in a business card or baggie, and send it to:
Didymo identification, Water Quality Division
103 S. Main St., Bldg 10N, First Floor
Waterbury VT 05671-0408
(802) 241 – 3770 or 241 – 3777
Be sure to include your name, address and phone or email so that we may contact you. Also, please provide a detailed description of where you found your sample, including the name of the river or stream, the town, and the precise location (such as GPS coordinates, nearest road, or a clearly marked map).
THANK YOU!!
Posted: July 16, 2007 by wrp_admin
Didymo found in White River
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.