Invasive Species
Stop Didymo!
Didymo is a concern for our trout streams because it can destoy stream habitat. New Zealand has experienced serious impacts to habitat, fishing, and aesthetics. As you may have heard, didymo is now in the eastern US: next door in Vermont and Connecticut in the White, Upper Connecticut and who knows where else!
Didymo is a single-celled micro-organism that can live for days if moist, and as it is soft and cottony, can stay moist for a while. This stuff is very nasty and easily spread. It can be spread from one river or lake to another by the movement of water, equipment, clothing and any other damp item.
People and their activities are the main cause of spreading. To ensure you don't spread didymo or other aquatic pests, wherever possible restrict equipment, boats, clothing and other items for exclusive use in a single waterway between cleaning. Read how to prevent spread- here.
Have you been following the discovery of this invasive diatom Didymosphenia geminata in the Connecticut R. drainage? Here are links to two press releases from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources: July 6, 2007, July 11, 2007