With most of us getting fishing fever right about now, we would like to remind everyone who frequents the West Branch of Farmington River, especially through the towns of Hartland to Canton, to be extra vigilant about Check, Clean, and/or Drying any items that have come into contact with the river water or the river bottom.
Didymo, AKA "rock snot", an invasive algae, was first confirmed here in 2011 and is currently "blooming," creating thick mats, especially in Riverton. This algae is easily spread from water to water as it can remain alive for long periods of time if even just slightly moist. Cleaning your equipment is critically important if you plan to move to additional waters, within a few hours or the same day, after being in the Farmington River.
For additional information or questions please call inland fisheries at 860-424-FISH or to participate in a citizen monitoring effort, please visit www.threerivers.edu/didymo.
CHECK: Before leaving a river, stream or lake, remove all obvious clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing & footwear, canoes and kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site. If you find any later, clean your gear and dispose of all material in the trash.
CLEAN: Soak/spray and scrub boats and all other "hard" items for at least one minute in very hot (140°F) water, a 2% bleach solution, a 5% dishwashing detergent solution, or a 20% salt solution. Absorbent materials such as clothes and felt soles on waders should be soaked for at least 40 minutes in very hot water (140°F), or 30 minutes in hot water (115°F) with 5% dishwashing detergent.
DRY: If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway. Freezing thoroughly will also kill didymo.
