DEEP has confirmed the presence of a bloom of didymo on the West Branch of the Farmington River  that has created a thick layer on much of the stream bottom in Riverton between the Route 20 bridge, near the former Hitchcock Chair Factory, and the confluence with the Still River (approximately 1 km downstream)  and along the eastern bank of the river for approximately 200 meters below the confluence.

The angling community should be mindful that didymo can be transported from one section of the river to another on their clothing and gear. Especially on boots and waders.

What is Didymo?

Didymo is an invasive freshwater algae. During blooms, didymo can form thick mats on the bottoms of rivers and streams.

Why is Didymo bad?

Didymo not only reduces the recreational and aesthetic value of a river, but can also be devastating to it’s ecology. The thick mats produced by this algae cover the rocks and disrupt the life cycle of insects.  No bugs = no food for trout.

What can you do?

You can do you part by following a few simple steps:

CHECK - Before leaving a section of stream, remove all obvious clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing & footwear, canoes & kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site.

CLEAN: Soak/spray & scrub boats and all other “hard” items for at least one minute in either very hot (140°F) water, a 2% bleach solution, or a 5% dishwashing detergent 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. Freezing thoroughly will also kill didymo.

DON’T WEAR FELT! – Didymo is harder to remove from absorbent items such as felt soles. PLEASE DO NOT WEAR FELT SOLES!

TELL YOUR FRIENDS – The word must be passed along to everyone you know who uses the river. For more information including how you can identify and report didymo blooms, you can download the following documents issued by DEEP:

2013 Didymo Update

Didymo Informational Brochure

Let the leadership at the University of Connecticut and Gov. Malloy know that a the MDC pipeline would be an irresponsible choice for Storr’s water needs in the absence of regional and state-wide water planning! Sign the petition! Click here!

In addition, you can write letters to the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees telling them you would like to see the the University continue its commitment to sustainability, environmental initiatives, and excellence in sustainability-focused academics  and to take into consideration the limited water supply in the Storrs area. Ask them to think progressively about the location of the proposed Technology Park and other campus expansion. For the names and addresses of the Board of Trustees click here..T

Information and Resources on the Proposals to Supply Water to UCONN

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECENT NEWS

FRWAs Spring 2013 Newsletter – Everything you ever wanted to know about the state water planning, but was afraid to ask!

Farmington River Watershed Reservoir Map – Where does the water go?

Editorial in the Courant by Tom Condon

Editorial in the Courant by Jeff McCutcheon

Letter from the Town of Simsbury to UConn President, Susan Herbst

Letter from the Simsbury Conservation Commission to the MDC

RESOURCES

Environmental Impact Evaluation

UCONN’s Water Supply Plan

FVTU Talking Points

Proposed Bill No. 5478

Fact Sheet

MDC’s FAQs on their proposal

MDC Water Supply Presentation

MDC’s Strategic Plan

LETTERS TO UCONN FROM VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

FVTU Letter to UCONN Regarding EIE

Connecticut Council of TU

Rivers Alliance

Inland Fisheries

Connecticut Fly Fishermans Association

Council on Environmental Quality

Willamanitc Rivers Alliance

Naubesatuck Watershed Council

Salmon Brook Watershed Association

National Parks Service

Lower Farmington Wild and Scenic

Town of Canton

Town of Simsbury

New Hartford Democratic Town Commitee

Salmon Brook Watershed Association

That’s why Trout Unlimited is offering a  FREE INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP FOR FEMALE ANGLERS. Sign up today!

www.tumembership.org/women/

For the next year, you’ll receive all the benefits of a paid membership:

• 1-year subscription to TROUT magazine
• 16-month TU calendar (mailed in the fall)
• official TU membership card
• car rental & hotel discounts
• TU decal
• Local chapter membership

And another, less tangible benefit as well: the pleasure of knowing you’re part of a growing community of women who enjoy angling and want to keep America’s rivers cold, clean and fishable.

Together, we can make our trout and salmon fisheries healthier, for us and the next generation. Join us in this important work.

Note: This offer is available to new members only. Not applicable for existing members.

Want to meet other women in Connecticut who fish? Join CT TU’s women’s outing mailing list! Go back to the home page and click on the button to join our mailing list. Sign up and select the “Women’s Outings” option.