Didymo Identification Event

Planned Aug. 16 in Stockbridge

The invasive algae didymo (nicknamed "rock snot") was found in the Connecticut River in June, the White River in July, and the Battenkill River in August. The White River Partnership invites everyone who uses the river to "Knock the Snot Out—of their gear, their clothing, and the rest of the White River!" Thursday, Aug. 16 at 5:30 p.m., when the Partnership hosts a didymo identification walk in Stockbridge at the mouth of Stony Brook.

Folks attending will learn how to identify didymo; see didymo up-close-and-personal; find out how to stop didymo from spreading; and learn more about what is being done regionally to raise awareness.

After the identification walk, the Peavine Restaurant will offer a barbecue dinner, the proceeds from which will directly support ongoing didymo outreach and education in the White River watershed. The dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and will consist of barbecued ribs, chicken or a vegetarian option, plus salad and fresh corn on the cob. Everyone is invited to attend either or both events.

Native to northern Europe and Asia, this is the first time didymo has been found in the northeast. It is cause for concern because didymo can form thick mats along the bottom of the river, smothering aquatic life and fouling the water for recreation.

Over the past month, regional authorities and local groups have posted signs along affected waterways to alert the public about the presence of didymo and to provide information about decontaminating gear and clothing used in the water. Authorities have also developed an informational website and a radio ad campaign to spread the word as far as possible.

In central Vermont, the White River Partnership (WRP) has posted signs along the entire length of the White River and its tributaries. Didymo cannot be removed from the river, but following the decontamination steps on the signs will keep it from spreading to unaffected areas. At present, didymo has been found as far upstream as Stony Brook in Stockbridge, but has not been found in any of the major tributaries or feeder streams.