Help Stop the Spread of Didymo in Kayaderosseras Creek

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced on May 12, 2010  that the presence of didymo (Didymosphenia geminate), an invasive alga, has been confirmed in the Kayaderosseras Creek in Saratoga County. This is the fifth renowned trout stream in New York State where this aquatic nuisance species - also called “rock snot” - has been found.

While didymo does not pose a threat to human health, it can alter stream conditions, choking out many of the organisms that live on the stream bottom, potentially causing a ripple effect up the food chain affecting trout and other fish. Once introduced to an area, didymo can rapidly spread to nearby streams. There are currently no known methods for controlling or eradicating didymo once it infests a water body. 

DEC urges anglers, paddlers and anyone who enjoys water recreation to use the Check, Clean and Dry  method to prevent the further introduction and spread of didymo.

CHECK - Before leaving a river or stream, remove all obvious clumps of algae and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the affected site. If you find any later, do not wash them down drains; dispose all material in the trash.

CLEAN - Soak and scrub all items for at least one minute in either hot water (140 degrees F), a two percent solution of household bleach, or a five percent solution of salt, antiseptic hand cleaner or dishwashing detergent.  Be sure that the solution completely penetrates thick absorbent items such as felt soled waders and wading boots.

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.  Check thick absorbent items closely to assure that they are dry throughout.  Equipment and gear can also be placed in a freezer until all moisture is frozen solid.

NOTE: If cleaning, drying or freezing is not practical, restrict equipment to a single water body.

See www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50267.html for more information on cleaning and please see http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/54244.html for more information on didymo.

The Kayaderosseras Creek is a celebrated trout stream and the downstream sections are popular for kayaking and canoeing. It flows 35 miles from its source just inside the Adirondack Park to its mouth on the northwest shore of Saratoga Lake. The creek has numerous miles of public fishing rights along its banks, and a number of fishing access sites and boat-canoe-kayak access sites.

Unlike many other aquatic nuisance plants, didymo grows on the bottom of flowing and still waters. Didymo cells can produce large amounts of stalk material that form thick mats on stream bottoms. The appearance of these mats has been compared to brown shag carpet, fiberglass insulation or tissue paper. Didymo resembles rotting cardboard when exposed and dried.

Didymo has historically been limited to cold, nutrient-poor, far northern waters, but in recent decades has been expanding its range and its tolerance to warmer and more productive rivers and creeks.

In 2007, the Batten Kill in Washington County was the first New York water in which didymo was confirmed. Didymo has also been confirmed present in the East Branch of the Delaware River, the West Branch of the Delaware River and Esopus Creek.

The microscopic alga cling unseen to waders, boots, boats, paddles, clothing and fishing gear, and remain viable for several weeks under even slightly moist conditions. Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and tubers can all unknowingly spread didymo. Felt-soled waders and wading shoes have been identified as one of the most likely means of spreading didymo. Rubber or studded soles are now readily available that provide similar traction, and are much less likely to transport this and other aquatic invasive species.

Contact: David Winchell  (518) 897-1211 for more information.