Chesapeake Bay News

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites anglers, hunters and those interested in learning more about outdoor activities to join more than 40 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses at Maryland’s 2nd Annual National Hunting & Fishing Day Celebration & Expo on Sat., Sept. 27, 2008. Open to the public, this free event sponsored by DNR begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. at Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor, located at 16090 Oakland Road in Henderson on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“National Hunting & Fishing Day is an opportunity to celebrate the great family traditions and economic value that sportsmen and women create throughout Maryland,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We hope that Marylander’s take advantage of our National Hunting & Fishing Day event to learn more about the sport’s conservation traditions, connect with other sportsmen and women and pass down their passion for fish and wildlife to the next generation.”

Participants can try fun and challenging hands-on activities including spin casting, waterfowl and turkey calling lessons and demonstrations, archery and target shooting on the grounds with skilled instructors. Experienced and novice outdoorsmen and women will enjoy hunting and fishing equipment displays and demonstrations of outdoor skills. Kids will enjoy the clay pigeon and archery shooting range, laser shooting, wood duck box making and fly tying and spin casting, as well as dog demonstrations.

“This event offers fun and educational hands-on activities for all ages to enjoy,” said Patty Allen, National Hunting and Fishing Day Coordinator. “It is a great way to introduce young people and newcomers to outdoor sports, while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing play in Maryland’s wildlife conservation and management.”

Backwoods Bluegrass Band will provide live musical entertainment for the day-long event. DNR’s Scales and Tales will be on-hand with live animals for children to view up close. There will be a variety of merchandise and food vendors, and lots of free giveaways.

Formalized by Congress in 1971, National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate the conservation successes of America’s hunters and anglers. From shopping center exhibits to statewide expos, millions of citizens learned to appreciate the country’s sportsman-based system of conservation funding. Sportsmen and women generates more than $1.7 billion annually, which benefit all who appreciate wildlife and wild places.

Local sponsors of this years event include Quality Deer Management, Maryland Sportsman’s Association, Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, Md. Wild Turkey Federation, Md. Trappers Association, Md. Outfitters and Guides Association, Cassidy and Association, Tutor Farms, National Wildlife Federation, National Rifle Association, Delta Waterfowl, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Chesapeake Chapter of Quails Unlimited and the Caroline County of Arts Council.

For more information about Maryland National Hunting and Fishing Day or for directions, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/NHFD/index.asp.

source: DNR press release

Saturday, Aug. 23 is Natural Resources Day at the Maryland State Fair TIMONIUM, MD. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer interactive exhibits at the Maryland State Fair in Timonium from Friday, Aug. 22 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1 at a new exhibit area. DNR’s exhibit showcasing sustainable ideas that citizens implement at home and work will be on the second floor of the new Maryland State Fair building along with the State Fair museum next to the 4-H Home Arts facility.

“I hope that people will stop by DNR’s new state fair exhibit to learn about what we can do to help them protect our environment,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We invite fair goers to experience a virtual journey through the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and learn how they can help us protect, restore, appreciate and enjoy in Maryland’s great outdoors.”

The Chesapeake Bay is home to more than 400,000 acres of land, thousands of miles of streams, multitudes of fish, mammals, birds and reptiles and the biggest estuary in North America. At DNR’s interactive exhibit area, participants can learn about Chesapeake Bay Restoration efforts including oysters, bay grasses and nutrient reduction. Many of the necessary, sometimes slimy but always fun things found in the Bay and its tributaries will be on hand for a totally interactive, up-close-and-personal experience. Touch and feel everything from bay grasses to turtles and snakes.

For more information about DNR’s exhibits, presentations and activities at the State Fair look for DNR’s entire State Fair schedule on our Web site at www.dnr.maryland.gov/statefair/ or call 1-877-620-8DNR x-8006.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomes Mirant Potomac River Generating Station’s continued partnership for an Atlantic sturgeon restoration project for the Potomac River. As part of the renewed partnership, Mirant will provide up to $325,000 over the next five years to support restoration activities of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), the only large bottom feeders present in the Chesapeake Bay.

“Atlantic sturgeon existed historically along the entire Atlantic coast and at one time, played an important ecological role in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Mirant’s funding and continued support of this fishery restoration project offers hope that the once abundant sturgeon can grow and prosper in its natural habitat again in the future.”

Overfishing, degraded water quality and man-made stream blockages drastically reduced the Atlantic sturgeon’s population. By 1928, sturgeon were rarely caught north of the Potomac River. Research by the USFWS-Maryland Fishery Resources Office concluded in 2004 that Atlantic sturgeon restoration in Maryland would not likely occur without hatchery supplementation.

“We are so proud of our successful partnership with DNR, and we believe wholeheartedly that these mutually beneficial partnerships are an important component of all Maryland’s fish restoration efforts,” said Misty Allen, External Affairs Manager at Mirant Mid-Atlantic LLC. “We recently expressed our steadfast commitment to the project for the next five years to continue sturgeon restoration.”

DNR and Mirant first began a pilot culture trial on the Potomac River in the summer of 2006. Positive findings from the effort led to larger scale culture trial in 2007. Mirant Mid-Atlantic LLC provided funding for manpower, materials, culture space and water supply, while DNR designed and constructed the research facility.

“The overarching aim of our restoration project is to culture a healthy, captive brood stock of genetically diverse sturgeon adults that will provide larvae and juvenile fish for restoration stocking,” explained Brian Richardson, DNR Fisheries Restoration Manager.

The facility will also serve as an education and outreach tool since it is included on plant tours.

source: DNR press release

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Welcomes Public Comments through Aug. 20 on Proposal

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites public comments on the recently proposed 2008-2009 late waterfowl hunting seasons.

“We are pleased to offer a variety of waterfowl hunting opportunities and continue the great tradition of wildfowling in the Chesapeake area,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul A. Peditto. “Hunters will note several changes to the proposed waterfowl seasons this year. We look forward to public input on the proposals that ensure sustained waterfowl populations while allowing for use of this treasured natural resource.”

The proposed 2008-2009 duck season will be a 60-day season with a 6-duck daily bag limit. Species bag limits are based upon population status and spring breeding habitat and summer brood rearing conditions. This year, waterfowl managers proposed increasing the daily bag limit of wood ducks to three per day. A recent review of the biological data for this species indicates that the wood duck population can sustain some additional harvest pressure.

Conversely, the daily bag limit of scaup has been reduced to ensure harvest is compatible with population status. Although, scaup remain abundant, the population of lesser scaup has undergone a gradual decline as a result of several environmental factors that have contributed to lower survival and recruitment. The recently adopted scaup harvest strategy calls for a restrictive season in 2008, with a 1 scaup bag limit for 40 days of the 60-day regular duck season, and a 2 scaup limit during the remaining 20 days of the season.

There will be no open season on canvasback this year. The 2008 canvasback breeding population estimate decreased 44% from 2007, primarily the result of a 39% decline in pond numbers in Prairie Canada. Dry conditions exist throughout much of Prairie Canada and the north central U.S., thus the outlook for canvasback production is poor.

The 2008 spring breeding pair survey of Atlantic Population (migrant) Canada geese totaled 169,700 compared to 195,700 in 2007. Although the number of breeding pairs decreased, spring snow melt was normal over most of the major Atlantic Population (AP) breeding range. Favorable nesting conditions led to a strong nesting effort, and as a result, gosling production is expected to be good. The Atlantic Population Canada goose season will remain at 45 days with a daily bag limit of two geese.

The 2008-2009 proposed waterfowl hunting regulations also include changes to the regular Atlantic Flyway Resident Canada (AFRP) goose season. The season length for the AFRP Canada geese has been increased from 70 to 80 days and the closing federal framework date has been extended to March 10 to exert greater harvest pressure on this overabundant goose population. The proposed AFRP Canada goose season dates are Nov. 15 to Nov. 28 and Dec. 16 to Mar. 4. The daily bag limit is 5 geese per day. The AFRP Canada Goose Hunt Zone has also been modified to afford additional protection to migrant AP geese. Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard Counties, and a portion of Carroll County will now be a part of the AP Hunt Zone.

Following a high mid-winter survey count of 161,000 Atlantic brant along the east coast, the proposed 2008 hunting regulations for Atlantic brant also have been liberalized to allow a 60-day season and a 3-bird daily bag limit.

For a table that lists all the proposed Maryland 2008-2009 late waterfowl hunting season dates and bag limits visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/lwfchart.asp.

Public comments about the proposed waterfowl hunting season dates and bag limits may be submitted online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/lwfforum.asp, via fax at 410-260-8596, or over the phone by calling 410-260-8540.

On Monday, August 18, at 7 p.m., DNR will hold a public meeting to collect comments on the proposed regulations at Chesapeake College’s Amphitheater (Room H117) in the Kent Humanities Building in Wye Mills. Directions to the meeting are below.

FROM ANNAPOLIS AND POINTS WEST

Take Route 50 East to the traffic light at the intersection of Routes 50 and 213, and turn right on Route 213. The Chesapeake College entrance is on the right. Park in Lot E.

FROM SALISBURY AND POINTS EAST

Take Route 50 West to the traffic light at the intersection of Routes 50 and 213, and turn left on Route 213. The Chesapeake College entrance is on the right. Park in Lot E.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites Somerset County residents and property owners to learn about living shorelines as an environmentally-friendly soil erosion protection solution during a workshop on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free workshop and lunch will be held at the Crisfield Heritage Foundation Historical Museum’s Chesapeake Room, located at 3 Ninth Street in Crisfield.

“Natural, living shorelines are vital not only to the Chesapeake Bay’s health but also provide property owners with additional flood protection,” said Frank Dawson, Department of Natural Resources Assistant Secretary for Aquatic Resources. “With development pressure increasing, it is critical – now more than ever – that waterfront property owners help protect and restore our treasured bay.”

Some of the numerous environmental and economic benefits of living shorelines include: restoration of wildlife habitat and spawning areas; establishing a marsh area where property owners can enjoy canoeing, fishing, and swimming from; and increasing property values.

Workshop participants will learn about permitting, site designs, contractor hiring, and native plant success, as well has visit a local living shoreline project.

To register for the free workshop, email dbell@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8732.

With the summer fishing season underway, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages anglers to participate in the Maryland Volunteer Angler Summer Flounder Survey to provide input to the management of one of the state’s valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. DNR uses the survey to establish minimum size and creel limits for the season.

“Angler participation in this program is integral to the establishment of recreational limits for summer flounder,” said Mike Luisi, DNR biologist. “Collecting data on these fish before they are returned to the water allows us to better understand the size distribution of flounder residing in Maryland waters.”

The data will help guide the DNR’s management approach for both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast populations. In addition, it will be used to augment and enhance existing data from the National Marine Fisheries Services’ Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey.

The average length of flounder caught has held relatively steady for the past six years, and in 2007 was 13.1 inches. In 2007 anglers reported 15,427 fish caught during 1,166 trips. Most angler activity occurred along the Atlantic coast, with less than 5 percent taking place in the Chesapeake Bay.

Anglers are asked to measure to the nearest ¼ inch and to include trips where summer flounder were targeted but not caught. DNR hopes to improve reporting this year from anglers targeting summer flounder in the Chesapeake Bay.

The survey runs from April to October of each year. To learn more or to participate in the survey online, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/survey/sfsurveyintro.html. Information and survey packets are also available by mail, through contacting Allison Luettel at 410-260-8343 or aluettel@dnr.state.md.us.

Flounder seekers are also encouraged to enter their catch in the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge this summer. Any angler who catches a citation award qualifying fish will be eligible to win one of the several grand prizes including, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center. More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes in the summer-long contest that runs through Sept. 1.

Maryland Offers Free Fishing Days on June 14 & July 4

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages first time anglers and children to commemorate their first catch through DNR’s My First Fish certificate program.

“Every child should have the opportunity to explore Maryland’s natural resources through fishing. Some of my earliest childhood memories are fishing with my dad and grandfather, “said Tom O’Connell, Maryland Fisheries Service Director. “I’ll never forget the look on my son and daughters faces when they caught their first fish. We hope that parents and mentors will commemorate their children’s first catch by taking advantage of our My First Fish program.”

First-time anglers of all ages may receive a free My First Fish certificate noting their name, species caught, length, catch date and fishing buddy upon completing an online form or visiting an official Maryland Sport Fishing Citation Center. If a digital photograph is taken and included with the entry form, the photo will be included on the certificate.

To encourage new people to try out the sport, Maryland designated June 14 and July 4 as free fishing days, where anglers may fish in public waters without the normally required annual fishing license.

Both first-time and experienced anglers may also join the hunt for Diamond Jim through the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge this summer. Any angler who catches a citation award qualifying fish will be eligible to win one of the several grand prizes including, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center. More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes in the summer-long contest that runs through September 1.

To help ensure that all Maryland children have an opportunity to experience and connect with nature, Governor O’Malley recently signed an Executive Order establishing the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature. This coalition of state, local, private and non-profit partners is charged with promoting the well-being of youth by accelerating environmental learning, connecting communities to parks and public lands and expanding opportunities for structured and unstructured outdoor time in nature for both play and learning.

To access the online My First Fish form and a list of local citation centers visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/tournament/firstfish.html.

For more information about Maryland’s free fishing days, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/freefishing.html.

For more information on the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.

source: DNR press release

Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the opening of a competitive process through which local governments, community groups, non-profit organizations, academic institutions and private enterprises may apply for local implementation grants from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund. Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, the Fund was created during the 2007 special session of the General Assembly to help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

“After 25 years of dedicated effort to restore the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays, it is clear that Maryland and our partners have not achieved our goal and a new approach is needed if we want to ensure healthy, productive Bays for our children and grandchildren,” said Governor O’Malley. “The people of Maryland have entrusted us to utilize these special funds for implementation of the most cost-effective restoration and pollution prevention efforts, so that we can realize meaningful, measurable results in the local streams and rivers that most impact the Bays’ health.”

“Thanks to Governor O’Malley, and to those who advocate for our Bay and the environment, we have new resources through the Chesapeake Bay 2110 Trust to address issues that challenge the health of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Delegate Maggie McIntosh, Chair of the House Environmental Matters Committee. “This fund has been a long time legislative priority for the Environmental Matters Committee, we are pleased to have been a partner in it’s creation.”

The request for proposals (RFP) process is designed to leverage available funding for non-point source restoration projects that will result in measurable water quality improvements within one to three years through nutrient and sediment pollution reduction. Projects expected to have the greatest nutrient reduction benefit within high priority watersheds that include local government and multiple organizations as partners will be given priority consideration for funding.

“This is a very exciting step forward for Bay improvement. We now have permanent funding for effective pollution reduction practices so that we will actually see improved water quality in the Bay and rivers.” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland Executive Director Kim Coble.

Competitive grants will encourage specific geographic targeting, clustering of multiple projects and strategies to maximize results, and restoration efforts that combine cost-effective best management practices throughout local watersheds.

“Targeting available resources at a scale that science tells us will have a measurable result represents a new approach to Bay restoration,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin.

“We thank Governor O’Malley for assuring funding assistance to local governments like Montgomery County who are working hard to reduce stormwater and other water quality impacts from suburban and urban areas,” said Robert Hoyt, Director of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. “The innovative funding through the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund not only makes dollars available, but it does it in a way that will help local governments leverage other dollars, support existing and create new partnerships with key stakeholders, and implement comprehensive watershed-based solutions.”

Through Governor O’Malley’s BayStat Initiative, Maryland has identified high, medium and low priority watersheds based on current water quality conditions and modeled nitrogen loads to the Chesapeake Bay from each watershed. For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, priority consideration will be given to projects located in small (30,000 acres or less) watersheds of the lower Eastern Shore, Choptank River, upper Eastern Shore, lower western shore and Patuxent River. Identified high priority sub-watersheds include the Corsica River, Langford Creek, Little Patuxent River, lower Chester River, lower Choptank River, Magothy River, lower Patuxent River, Sassafras River, Severn River, South River, Southeast Creek, Stillpond Fairlee, and Wye River.

“It is promising to see such a strong focus on inter-jurisdictional cooperation and clear, measurable goals for these implementation grants,” said Jennifer Dindinger, Chair of the Choptank River Tributary Team. “Encouraging a watershed approach to water quality management is the key to cleaning up our streams and rivers and this program will go a long way toward achieving that goal.”

The State will accept proposals through August 29, 2008. Proposals will be reviewed by an independent scientific advisory panel comprised of scientists, educators, planners, environmental advocates and policy experts. Final grants will be announced in October 2008.

During the 2008 session of the Maryland General Assembly, Governor O’Malley secured $25 million for fiscal year 2009 implementation of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund, all of which will be targeted to practices and areas which the best science available indicates will result in the greatest possible water quality improvements. Through Governor O’Malley’s BayStat Initiative, Trust Fund grants will be publicly reviewed, held accountable for measurable results, and adapted as need to maximize success. A similar RFP for fiscal year 2011 will be released in early 2009.

The full request for proposal and additional information including a map of identified priority watersheds is available online at http://www.baystat.maryland.gov/trustfund.

In addition to the Trust Fund and BayStat Initiatives, Governor O’Malley recently strengthened Maryland’s critical areas law to better protect from development the most environmentally sensitive and significant lands within Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Bays watersheds.
June 5, 2008

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources kicked off the Diamond Jim portion of the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge today aboard the Blind Faith charter boat by releasing specially tagged striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay.

“Whether you may be a first time, veteran, visiting or resident angler, Maryland’s annual fishing challenge encourages people from all walks of life to get outdoors by going fishing with their friends and children this summer,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We hope that grandfathers and grandmothers, fathers and mothers, and aunts and uncles take time to pass down their fishing tips and favorite spots to their children this summer, so they too can enjoy, learn about, benefit from and become responsible stewards of our State’s diverse natural resources.”

One genuine and 20 imposter specially tagged Diamond Jim striped bass were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries this week. If a lucky angler catches the genuine Diamond Jim by midnight on June 30, he or she will win $10,000 cash courtesy of Boater’s World and a $5,000 diamond from Smyth Jewelers in Timonium. Anglers catching Diamond Jim imposters will receive a $500 Boater’s World gift card. If the genuine Diamond Jim striped bass is not caught before midnight June 30, 2008, he becomes an imposter fish, worth $500 and the July genuine Diamond Jim’s cash value increases to $20,000.

“We are thrilled with the tremendous participation and interest already shown by anglers in this year’s contest,” said Eric Schwaab, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary. “We hope that the release of Diamond Jim further encourages those that have not yet entered to take part in the summer-long challenge.”

Designed to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire environmental A photo of Bill Burton casting a tagged striped bass into Maryland waters.stewardship, the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge began April 12 and will run through Labor Day, September 1, 2008. Any angler who catches a citation-qualifying fish and enters the challenge may win one of the official grand prizes. To date, more than 800 anglers have qualified to win one of the grand prizes, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer package from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center.

More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes, including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and panfish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass caught in Maryland waters off the Atlantic Coast. Grand prize winners will be randomly selected at a closing ceremony in mid-September.

As an added youth component new this year, children participating in various fishing rodeos across the state may qualify for a unique category at the challenge finale event and win a guided fishing trip embarking from several different locations across the state.

In addition to supporting the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge, Governor O’Malley continues to make conserving and restoring our natural resources a priority though a more balanced budget that includes an additional $25 million in funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts; fully funding Program Open Space; an additional $750,000 to improve fisheries management and restore habitat; an enhancement of more than $4 million to ensure sustainable management and quality outdoor recreational opportunities in our state parks; and $3 million for new Chesapeake Bay oyster and habitat restoration projects. Governor O’Malley also strengthen Maryland’s critical areas law to ensure more adequate protection from development of the most environmentally sensitive and significant lands within Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Bays watersheds. Protecting vegetation and natural, living shoreline of our Bays will help prevent water quality and fish habitat decline.

For the full rules, list of qualifying fish, qualified entrants thus far, and other 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge information visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.

Since discovering Didymo for the first time in Maryland last month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set up six wader sterilization stations throughout the tailwaters of Gunpowder Falls, to prevent further spread of this and other aquatic invasives.

Didymo is an algal diatom that forms long stalks which combine to form heavy, thick mats that can smother a stream bottom. Didymo mats, also called “rock snot,” look slimy, but feel like wet cotton or wool, and can be white, yellow or brown. The stalks can persist for two or more months after the diatoms die, causing habitat damage for an extended period of time.

“Didymo and other aquatic invasive species seriously jeopardize the health of our rivers, streams and Bay,” said Don Cosden, an assistant director with the DNR Fisheries Service. “Not only do these exotic species disrupt the local ecosystem, they are capable of permanently displacing or eradicating native species, including trout and other freshwater fisheries. We need anglers and other recreational users of this area to take 60 seconds to sterilize gear, and protect the waters they enjoy.”

Although there is no human health risk associated with the species, DNR is developing an aggressive plan of attack to deal with this invader, including asking anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to use extra precautions when moving from one stream or lake to another. Movement of a single cell can contaminate a new waterway, and once Didymo is established, it can cover and suffocate a stream bottom.

“Proper angler protocol is the main line of defense in preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasives,” said Jonathan McKnight, chair of DNR’s Invasive Species Team. “We are strongly urging anglers to properly sterilize their waders and all gear that comes in contact with the water prior to using the gear in a new location.”

DNR strongly urges citizens to sterilize boots, paddles, boats and anything else that comes into contact with stream water; anglers may want to consider having two sets of equipment in order to move safely from one spot to another. DNR also advises against using felt bottom boots and waders – the worst culprits in the spread of aquatic invaders – replacing them with non-porous materials. If felt waders are used, they should be completely immersed in salt solution before being used in another location.

Proper sterilization procedures include:

* Before leaving a stream, scrub away all dirt and debris.
* At home or at a wader sterilization station, disinfect equipment by scrubbing or soaking in at least a 5 percent salt solution (2 cups salt/2.5 gallons water) for 60 seconds and then letting dry completely or scrub with dish detergent and rinse well.
* If disinfection is not possible, let equipment dry completely for at least 48 hours before next use.

Currently, wader sterilization stations are set up at six popular crossings along Gunpowder Falls: Masemore Road, Bunker Hill Road, York Road, Blue Mount Road and both north and south lots at the Falls Road crossing. In the coming weeks, stations will also be set up along the Casselman, Youghiogheny and Savage Rivers.

Originally found in Scotland and extreme northern Europe and Asia, Didymo has been transported worldwide. Recently, the species has been found in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. In many cases, anglers have unknowingly transported the diatom on their fishing gear.

DNR urges anyone who observes Didymo on rivers other than the Gunpowder Falls to contact Don Cosden at 410-260-8287 as soon as possible.

For more information on Didymo and other invasive species, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/invasives/.

source: MD DNR press release