In 2012, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed the presence of didymo in Big Hunting Creek. Didymo is an invasive form of algae that affects Maryland trout streams.
In Maryland, didymo was first discovered in Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County in early 2008. In 2009, the invasive algae appeared in the lower Savage River.
Didymo prefers cold, fast-flowing, rocky trout streams. Didymo blooms can cover entire stream beds from bank to bank with long strands of algae.
Maryland's Department of Natural Resources offers several recommendations which could help stop the spread of didymo to other trout streams:
- remove mud and debris from boots before entering and after leaving streams
- use wader wash stations to clean boots in saltwater (from the soles to the knee)
- If a wader wash station isn’t available, anglers can disinfect their boots at home
- Letting boots and gear dry thoroughly for at least 5 days will also kill didymo cells
To help stop the spread of didymo and other water-borne organisms, the use of felt-soled boots was banned in all Maryland waters effective March 22, 2011.
source: MD DNR
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