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Updated 3/31/11 Connecticut DEP Reports Didymo Discovered in the West Branch Farmington River First Confirmation of this Invasive Species in Connecticut The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that the highly invasive freshwater alga, Didymosphenia geminata, known as “didymo”, has been discovered in the West Branch Farmington River, a very popular trout stream in northwestern Connecticut. The presence of didymo was first confirmed in the northeastern United States in 2007, and has since spread to other popular trout streams in a number of Northeastern states (New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia). This is the first report of didymo in Connecticut. DEP first learned of the possible presence of didymo in the West Branch Farmington River from several anglers on March 18th. One of these anglers also provided an initial sample to DEP. Following initial review by DEP staff, samples were sent to the Vermont D...

Job Opening: ADIRONDACK AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES COORDINATOR Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), a Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management in New York State The Nature Conservancy – Adirondack Chapter The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Project Coordinator will be a team member of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), one of New York’s eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). The APIPP facilitates the development and implementation of programs in the Adirondack region for invasive species prevention, monitoring, mapping, management, education, and restoration (more information online at www.adkinvasives.com). The AIS Project Coordinator’s primary role will be to lead APIPP’s early detection and monitoring programs for AIS, coordinate partners in the region working on AIS issues, and serve as a resource for partners and communities on AIS issues. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to work in a cre...

Alverna Heights, NYS Parks and Cornell Biological Field Station present: The Third Annual Invasive Species Workshop: Communities Taking Control of Invasives May 4, 2011 9:00 am to 4:00 pm At: Alverna Heights 7770 Green Lakes Rd Fayetteville, New York 13066 ----------------------------------------------------------

Advocates reach invasive species deal with EPA By JOHN FLESHER Associated Press TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Environmental groups and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have reached a deal requiring tougher federal regulations for ships that dump ballast water in U.S. harbors, a leading way in which invasive species are spread. Cargo ships often carry millions of gallons of water and sediments in ballast tanks to help keep vessels upright in rough seas. Ballast water teems with fish, bacteria and other organisms that are released as freight is taken on in port. Many of the foreign species spread rapidly, starve out native competitors and upset the ecological balance. Invaders such as zebra mussels cause billions of dollars each year in damage and economic losses. EPA issued a 2008 permit requiring shippers to exchange their ballast water at sea or, if the tanks were empty, rinse them with salt water before entering U.S. territory. About a dozen environmental groups sued, contending the...