Antietam Fly Anglers Conservation

We have two very different threats to our fishing water and what we do can make a very big difference. Both Whirling Disease (WD) and Didymosphenis geminate (Didymo) can be introduced into a stream by fishers. If we are not prudent about caring for our gear, we can transport the spores (Didymo) and parasites (Whirling Disease) from an infected stream to one that is clear of infestation. There is no way to determine if a stream is infected in the early stages of Didymo or if the WD parasite is present in the water.

Below is an excerpt from the Whirling Disease Initiative ( http://whirlingdisease.montana.edu/).

Carefully cleaning and drying all equipment is the best course of action to deal with all aquatic hitchhikers.
Recommended precautions that will help prevent not only the spread of whirling disease, but also other disease-causing organisms and aquatic pests include:

" Never transport live fish from one water body to another. (This is illegal in many states.)
" Obtain certified disease-free fish for any private fish stocking projects. " Do not use trout, whitefish, or salmon parts as cut bait.
" Dispose of fish entrails and skeletal parts properly.
Never discard fish parts in or near streams or rivers. Because an infected fish may harbor tens of thousands of myxospores, simply disposing of infected fish parts in a clean drainage could provide enough spores to start an infection. Do not discard fish parts in a kitchen disposal. Whirling disease myxospores can survive most wastewater treatment systems. Instead, discard in dry waste that would go to a landfill.
" Carefully clean all equipment before leaving a site, and allow it to dry. Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving an infected drainage. This is good practice for preventing transfer of other aquatic hitchhikers as well.

And from the Leah Elwell Conservation Coordinator, Federation of Fly Fishers

There are four easy steps you can take to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives.
1. Remove all dirt, plants and other materials from your gear before you leave a body of water
2. Rinse your gear with clean water
3. Thoroughly dry your gear
4. Never transport plants or animals from one body of water to another.

It may be difficult to thoroughly dry your gear if you are traveling on vacation and moving from one stream to another so hear is an additional suggestion from Leah.

There are a few specific methods to clean for didymo: easy and relatively non-toxic. A 5% salt solution or dishwashing detergent. Soak and scrub all gear for at least one minute. Knowing specific cleaning products that target particular

species can be helpful, but the FFF feels that a general message of inspect, clean with water and dry can work as a more universal, and less confusing, message for everyone everywhere. When appropriate the specific cleaning agents can be stressed. I agree it could be tough to carry two sets of boots, but something to consider. Also, before you travel - communicating with the regional management agency could be a good way to learn what the issues are in the places you will be fishing."

The ball is in our court and we must do all we can to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives. Please take the time to follow the steps presented here and please spread the word!

John Brognard
Conservation VP
Mid-Atlantic Council - FFF

Maryland Transition Work Group Report

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has started a new program called the "Mud Busters." This program is to document pollution problems and propose solutions.

As we build homes, roads, shopping malls, industrial parks, and parking lots, the construction disrupts the natural features of the landscape, often leaving soil unprotected from rainfall. The result is that muddy water runs quickly across cleared land and into the local streams, creeks, and rivers that feed the Bay.

If you see a construction site, or any other situation where land is disturbed and left unseeded, where soil is eroding because of wind or rain or melting snow, or if you see wetlands or a body of water threatened, make a phone call to
Mr. Bruce Gilmore 410-558-2346 or 410-26-8816. You can also make a full report on line at CBF.ORG - MUDBUSTER REPORT

Please provide clear directions to the location, to include township, county, municipality, road number, nearby intersections or other landmarks to help identify the site. If you have photos, please send those along, too.

To learn more about please visit CBF -- MUDBUSTERS

CBF will report significant violations to the proper authorities.

If you see pollution in the Potomac or its tributaries:

First call one of the numbers below, and then call, Potomac Riverkeeper:
at 301-POTOMAC(768-6622), or email to keeper@potomacriverkeeper.org

Types of pollution; fish kills, algae blooms, hazardous materials and oil spills, public sewer breaks and over flows, sediment or dirt discharge, wetland impacts, etc.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE): All pollution - Call 1 800-633-6101

West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR): All pollution - call 1 800-642-3074

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): All Pollution call 1 866-255-5158

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality: All Pollution regular business hours call:
Northern Regional Office at 703-583-3800
Piedmont (Middle VA) Regional Office at 804-527-5020
Tidewater (Southern VA) Regional Office at 757-518-2000
After hours, holidays, weekends, call 804-897-6500 - Department of Emergency Management

District of Columbia: Sewer Leaks - WASA hot line at 202-612-3400 - have nearest street and cross street ready
Sediment/Dirt entering a storm drain from a construction site or a cement, truck washing into street or storm drain etc., call 202-535-2240- IDC Watershed protection and Compliance Branch Oil and hazardous Substances, call 202-724-9216 - DC Water Quality Division
After hours, weekends, and holidays, call the Mayor's hotline: 202-727-3636

The Vice President of Conservation for MAC-FFF is John Brognard. If you have questions about conservation issues or wish to provide information for the Conservation site please contact John at 301-371-4205 of email:
john@bfcustomfishingrods.com

Please visit:   Mid-Atlantic Conservation web site and read
the excellent article on Mercury pollution by Don Fine.

or those who think that cows grazing in your favorite stream aren't really an environmental problem: "Three, yes, three million gallons of liquid cow manure gushed from a reservoir into New York's Black River in mid August 05. This is one-fourth the size of the 1989 oil spill of the Exxon Valdez. Thousands of fish were killed, and it will take years before the river is completely restored