DNR is moving forward with a regulation to ban the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland waters.

According to DNR’s invasive species project leader Jonathan McKnight—“You couldn’t find a more effective method for transporting microscopic species from one place to another than the felt soles used by anglers. Felt is an excellent collection material, and it stays wet over time between locations, which allows organisms to survive.”

One of the most offensive species is Didymo, also known as rock snot, an alga that thrives in cold flowing fresh water. Individual didymo organisms are microscopic, but infestations include enormous numbers. The resulting mass is an unsightly yellow-brown slime layer that makes streams and rivers unattractive and nearly impossible to enjoy.  DNR scientists and anglers have found seasonal infestations of Didymo in the Gunpowder River and traces of the organism in the Savage River.

Numerous other diseases and injurious species may be carried on felt soles. Whirling disease, a fatal affliction in trout, which is known to be present in the North Branch of the Potomac River, is a serious concern with felt sole implications for anglers and fisheries managers.

This regulation to prohibit the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland is on track to become effective in January 2011. Alaska and Vermont have already moved to prohibit felt soles. Felt has been banned from New Zealand streams since 2008. Many anglers are aware of the risk and have switched from felt soles to rubber soled waders, and leading manufacturers have discontinued offering felt soled boots and waders. 

DNR is encouraging all wader and wading boot retailers to convert their inventory to rubber-soled gear and to discontinue the sale of felt soled waders in the interest of protecting Maryland streams.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.DNR.Maryland.gov.