A ban on using felt-soled waders and boots in Vermont waters was enacted by the Vermont legislature to help curb the spread of aquatic invasive species in Vermont rivers. Felt soled waders can contribute to the spread of invasive species such as whirling disease in fish and didymo, a non-native alga commonly referred to as “rock snot.”

The ban, which became effective April 1, 2011, is designed to slow or stop the spread of these and other aquatic invasive species to new locations in Vermont.

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Didymo was first found in Vermont in the Connecticut River in 2007.  A bloom also occurred in a New York section of the Batten Kill in 2006.  Nuisance blooms have since occurred in the Mad, White, East Branch Passumpsic, and Gihon Rivers. 

››Map of current distribution of Didymo in Vermont.
››Map of the North American distribution of Didymo.

Why Focus on Felt?
Aquatic invasive species can be spread a number of ways, but felt-soled boots are a notable contributor to the problem, particularly with microscopic species that spread through cells and spores.

Felt is especially problematic because it is:

• Very difficult to clean, dry or disinfect. 
• Felt’s woven fibers create voids that didymo cells and other small material can penetrate and occupy. These voids can remain damp for a long time, allowing didymo cells to survive.
• Recommended treatments have often been found to be ineffective at disinfecting these spaces.

• Remove the felt soles from the boots you have.
  ››View a How-to Guide for Felt Removal
• Use a studded sole product that straps onto your rubber soled boots or waders.
• Use waders or boots made with studded or high-grip rubber sole material.
• Add your own “studs” to a pair of rubber soled boots or waders. Using a nut driver or cordless drill, screw some ½” hex-head sheet metal screws in to the rubber treads on the bottom of your boots or waders. Self-tapping screws will start in easily.
  These screws are not the most durable solution, but they are an inexpensive option for improving rubber sole traction.  Specialized, hardened stud kits are also commercially available.

You can find instructions and more on this option by searching online for “fishing boot screws” or “screws for traction wading” or “motorcycle ice screws."