MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Researchers say a type of algae called "rock snot" that was thought to be an invasive species in the Northeast is actually native to the northern United States.
The algae, didymo, has caused massive blooms in some U.S. rivers. Fishermen spotted it in rivers in Vermont in 2007, sparking alarm.
To fight rock snot's spread, Vermont and six other states banned the use of felt-soled waders by anglers.
Officials now say Vermont will lift its ban next month, the first state to do so.
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife says scientists discovered that didymo spores were present in most Vermont rivers and can cause nuisance algae blooms under certain conditions.
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