FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September  17, 2004

Contact: Lisa Green (802) 457-2779 ext. 107, lgreen@vinsweb.org

 LOONS MAY BE REMOVED FROM VERMONT'S ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST :

RESEARCHERS REPORT NESTING PAIRS HAVE INCREASED FROM 7 IN 1983 TO OVER 40 TODAY

WOODSTOCK - Those who have spent time on Vermont's lakes and ponds over the past decade have likely noticed a change in who is sharing the waters with them. Ten years ago, observing a loon on any lake in Vermont was a treat, even in the Northeast Kingdom. Today, it is difficult not to see a loon in many of our lakes, particularly in Vermont's northeastern lake-dotted region.

The recovery of the loons has been so good that this past week the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG), which develops recovery plans for endangered and threatened birds in Vermont, recommended that the Common Loon be de-listed from the state's "endangered" species list. The target level to de-list as written in the Vermont Loon Recovery Plan was "40 nesting pairs averaged over 5 consecutive years" with a minimum of 5 nesting pairs in "2 geographically discrete areas". From 2000-2004, the average number of nesting pairs of loons was 41, and there were 6 nesting pairs in the southern half of Vermont.

The Vermont Loon Recovery Project (VLRP), a joint program of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, has overseen the monitoring and management of Vermont's loon population since 1978. In 1983, 7 loon pairs attempted to nest in all of Vermont. Loonwatch volunteers counted 29 adult loons in the entire state that year. The red flags went up that something was amiss, and subsequently, the Common Loon was placed on the State's endangered species list in 1987. (Although locally endangered at the time, the North American population of loons are not endangered with over 100,000 in Canada.)

The loon decline in Vermont was attributable to human-induced events, especially disturbance to nest sites, flooding of nests on lakes and reservoirs with fluctuating water levels, and loss of habitat. Loon habitat and where people recreate on water tend to overlap. Loons nest next to the open water on islands and at the edge of marshes and raise their young out in the open. This allows people to watch them for hours but also sets them up to being approached too closely. Although adult loons can be curious and approach boats, adults on a nest or with chicks tend to be more wary. Lead fishing tackle, fishing line, acid rain, mercury contamination from power plants and incinerators, botulism outbreaks, commercial fishing nets on the oceans, and oil spills have all contributed to the vulnerability of loons. And lastly, loons only produce 1 or 2 chicks every few years, on average, and do not usually nest until they are 7 years old. Thus, many years of low productivity likely caused the downward swing that was detected in the 1970s and 1980s.

VINS Biologist, Eric Hanson, who oversees loon recovery efforts in Vermont, states that the focus over the past 15 years has been to promote nesting success by placing nest warning signs that ask boaters to avoid nest sites, working with hydro-electric companies to stabilize water levels, and providing nesting platforms (artificial floating islands). This work has allowed many more chicks to hatch out and have a chance to fledge. Hanson says, "Loon chicks return to their natal lake regions in 3 to 4 years, but may not find a nest site for several more. The few chicks produced in the late 1980s and 1990s likely allowed for the major population expansion observed since the mid-1990s. In 2004, 43 loon pairs nested and 44 chicks are likely to fledge. Loonwatch volunteers counted over 180 adult loons throughout the state on July 17, 2004."

Another major factor that has contributed to the recovery is the awareness of boaters and lake residents about what loons need to be successful. Loonwatch volunteers have been vital in this education effort as well as in conducting many of the management activities that help and protect the loons during nesting. In addition, the Vermont legislature passed a law in May 2004 banning the sale and use of small lead sinkers joining Maine, New Hampshire, and New York with their lead sinker laws. Hanson states, "It is a proud moment to recognize the accomplishments of all those who have helped the loons come back to Vermont."

What happens next and what does this mean for loon conservation in Vermont?

The recommendation to de-list will be sent to the Vermont Endangered Species Committee and then on to the Agency of Natural Resources' Secretary for consideration. The Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) emphasized that although de-listing goals were met, the loon is a highly sensitive species, and management and education efforts will have to continue to maintain the current population. Hanson estimates that nearly 25 of the nesting pairs would likely fail frequently without nest warning signs and/or a nesting platform.

The SAG Committee realizes it has entered a new phase with the "recovery" and de-listing of osprey, peregrine falcons, and now loons. Each species will have a different set of issues on how to maintain their populations during this post-recovery period. With human pressures on Vermont's lakes and ponds likely to increase in the future, some level of coordination of loon management activities will have to continue indefinitely. Despite the cautionary note, a milestone has been reached providing the loons some breathing room, at least for a while.

VINS is a non-profit, member-supported organization headquartered in Woodstock, Vermont, with regional offices in Montpelier, Manchester, and Quechee.   VINS' staff of conservation biologists, working closely with more than 800 volunteer "citizen scientists", conducts vital research on the habitats and natural histories of at-risk populations of songbirds, Common Loons, Peregrine Falcons, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, bats, and other wildlife. The goal of these comprehensive field studies is two-fold: to better understand complex and vulnerable ecosystems; and to recommend sound ways of protecting wildlife populations and other natural resources. For more information about VINS and its research, education programs, and wildlife rehabilitation efforts,  call (802) 457-2779 or visit www.vinsweb.org.