PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Rebecca Hooper
Communications and Program Manager
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)
rhooper@vinsweb.org
802-359-5001 x231


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Vermont Loon Recovery Report for July 2007 from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)

Quechee, Vermont- July 2, 2007- The common loon is another Vermont endangered species that has responded well to help from a partnership of state workers, private businesses and concerned individuals. Added to the Vermont list of endangered species in 1987, and chosen as the logo species for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife's Nongame and Natural Heritage Program, the nesting success of the common loon has dramatically improved. In 1994, only 14 loon pairs nested, producing 17 chicks. In 2002, the numbers had increased to 39 pairs nesting with 34 of these pairs hatching 52 eggs, resulting in 40 chicks surviving into August.

As of July 1, 2007 there are 54 loon nests confirmed in the lakes and ponds of Vermont, including new nests on Green River Reservoir, Pensioner Pond, Shadow Lake and Woodbury Lake. To date, 32 chicks are swimming in the lakes and ponds of Vermont. Woodbury Lake in Woodbury, Vermont has its first loon chick since the Loon Program began in 1978. There have been eight nest failures confirmed, mostly due to the disappearance of eggs perhaps due to predators like raccoons and crows.

Human disturbance of nesting loons, a major threat to their nesting success, has been minimized through joint educational efforts and signs posted near their nests. As a result, loons have started nesting on some of Vermont's busiest boating lakes, including Island Pond, Joe's Pond, Lake Groton, and Seymour Lake. In 2002, loons nested for the first time on Lake Eden and Greenwood Lake, and pairs showed interest in Woodbury Lake, Nelson Pond and Lake Salem.

Artificial nesting platforms have been important in reducing nest loss to flooding and in providing nesting habitat on highly developed lakes. Electric power companies and other groups that regulate water levels have made great efforts to prevent the flooding of loon nests.

This year there is new pair activity on Derby Pond and Lake Dunmore. Lake Dunmore, in Salisbury, Vermont is a very popular recreational lake. Extra signage and educational materials will be distributed to educate people on the protection of the Loons. Sally Buteau, of Ripton, Vermont, is a volunteer monitor and is currently monitoring the Dunmore pair.

Nearly a hundred volunteers monitor lakes and ponds with breeding and non-breeding loons all summer long, and some of those volunteers help with management of nest warning signs and nesting platforms. “More volunteers are always needed,” says biologist Eric Hanson, “they are vital to the success of the common loon.”

Loonwatch, a program of hundreds of volunteers searching for the majestic birds on assigned ponds, lakes, and reservoirs from the Quebec border to the Massachusetts line will be held Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 8am. There are still a few small lakes that are unassigned. Those who are interested in helping to survey a lake in their area, for the summer season or for Loonwatch, may contact Eric Hanson at ehanson@vtlink.net or call 802-586-8065.

Since 1998, Eric Hanson has been the biologist for the Vermont Loon Recovery Project, a joint program of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

The Vermont Loon Recovery Project (VLRP) has led the effort to restore loons to waters that nearly lost them. Since 1978, the VLRP has been working with citizens, hydro dam operators, lake associations, state agencies, and other conservation groups to secure the future of Vermont loons. Its strategic integration of monitoring, management, and public education has spurred solid gains in the number of breeding pairs and chicks that fledge.

To learn more about the common loon and VLRP, join Hanson at Stillwater State Park on Lake Groton on Saturday July 7, 2007 at 7 pm or later in the summer at Seyon Ranch on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 1 pm where he will be giving a slide show presentation.

For more than 30 years, VINS has nurtured children's interest in wildlife and the environment through both school-based environmental education programs and summer and holiday camps. By participating in VINS' programs, children of all ages learn the value and importance of being good stewards of the natural world.


Founded in 1972, The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a non-profit 501©3, member supported organization headquartered in Quechee, Vermont. VINS' mission is to protect our natural heritage through education and research designed to engage individuals and communities in the active care of their environment.

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