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| Vermont Loon Recovery ProjectSecuring the Common Loon's Future in VermontAnnual Reports Loon Caller Newsletter What is the Vermont Loon Recovery Project?The Vermont Loon Recovery Project (VLRP) has lead 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. The VLRP is a joint program of VINS and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Learn more about Loon Volunteer Opportunities Why the Concern for Vermont's Loons?Concern for Vermont's loons became acute during the mid 1980's when the total number of breeding pairs dipped to seven. The sharp decline, attributed to nest site disturbance, loss of habitat, and heavy metal contamination, sounded an alarm for the state's ponds and lakes. As consumers of fish at the top of the freshwater food chain, loons are recognized indicators of water quality and ecosystem integrity. Population recovery began following the 1987 designation of the loon as a state endangered species. However, the original threats to loon survival persist. The Vermont Loon Recovery Project (VLRP) exists to address the continued endangerment of loons. The common loon is the product of nearly 65 million years of avian evolution. Its sleek form and boldly contrasting, black and white plumage cut a striking figure, gliding along he surface of mist-shrouded waters. The loon's haunting call resonates with the depth of its ancient history . . . and the mystery of its uncertain future. How did we know loons were in trouble? • ONLY 7-10 nesting pairs annually throughout the mid-1980's What threats do loons face and what caused their decline?• Disturbance to nest sites What the VLRP does to promote loon recoveryMonitoring loon activityFrom breeding lakes to feeding lakes VLRP biologists and volunteers obtain critical information on loon distribution and abundance, nesting success, and chick survival by closely monitoring Vermont's lakes and ponds. This information forms a scientific basis for protective management. Management to promote breeding successManagement activities are designed to protect loons during the delicate breeding cycle. They include stabilization of water levels to avoid the flooding or stranding of lakeshore nests, construction of artificial nesting platforms, and placement of signs to discourage nest site disturbance. Public education.....how people can help the loonsThrough public programs, classroom outreach, and friendly personal contact, the VLRP informs lake users on the effects of boating and fishing activities on loon survival. The VLRP encourages non-intrusive boating practices, especially near nest sites, the exchange of lead sinkers for non-toxic alternatives, and the cleaning up of monofilament fishing line. THREATS that are LESS of a problem todayTHREAT: Disturbance to a nest may cause nest failure • Nests are located within 1-2 feet of the shoreline, often in exposed locations (e.g., islands and hummocks near open water). • If a potential threat like a boat or predator comes near a loon nest, the adult will leave the nest and enter the water where it feels safe. (Loons cannot walk on land; they shuffle on their belly to get to the water.) • Unattended nests leave the eggs exposed to predators and the elements. • Repeated disturbance may cause loons to abandon their nest. HOW has the VLRP helped? • Warning signs are placed in the water and on shore asking people to stay away from loon nesting areas. • People have respected the nest warning signs allowing for more nests to be successful. THREAT: Loon nests were often flooded or stranded on reservoirs and other water-level regulated ponds and lakes • Loon nests are usually located within 2-6 inches vertically of the water. • Many ponds and lakes have dams, which allow for the rapid rise and fall of water levels, which can flood or strand a nest. HOW has the VLRP helped? • Today, most hydroelectric companies and groups that regulate water levels attempt to stabilize water levels from May through July. • For lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that flood readily during large rain events (both reservoirs and natural lakes), artificial nesting platforms have been placed. These structures mimic islands on which loons like to nest. • About half of the loon nests in the early 2000s were on floating platforms. THREATS that PERSIST todayHabitat Loss: Loons require a “quiet” area to nest successfully • As people built camps on Vermont's islands and sheltered bays over the past century, loon nesting habitat has been lost. • Nests usually need to be about a ¼ mile from areas with shoreline activity (camps, beaches, trails, roads). • Many lakes have little or no natural loon nesting habitat left (e.g., Caspian, Seymour, Willoughby, Greenwood, Martin's, Joe's, Maidstone, Island, Salem, Elligo, Harvey's, Miles, Shadow, Crystal, Parker, Woodbury, Nelson, Ricker, many lakes in southern Vermont). Only through intensive management efforts will loons nest on these lakes and ponds. • placement of nest warning signs around nest sites. • placing nesting platform in wind-protected areas in front of camps and houses. • groups of landowners agreeing to minimize shoreline activity. Lead Fishing Gear: a poison to all wildlife • We consider lead a poison to people….lead paint, lead in gasoline, lead in plumbing. • Over ½ of all adult loon mortalities in New England are caused by lead poisoning from ingestion of lead sinkers and jigs. Four of five adults found dead or dying in Vermont in 2001 died from lead poisoning. • More than 24 species of birds including geese, ducks, swans, cranes, and eagles have died of lead poisoning after ingesting lead tackle. • Loons and other birds ingest the lead fishing gear by: eating the fish that “got away”,taking live bait (please reel in if loons are diving nearby),and swallowing them in the process of ingesting stones to aid in their digestion. HOW YOU CAN HELP? • Exchange your lead sinkers for non-toxic sinkers through the National Wildlife Federation's sinker exchange program. • Encourage stores to sell only non-lead sinkers and jigs. • Encourage family and friends to switch to non-lead fishing gear. • Over 20 companies make non-toxic sinkers and jigs. Try different ones out to find out what works best for you. NEW 2004: the Vermont legislature passed a law banning the sale and use of lead sinkers ½ ounce or less beginning in 2006 and 2007, respectively Mercury Contamination: it affects loons, other wildlife, and people • Airborne mercury is getting into our waters from coal-burning power plants, combustible engines, and incinerators. • Loons, at the top of the food chain, serve as a sentinel as mercury builds up in their tissues. Loons with high levels of mercury are being negatively effected: • Chick survival is down by 40% on Maine's lakes and ponds with high mercury. • Adult males with high high mercury are becoming lazy by not attending to the nest or feeding the chicks as much as loons with low mercury. • People that eat a lot of fish and fish-eating wildlife may be at risk. HOW you can help? • Contact your legislators (state and federal) and encourage them to pass legislation to control mercury emissions. • Do not place products containing mercury in the trash…watch and toy batteries, large batteries pre-1992, fluorescent light bulbs, silent light switches, other switches, medical wastes, thermometers with silver fluid. Bring these products to your local hazardous waste collection day. The result of VLRP's management and education efforts….LOON POPULATION RECOVERY • More nests have been successful allowing more chicks to hatch out. • Loons do not nest, on average, until they are 7 years old. These loon chicks, now adults, are returning and nesting on new lakes throughout Vermont. • There have been 2-6 new nesting pairs each year since 1994. • Thanks to people respecting loon nesting areas and loon families, the loons of Vermont are on their road to recovery.
Volunteers are Vital to the Success of the Loon's Recovery• Season Volunteers: Nearly a hundred volunteers monitor lakes and ponds with breeding and non-breeding loons all summer long, and some people help with nest warning signs and nesting platforms. • Educators: Volunteers educate fellow lake-users about what the loons require to have successful nests and raise healthy young. • Vermont Loonwatch Volunteers: since 1983, hundreds of volunteers search for the majestic birds on assigned ponds, lakes, and reservoirs from the Quebec border to the Massachusetts line. Contact Eric Hanson, VLRP Biologist, for more information about how to become a volunteer at ehanson@vtlink.net
Who Sponsors the VLRP?• Almost half of the funding for the VLRP comes from the Nongame Wildlife Tax Check-Off and the Vermont Conservation License Plate. • The other half of funding comes from donations and grants. • Other supporting partners include Vermont Audubon, Biodiversity Research Institute, the National Wildlife Federation, and Vermont State Parks. Vermont's Loons Need Your Help TodayDespite recent loon population increases, the original threats persist. The VLRP seeks to increase management efforts, community outreach, and volunteer participation. All of this requires substantial investments of time and money beyond the base level of funding provided by the VT Nongame and Natural Heritage Program. Please consider giving a donation to maintain loon conservations efforts in Vermont. For more information, contact Eric Hanson at ehanson@vtlink.net | ||||||||||||||
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