Good evening LSC - we'd like to let you know about a new loon conservation and protection project on Lake St. Catherine.

In partnership with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) and Vermont Fish & Wildlife, this evening, we have installed a collection tube provided by VCE at the boat launch in Wells to collect old lead tackle and monofilament fishing line.

Even a small lead split shot is 100 percent fatal if swallowed.

• Every year lead tackle and discarded monofilament line kills aquatic wildlife, including loons, eagles, swans, geese, mammals, and other waterbirds.

• Nearly 50% of loon deaths from 1989-2022 in Vermont were caused by lead fishing gear, monofilament, and ingestion of hooks.

Our Greeters will inform boaters of the new collection tube, and we will monitor it throughout the year. VCE will make pickups and properly dispose of the collect lead and line.

Check your tackle box for old lead sinkers, tackle, and old fishing line, and drop it off in the tube.

Please help to spread the word!

You can read more about this project and loons via these links:

• https://fishleadfree.org/vt/

• https://vtecostudies.org/.../common-loon-conservation/

Thank you!