Protect the Loons

Lake Residents and Visitors

Loons need clean, cear water so they can catch fish. A few simple things you can do to help loons:

• Use only phosphate-free detergent and fertilizer
• Keep pets from running wild along alke shores and harassing wildlife.
• Make sure garbage is out of reach of loon predators like skunks and raccoons.
• Enjoy loons from a distance, especially if they are nesting near your camp.

Boaters

Collisions are unfortunately one of the leading causes of death for loons in Maine.

• Watch for loons and keep your distance, especially in shallow covers. Canoes and kayakers can get much too close, causing loons to leave their nests and eggs unprotected.
• Slow down if you suspect you are close to diving loons.
• Stay away from nesting loons.
• Wakes from boats can flood a loon's shoreline nest, and can easily overwhelm small chicks. This is a particular problem when personal watercraft circle in one area for a long periods of time. "No wake" zones are 200 ft from shore in Maine; 150 in NH.

Anglers

• Avoid fishing for prolonged periods in secluded coves where loons may be nesting.
• Use only lead-free fishing sinkers and jigs.
• Properly dispose of old lead tackle.
• Retrieve broken fishing line; dispose of spent line properly; pick up discarded line in the water or along the shore.