I've been following with some interest the story of Judd Hanna's resignation from the Californial Wildlife Commission. Its no secret that Hanna supported a ban on lead shot in California condor habitat. Gov. Arnold pulled a terminator trick and asked Hanna to resign when pressured by lobbyists. If you need a reminder, check out the LA Times article.
Today the tables changed. Honestly, I didn't have a lot of hope for the folks in California. The Govenor signed a bill to ban lead shot, a success story that was badly needed.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Drummond Teacher Helps Save Loon
This story of a high school teacher in the Drummond area is a great example of how citizens are working to help wildlife, and also a reminder of how dangerous monofilament is to loons.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Alaska to New Zealand—A Non-Stop Journey
This link is for an amazing story about the migration of a Bar-tailed Godwit.
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1774
Enjoy!
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1774
Enjoy!
Monday, September 10, 2007
LoonWatch Accepting Grant Proposals
Below is the Request for Proposals for the 2008 Sigurd T. Olson Loon Research Award. The award amount will again be $2000 and proposals must be received by December 3, 2007.
Please help us spread the word that monies are available for original loon research projects in north America by posting this RFP in your newsletter, website, or through affiliate web postings.
If you have questions about this award program or the proposal requirements, you can find more information on the LoonWatch website at:
http://www.northland.edu/Northland/Soei/Programs/LoonWatch/Programs/STOAward.htm
Thanks!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
College Communications Office
Northland College
1411 Ellis Avenue
Ashland, Wisconsin 54806
(715) 682-1678
(715) 682-1690 (fax)
www.northland.edu
September 10, 2007
CONTACT: Bob Gross
(715) 682-1347
LoonWatch accepting grant proposals
ASHLAND, Wis. –LoonWatch, a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College, is accepting proposals for the 2008 Sigurd T. Olson Loon Research Award. The award is named for biologist Sigurd T. Olson, whose 1952 paper with co-author William H. Marshall, “The Common Loon in Minnesota,” continues to be cited as one of the premier baseline reports on the species.
Since 1986, the loon research award has provided funding for original research that leads to better understanding and management of loon populations. LoonWatch will accept proposals for research conducted in North America on any Gavia species. Research on behavior, breeding ecology, migration, winter ecology, toxicology and evolution will be considered. Proposals addressing human impacts to loons will be given special consideration.
The award will be designated for research that will be conducted during the 2008 calendar year. The maximum grant is $2,000. A portion of the award is funded by the North American Loon Research Endowment. The proposal deadline is December 3, 2007 and the award winner will be notified by January 31, 2008.
Northland College and its Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute are located in Ashland, Wis., near the shores of Lake Superior. The College has been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation for science and mathematics, as a model environmental campus for the Lake Superior Basin, and as one of Wisconsin's true liberal arts colleges. Founded in 1892, Northland now enrolls 700 students from 38 states, Puerto Rico, and three countries. For more information about Northland College and its Institute, visit our website at www.northland.edu.
For more information on the award, please go to www.northland.edu/loonwatch . To request proposal guidelines contact LoonWatch at: STO Loon Research Award, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Northland College, 1411 Ellis Ave, Ashland WI 54806, e-mail loonwatch@northland.edu or call 715-682-1220
Please help us spread the word that monies are available for original loon research projects in north America by posting this RFP in your newsletter, website, or through affiliate web postings.
If you have questions about this award program or the proposal requirements, you can find more information on the LoonWatch website at:
http://www.northland.edu/Northland/Soei/Programs/LoonWatch/Programs/STOAward.htm
Thanks!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
College Communications Office
Northland College
1411 Ellis Avenue
Ashland, Wisconsin 54806
(715) 682-1678
(715) 682-1690 (fax)
www.northland.edu
September 10, 2007
CONTACT: Bob Gross
(715) 682-1347
LoonWatch accepting grant proposals
ASHLAND, Wis. –LoonWatch, a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College, is accepting proposals for the 2008 Sigurd T. Olson Loon Research Award. The award is named for biologist Sigurd T. Olson, whose 1952 paper with co-author William H. Marshall, “The Common Loon in Minnesota,” continues to be cited as one of the premier baseline reports on the species.
Since 1986, the loon research award has provided funding for original research that leads to better understanding and management of loon populations. LoonWatch will accept proposals for research conducted in North America on any Gavia species. Research on behavior, breeding ecology, migration, winter ecology, toxicology and evolution will be considered. Proposals addressing human impacts to loons will be given special consideration.
The award will be designated for research that will be conducted during the 2008 calendar year. The maximum grant is $2,000. A portion of the award is funded by the North American Loon Research Endowment. The proposal deadline is December 3, 2007 and the award winner will be notified by January 31, 2008.
Northland College and its Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute are located in Ashland, Wis., near the shores of Lake Superior. The College has been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation for science and mathematics, as a model environmental campus for the Lake Superior Basin, and as one of Wisconsin's true liberal arts colleges. Founded in 1892, Northland now enrolls 700 students from 38 states, Puerto Rico, and three countries. For more information about Northland College and its Institute, visit our website at www.northland.edu.
For more information on the award, please go to www.northland.edu/loonwatch . To request proposal guidelines contact LoonWatch at: STO Loon Research Award, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Northland College, 1411 Ellis Ave, Ashland WI 54806, e-mail loonwatch@northland.edu or call 715-682-1220
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Meet the LoonWatch Get the Lead Out Tackle Exchange Coordinator
My name is John French, and I am the Loon Watch summer intern. I will be collecting lead this summer through our ?Get the Lead Out?
initiative. I have been fascinated by nature my entire life, and I grew up in Wisconsin so I have been fishing and talking to the loons ever since I could walk. I am from Fond du Lac Wisconsin, home of Lake Winnebago. Growing up on this lake was a true opportunity to see how people impact the lake ecosystem they belong to. Growing up there were algae blooms that covered the lake like a sheet that were a result of farm run off. After the Walleye Weekend tournament there were always dead walleye floating all over the lake, and now zebra mussels are an abundant part of the ecosystem. It was issues like these that encouraged me at a young age to do whatever was in my power to clean up our lakes. In the past I would try my best to clean up any garbage I saw in or by the lake, but for the most part my impact on lakes has been with fishing. I would only take the fish I ate and made sure to practice proper catch and release techniques and also made sure to educate those fishing with me as to the proper way to handle and release a fish. Over time I found that the more I took care of the lake, the more it took care of me; mind, body, and soul. Now I am faced with another chance to make our lakes a better place on a much larger scale, and I see it as a wonderful opportunity. I am passionate about keeping our lakes healthy, so they can do the same for us in return. The ?Get the Lead Out? program will have a lasting impact on
the lakes and the people who use them. It is a privilege to educate
others on this topic and look forward to seeing you at the next lead tackle exchange.
Tight lines
John
initiative. I have been fascinated by nature my entire life, and I grew up in Wisconsin so I have been fishing and talking to the loons ever since I could walk. I am from Fond du Lac Wisconsin, home of Lake Winnebago. Growing up on this lake was a true opportunity to see how people impact the lake ecosystem they belong to. Growing up there were algae blooms that covered the lake like a sheet that were a result of farm run off. After the Walleye Weekend tournament there were always dead walleye floating all over the lake, and now zebra mussels are an abundant part of the ecosystem. It was issues like these that encouraged me at a young age to do whatever was in my power to clean up our lakes. In the past I would try my best to clean up any garbage I saw in or by the lake, but for the most part my impact on lakes has been with fishing. I would only take the fish I ate and made sure to practice proper catch and release techniques and also made sure to educate those fishing with me as to the proper way to handle and release a fish. Over time I found that the more I took care of the lake, the more it took care of me; mind, body, and soul. Now I am faced with another chance to make our lakes a better place on a much larger scale, and I see it as a wonderful opportunity. I am passionate about keeping our lakes healthy, so they can do the same for us in return. The ?Get the Lead Out? program will have a lasting impact on
the lakes and the people who use them. It is a privilege to educate
others on this topic and look forward to seeing you at the next lead tackle exchange.
Tight lines
John
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Help protect wildlife health by reporting dead birds and other animals
MADISON – Wildlife officials working to assure healthy wildlife in Wisconsin are asking people to report unusual die-offs of wild birds, especially waterfowl and other water birds, to aid in wildlife disease surveillance. Die-offs of birds should be reported to the statewide Dead Bird Hotline 1-(800)-433-1610.
Death of a number of birds in one area is a strong indicator that disease may be present or there is a poisoning problem. Any number of dead crows, blue jays or ravens should also be reported as these species are the most likely to die from West Nile Virus (WNV), which can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
“From a disease monitoring viewpoint a report of a number dead birds – rather than a single bird -- in a small area such as around a pothole, slough, bay, or section of lakeshore or within your neighborhood is a stronger indicator that a significant disease such as Avian Influenza may be present. Knowing our wildlife are healthy helps assure people remain healthy too,” said Julie Langenberg, VMD and leader of the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Health Team.
Biologists are also interested in knowing about dead mammals -- other than road kills -- that are not badly decomposed or scavenged, and any wild animals displaying abnormal behavior or showing outward signs of illness such as weight loss, disorientation, or lack of fear. These can be reported to a DNR Service Center or a DNR wildlife biologist. The DNR Wildlife Health Team routinely performs necropsies on many wild species as part of its statewide disease surveillance efforts.
Wildlife health experts say people should handle dead animals in the following manner:
Wear gloves, or a plastic bag inverted over your hand; place the carcass in a sealable plastic bag.
Avoid direct skin contact with the carcass and wash your hands thoroughly after sealing the plastic bag.
Refrigerate the specimen or place it on ice (keep it cool but do not freeze) and call the Dead Bird Hotline or DNR staff for further instructions on what to do with the carcass.
Death of a number of birds in one area is a strong indicator that disease may be present or there is a poisoning problem. Any number of dead crows, blue jays or ravens should also be reported as these species are the most likely to die from West Nile Virus (WNV), which can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
“From a disease monitoring viewpoint a report of a number dead birds – rather than a single bird -- in a small area such as around a pothole, slough, bay, or section of lakeshore or within your neighborhood is a stronger indicator that a significant disease such as Avian Influenza may be present. Knowing our wildlife are healthy helps assure people remain healthy too,” said Julie Langenberg, VMD and leader of the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Health Team.
Biologists are also interested in knowing about dead mammals -- other than road kills -- that are not badly decomposed or scavenged, and any wild animals displaying abnormal behavior or showing outward signs of illness such as weight loss, disorientation, or lack of fear. These can be reported to a DNR Service Center or a DNR wildlife biologist. The DNR Wildlife Health Team routinely performs necropsies on many wild species as part of its statewide disease surveillance efforts.
Wildlife health experts say people should handle dead animals in the following manner:
Wear gloves, or a plastic bag inverted over your hand; place the carcass in a sealable plastic bag.
Avoid direct skin contact with the carcass and wash your hands thoroughly after sealing the plastic bag.
Refrigerate the specimen or place it on ice (keep it cool but do not freeze) and call the Dead Bird Hotline or DNR staff for further instructions on what to do with the carcass.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Get the Lead Out! with LoonWatch and Wisconsin Clean Sweep
What’s in Your Tackle Box? You can Get the Lead Out! at select locations in northern Wisconsin throughout the summer. Anglers will now have the opportunity to drop off their old lead tackle and jigs at 20 recognized Wisconsin Clean Sweep locations. These lead tackle drop off opportunities are made possible through a partnership of Wisconsin Clean Sweep and the LoonWatch Program at Northland College’s Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute in Ashland, Wis. It takes just one lead sinker to kill an adult loon. Other birds affected by lead include the State Endangered Trumpeter Swan and our national symbol, the Bald Eagle. Luckily, there are alternatives to lead tackle. Instead of using toxic lead sinkers and jigs, anglers can use options made from tin, bismuth, steel, tungsten, or ceramic. “When anglers choose to use non-lead tackle, they are helping to eliminate the risk of wildlife fatalities through lead tackle ingestion,” said Stacy Schaefer, LoonWatch coordinator. “Dropping off lead tackle might seem like a small act, but it’s something we can all do that will help preserve our wild heritage.”Wisconsin Clean Sweep Program and the established collection locations made the partnership with the LoonWatch Get the Lead Out! initiative a natural fit. Everyone who drops off their lead tackle will receive a free sample pack of non-lead tackle, a Loon poster, and information about the Get the Lead Out! campaign. “I’m thrilled that we can work together with the Wisconsin Clean Sweep Program to protect northern Wisconsin’s wildlife,” Schaefer says.Below is the northwest Wisconsin Clean Sweep/LoonWatch partner collection dates and locations. For more information about each location or Wisconsin Clean Sweep, call (608) 224-4545. ·
Butternut, August 2, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, Butternut School·
Grantsburg, June 19, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm, Grantsburg Fairgrounds·
Hayward, August 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, County Highway Shop·
Iron River, July 28, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, County Highway Garage·
Maple, June 13, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Maple Community Center·
Mellen, August 2, 3:20 pm – 5:30 pm, City Garage·
Minong, June 19, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Transfer Station·
Park Falls, July 13, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm, St. Croix Rods·
Phillips, July 14, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, County Garage·
Prentice, July 13, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Prentice School·
Roosevelt/Lublin, July 19, 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm, Town Hall·
Round Lake, July 16, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Round Lake Town Hall·
Shell Lake, June 19, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm, Shell Lake School·
Solon Springs, June 13, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm, Transfer Station·
Stone Lake, July 16, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm, Sand Lake Town Hall· S
Superior, June 16, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds·
Washburn, July 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, County Highway Garage·
Webster, June 19, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Webster Fairgrounds·
Westboro, July 19, 9:15 am – 11:15 am, Town Shop·
Winter, July 16, 9:30 am – 10:30 am, County Highway Shop
For more Get the Lead Out! information, contact Stacy Schaefer, the LoonWatch coordinator at Northland College’s Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, at (715) 682-1220 or loonwatch@northland.edu.
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