VOLUNTEER! Piseco as a Loon Friendly Lake
Loon Friendly Lake Certification Program
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC) initiated a “Loon-Friendly Lake Certification” Program in the summer of 2020 that promotes community-based environmental stewardship to better protect loons and their aquatic habitats.
The ACLC, located in Saranac Lake, conducts scientific research and engaging educational programming to promote and inspire passion for the conservation of Common Loons. Participation in this certification program, along with other Adirondack Lake associations and community groups will lead to enhanced understanding of loon natural history and behavior by Adirondack residents and visitors. These efforts contribute to cleaner lakes, improved loon nesting success, fewer loon injuries from fishing line and lead tackle, and reduced human disturbance.
Six steps are required to obtain certification:
1. Organize 2 – 3 lake cleanups per year;
2. Provide ACLC brochures to visitors and rental properties along the lake;
3. Place ACLC’s “Help Protect Loons” signs at boat launches;
4. Monitor loon nests on the lake and report problems to the ACLC;
5. Maintain ACLC fishing line recycling containers at the lake;
6. Act to reduce instances of lead poisoning in loons (not a requirement for certification): raise awareness, organize a lead fishing tackle collection drive, encourage participation in ACLC’s lead tackle buy-back program, share information about the dangers of fishing with lead tackle in PLA newsletters and Facebook page;
7. Take actions to reduce our environmental impact and carbon footprint, describing them on the ACLC’s Annual Project Checklist.
The ACLC provides all the educational material, signs and recycling containers listed above. All participating lake associations and community groups are requested to annually donate a minimum of $100 to help continue this program.
Participants will receive training and materials to help them conduct projects to protect Adirondack loons and lakes. Benefits include: recognition on the ACLC website and discounts on merchandise at the Adirondack Loon Center and ACLC field trips. Additional information regarding this program is on the ACLC website: info@adkloon.org and 518-354-8636.
For 2024, the PLA Board has approved applying for this certification. Chips and Ann Arend have volunteered to coordinate the effort. We anticipate that our proposed application for certification by the ACLC will be approved.
The next step would be to create a PLA committee for implementing the ongoing responsibilities of certification. Since we are responsible for all areas of the Lake, including Big Bay, we’d like locations from all around the Lake to be represented.
If you wish to volunteer in this program, please email Chips/Ann at arend866@gmail.com, or call 610-509-5638 by March 30. Please include the area of the Lake that you would represent.
Participation in this program supports the PLA mission and will enhance community awareness of and respect for the distinctive environmental character of Piseco Lake.
