The Loon Committee
Loons are a living symbol of clean water, good fish habitat, and a healthy lake.
Established in 2020
We realize the value of the Loon population in the Wisconsin Northwoods and the scientific research showing the Loon population is endangered and in decline.
Purpose and Action Statement
The purpose of the Fence Lake Loon Committee is to educate Fence Lake Residents on the value of protecting our Loon population as a "Sentinal Species" - a living symbol of clean water, good fish habitat, and a healthy lake.
Actions
* Protect Loons that live on or visit Fence Lake
* Educate residents and visitors on the best practices to sustain the success of the Loon population.
* Implement and promote strategies to attain and support a growing Loon population.
Focus
* Education: "Fence Lake Association Loon Safety" brochure created
(Link to brochure here) and Request Speakers attached to the Loon Ranger Project of Northland College
* Safety: Develop , install, and encourage use of fishing tackle lead weights and line collection boxes at boat landings.
* Encourage responsible boating and jet ski use respects shoreline habitat for Loons. Encourage residents to participate and report loon activity on Fence Lake thru the Northland College Annual Lakes Monitoring/Loon Ranger Program.
Links
Annual Lake Monitoring and Loon Ranger Program: [email protected]
The Loon Project: https:/loonproject.org
Loons are Important
Generations of Fence Lake residents and visitors have enjoyed watching loons swim on the lake and listening to their hauntingly beautiful calls. Unfortunately, the adult common loon population in northern Wisconsin has declined significantly over the past few years. We can all do our part to continue to provide a welcoming environment on Fence Lake to adult loons and loon chicks.
Keep Loon Safe
* Remain 200 feet away while boating. Not only does this keep the loons safe, it's the law.
* Use non-lead tackle when fishing. One lead sinker can poison a loon.
*Recycle monofilament lines at boat landings to prevent entanglement of loons.
* Be mindful of the amount of wake your boat creates and where you create it. Large wakes near shore can swamp and destroy loon nests and also reduce the clarity of the water, hindering the loon's ability to fish.
Did you know?
* Loons can live 25-30 years.
* A loon's average dive time is one minute, but can stay underwater up to five minutes.
* Males and females incubate the eggs.
* Loons need 30 yards of water runway to take flight.
* Loons can fly up to 70 mph.
* Loons can have a five-foot wingspan.
* A group of loons is called
* a cry
* a raft
* an asylum
* a water dance
Join the Loon Committee
If you have an interest in working with the Loon Committee please connect with me through this link: Contact Us
Kay Reis, Fence Lake Loon Committee Chair