2022 Update | Fish & Wildlife

by LLPOA board member Zint Kics

My focus this summer was with problems that often occur with the use of lead fishing tackle.

Did you know:

  • 1 out of 5 loons die of lead poisoning from fishing tackle.

  • Fishing tackle in fish eaten by loons as well as lead shot from hunting gets picked up and eaten when mixed with gravel from lake bottoms. (Gravel aids in a loons digestion)

  • At least 20 eagles die of lead poisoning each year in Minnesota

  • Approximately 80% of all eagles tested have elevated levels of lead in their system. This is caused by eating fish or game that have lead fishing tackle or lead shot in them.

  • Other animals that eat fish or game animals which may contain lead can die from lead poisoning. Otters, foxes, swans, racoons etc.

Where to get lead free tackle:

We had a lead-free tackle display at this year's LLPOA picnic with a box members could drop off lead tackle and another box with free samples of tackle that did not contain lead.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agencies Get The Lead Out program website has listings of where to find lead free tackle. List of retailers from MPCA. Online retailer Amazon and some local retailers carry lead free tackle or you can check with your local dealer

Recycle lead tackle:

Many scrap metal recycling facilities such as Milaca Iron and Metal will accept lead tackle and lead debris, drop off at no charge.

According to the Aitkin County Environmental Services Director next year people can drop off lead tackle and other lead debris at the Aitkin recycling centers annual Hazardous Waste Day program in May

Lone Lake fish stocking assessment:

Due to walleye not reproducing successfully on their own in Lone Lake, walleye need to be stocked by the MN DNR.

Due to COVID, no walleye fry was stocked in Lone Lake in 2020, consequently no assessment was performed in 2022, two years after stocking. Next assessment to determine the need and quantity of fry required for stocking will be in 2024

Lone Lake Overflow

A group of LLPOA members continue to monitor the overflow at the west end of the lake which maintains the water level to the DNR's required level. Occasional blockage occurs which must be removed to maintain this optimal level.