By Eric Hanson, VLRP Biologist

The VLRP, a program of Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, has overseen the monitoring and management of Vermont's loon population since 1978.  In 1983, 7 loon pairs attempted to nest in all of Vermont. The nearest nesting pair to Westmore was in Norton or Maidstone. The red flags went up that something was amiss, and subsequently, the Common Loon was placed on the State's endangered species list in 1987.  The loon decline in Vermont was largely attributable to the fact that loon habitat (shorelines and open water) and where people recreate overlap. However, their presence is priceless to us when we witness their beauty, hear their calls, and watch them raise young ones, or observe the curious antics of this truly unique species.

The focus of the VLRP and its hundreds of volunteers over the past 15 years has been to promote nesting success by placing nest warning signs, working with hydro-electric companies to stabilize water levels, providing floating nest platforms, and increasing the awareness of boaters and lake residents about loons (e.g., watch from a distance, don’t use lead sinkers, reel in when loons nearby). This work has allowed many more chicks to hatch out and eventually return to Vermont to breed. On Long Pond, loons nested back in 1982, but then stopped and essentially disappeared until a pair started nesting again in 1998. The nest warning signs have been essential to get the loons through their 28 days of nesting. On Willoughby Lake, most of the likely nesting locations on marshy shorelines in wind-protected bays have camps on them. However, loons can sneak in nests in unlikely locations like a pair did on Echo Lake in Charleston last year, nesting 150 feet from a house and 500 feet from 10 other camps. The loon is a highly sensitive species, and management and education efforts will have to continue given that development and recreation pressures are increasing. Despite the cautionary note, a milestone has been reached providing the loons some breathing room, at least for a while.

The VLRP is a non-profit organization and needs your financial help. The VLRP relies on tax-deductible donations to fund our programs and services. The VRLP needs to raise $15-20,000 annually to be more forceful. Please consider supporting Vermont loon conservation efforts through an annual donation. In return, you will receive the Loon Caller newsletter and the VINS biologists’ Field Notes newsletter. For more information or to send a donation, contact Eric Hanson, VLRP biologist, P.O. Box 22, Craftsbury, VT 05826 (802) 586-8064, ehanson@vtlink.net. Check out the annual report, past newsletters and other loon information at www.vinsweb.org/cbd/loons.html.

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) initiated the VLRP in 1978 to evaluate the status of the Common Loon in Vermont. Although the VLRP is a program of VINS, the group works in partnership with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD). The Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources removed the Common Loon from the state Endangered Species list in April of 2005, since recovery goals for de-listing were met as detailed in the Vermont Loon Recovery Plan. This milestone resulted from years of dedicated conservation efforts by many groups and individuals, coordinated by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) Nongame and Natural Heritage Program. Vermont’s breeding loon population reached a record high 53 nesting pairs, 72 territorial pairs, and 57 chicks surviving through August. The Common Loon was designated a state endangered species in 1987 when there were less than 10 nesting loon pairs in the state in the early to mid-1980’s. Vermont’s breeding loon population gradually increased from 1984-1989, stabilized during the early 1990's at 13-16 nesting pairs annually, and increased substantially over the past 11 years. Of the 53 pairs that attempted nesting in 2005, 47 successfully hatched 68 eggs, with 57 chicks surviving (chick survival rate 84%, 0.79 chicks surviving per territorial pair).

Throughout this time period, VINS has hired a seasonal biologist to carry out the VLRP’s mission to restore and maintain Vermont’s loon population through 1) monitoring loon activity through a volunteer-based program, 2) implementing various management programs (e.g., nest site protection, nesting platforms), 3) conducting public outreach, 4) conducting research on threats to loons, and 5) carrying out rescues of injured loons. In the past seven years, the VLRP has expanded into a volunteer-based conservation program with over 250 volunteers and 50 professionals assisting the VLRP’s efforts. Education programs have also expanded with the development of the Loon Caller newsletter, a loon conservation fact sheet, and closer work with lake associations and other conservation groups. The VFWD provides support in a variety of ways including project guidance, protection of wildlife laws, communication with hydroelectric operators, and monitoring.

Season-long volunteer monitoring program:

Volunteers currently assist with the maintenance of over 25 of the 45 artificial nesting platforms, placement of floating nest warning signs on 20 of 35 lakes, and monitoring of nearly 100 lakes statewide. The benefits of volunteer monitoring include ownership in this conservation effort, monitoring of lakes over a larger geographic area, greater outreach to lake users, and efficient use of limited funds. Trained volunteers allow a seasonally-hired biologist to manage the rapidly expanding statewide loon population, to conduct more outreach activities, and to conduct research on long-term conservation threats, especially mercury contamination and long-term protection of nest sites. Currently about 50 volunteers are highly involved all summer long, and another 50-60 monitor their lakes several times a month. An additional 60-100 volunteers help with one-day annual loonwatch count statewide.

The VLRP will continue to recruit and train volunteers both expanding the coverage of lakes and replacing volunteers who decide to become less involved. Our goal will be to maintain this high level of commitment and participation and expand the knowledge of all the volunteers about loon natural history and conservation issues. The effectiveness of the volunteer program can be measured by how independent volunteers become in managing and monitoring their lakes, the number of loon sightings reported, and how many new pairs are identified in the developing stages of a territory. The success of loon nests, especially on busy lakes, provides one of the best measures of the effectiveness of the VLRP.

Nest site protection and management program:

Floating nest warning signs are placed around nest sites that are vulnerable to disturbance by boaters or shoreline activities. Signs were placed around 39 nest sites in 2005. The signs ask people to stay outside the area until the nests are no longer occupied. Nesting platforms are placed on lakes and reservoirs that have fluctuating water levels and on lakes with limited or no nesting habitat. 26 of the 53 nesting pairs in 2005 utilized nesting platforms. Now that the Common Loon has been removed from the state endangered species list, we will be evaluating where management efforts can be reduced, especially on low to moderate risk sites. Because of the level of development on Vermont’s lakes and the high recreational pressures, management and education activities will be necessary at more than half the current nesting sites indefinitely for the loons to be successful. Thus continued financial support is essential to maintain our successes.

These activities have contributed greatly to the increased nesting success since the late 1980’s. In 2004, initial inquiries were made with the Vermont Land Trust, the Nature Conservancy, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to assess the potential use of conservation easements and/or land purchases to protect loon nesting sites on Vermont’s highly developed shorelines.

Public outreach campaign:

Twenty to 40 programs and discussions have been presented annually during the past six years reaching thousands of lake-users, school children, and others. Loon fact sheets are provided in self-serve folders at over 40 boat access areas on loon active lakes. Over 20,000 fact sheets have been distributed or mailed to lake residents since 2001. As lake associations become involved in the project, information packets are sent to all lake residents. The VLRP produces a biannual newsletter, the Loon Caller, to further outreach to volunteers, lake-users, and wildlife watchers. Informational posters on nesting loons, loon chicks, and fishing gear threats are maintained at most lakes larger than 30 acres.

Elevated awareness of recreational boating impacts will curb nest-site disturbance and improve reproductive success. As loon pairs establish and nest, a culture of awareness grows around each lake community. The VLRP continues to expand the knowledge of this community about how people can further improve water quality and maintain habitat for loons as well as other wildlife. And just as importantly, the VLRP has helped bring back the loon to Vermont’s lakes and ponds providing enjoyment, wildlife watching opportunities, and connections to our natural world for countless numbers of visitors and residents of Vermont.

Lead fishing gear and fishing line have caused the death of about 60 percent of the 38 adult loons found dead in Vermont since 1989 (and 176 of 381 adults in New England). A new Vermont law goes into effect banning the use of lead sinkers ½ ounce or less beginning in 2007. Please replace your lead tackle this year and bring it to scrap metal yards of most solid waste facilities (call first). For more information, contact the nearest Vermont Fish and Wildlife office or hatchery or check out the website: http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/get_the_lead_out_index.cfm.

Conducting research on threats to loons, and carrying out rescues of injured loons:

The VLRP assists various North American organizations in studying the threats of mercury, fishing gear, and other causes of stress, injuries, and mortality. The primary organizations involved include Tufts University, Biodiversity Research Institute, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Northeast Loon Study Work Group. This work helps to guide policy and lawmakers on decisions about mercury pollution and lead fishing gear. In May of 2004, legislation was passed in Vermont banning the sale and use of small lead sinkers in large part because of the data collected by New England loon groups and analyzed by Tufts University.

The VLRP biologist also coordinates rescue efforts and monitoring of injured loons or loons caught up in fishing gear. In 2005, the biologist spent over 120 hours assisting 10 loons in distress; volunteers spent an additional 200 plus hours assisting in various ways. Although sometimes letting nature take its course is the best option, people want to see something done to help a loon that is in trouble.

Loons are a symbol of northern lakes and have become part of the culture of lake residents and visitors. Part of the reason for this is that loons are one of the most watchable forms of wildlife in our region, providing people with a vital connection to our natural world and thus promoting a greater ecological understanding of it. The VLRP promotes this connection through its management programs, volunteer opportunities, outreach programs, and hopefully in the near future, long-term protection of nest sites.

The VLRP provides an opportunity for lake residents and users to become directly involved in the stewardship of loons and lakes through many levels of volunteerism. These volunteers often become the "loon ranger" on their lake educating neighbors and visitors and answering questions from the local community. In addition to the network of volunteers, the VLRP conducts important outreach through meetings and slideshow programs, distribution of fact sheets, the Loon Caller newsletter, hundreds of informal conversations by the biologist with lake users, and a high level of media attention. The result of this work allows many more people the opportunity of not only enjoying the calls and beauty of the loons, but also knowing these lakes are homes to loons and other wildlife.

Because loon habitat and people’s recreational area on lakes almost entirely overlap, learning how to coexist is essential for the success of loons in Vermont and New England. Hopefully, careful stewardship of loons and their habitat promotes the protection of water quality, shorelines, other wildlife, and vital ecosystem processes. Landowners and visitors have gained a respect for sensitive loon nesting areas and look forward to watching their loon family each year. We truly believe this respect and connection help people realize the importance of maintaining water quality and healthy watersheds and understanding the value of wild places, both small and large.

Loons also serve a small role in ecological tourism as many people directly seek an outdoor experience where loons are present or indirectly have their experience enhanced. Many entities benefit including state parks, tour operators, resorts, property rentals, gift stores, and the outdoor recreation industries (e.g., boating, camping, wildlife watching).

The VLRP coordinates all loon conservation work in Vermont. The VLRP is essential in overseeing the management activities and creating an effective volunteer network around the state. In addition, the level of awareness about loons, loon habitat, and lakes would be much less without the VLRP’s outreach efforts. The VLRP also coordinates efforts with several other groups. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department helps with any legal issues pertaining to this state endangered species, including regulatory requirements of dam operators and enforcement of harassment cases. VFWD biologists help with monitoring where we have volunteer gaps, and VFWD game wardens help with loon rescues, mortality cases, and enforcement of wildlife laws. Personnel from Vermont State Parks and Green Mountain National Forest assist with both outreach and monitoring efforts. The National Wildlife Federation spearheaded the sinker exchange and outreach program to reduce the amount of lead used by fishermen several years ago. The Nature Conservancy helps maintain the land around several nest sites and assists with outreach efforts. For the mercury studies in the state, we have worked closely with the BioDiversity Research Institute in Maine and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. In addition, the VLRP works closely with loon groups throughout New England and eastern Canada as part of the Northeast Loon Study Work Group (NELSWG) to share educational materials and management methods, assess regional population trends and current threats, and make our programs more effective. These groups include the Loon Preservation Committee in New Hampshire, Maine Audubon, Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program, Tufts University, and the Canadian Wildlife Service. At a more local level, the VLRP has direct contacts with most lake associations on breeding loon lakes.

I have been the VLRP biologist since 1998 and have successfully promoted the use of volunteers to carry out the VLRP’s mission over the past seven years. Outreach efforts have increased during his tenure through the newsletter, facts sheets, and programs. In 2004, he initiated a major program to consider the long-term conservation of nesting habitat through the development of conservation easements and other practices. This critically important project for the long-term security of loons in Vermont will be developed over the next several years in cooperation with leading land conservation groups. Other key personnel that help the VLRP include Chris Rimmer, VINS director of Conservation Biology and Steve Parren and John Gobeille of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) was founded in 1972 by a group of citizens dedicated to protecting Vermont’s natural heritage through education and research. The organization is supported by over 5,000 members and by nearly 30,000 annual visitors to its regional centers in Quechee, Woodstock, Montpelier, and Manchester. VINS is unique among Vermont conservation organizations, conducting programs in wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, and conservation research.

The Vermont Raptor Center at VINS provides care for 600 injured birds each year, including hawks, owls, water birds, and songbirds. Raptor Center trainees rehabilitate another 150 wild birds annually. Flight demonstrations and tours of the facility provide visitors with exciting, firsthand encounters with Vermont’s native bird life. These activities also raise public awareness of avian ecology and broad support for bird conservation.

VINS coordinates two statewide education initiatives, Environmental Citizenship (EC) and the nationally recognized Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF). Together, EC and ELF reach about 15,000 students and 1,500 adult volunteers in over 65 Vermont towns. VINS educators develop curriculum guides, train parents and teachers, and promote innovative instructional methods in natural science education. Furthermore, VINS outreach educators deliver approximately 120 programs each year.

VINS also conducts applied ecological research and wildlife monitoring throughout Vermont, with a focus on species at risk. The work of VINS biologists and volunteers has spurred ongoing recoveries of common tern, common loon, and peregrine falcon populations. A VINS study of the Northeast’s only endemic songbird, Bicknell’s thrush, will form the basis of a regional plan to protect this rare species. The status of other forest birds is measured annually by VINS’ Forest Bird Monitoring Program, the Northeast’s only benchmark survey of undisturbed songbird habitat. In addition, VINS volunteers collect and map forest mammal sightings to identify movement corridors used by black bear, moose, bobcat, fisher, and gray fox. Finally, VINS coordinates Vermont’s participation in three federally administered monitoring programs: the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program, the Winter Bald Eagle Survey, and the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The majority of VINS monitoring activities rely upon the volunteer participation of Vermont citizens. Results are used by natural resource managers and policy makers in the design of wildlife conservation strategies.

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The majority of the budget listed above is for the general annual operation of the VLRP.

Additional special projects and major expenses in the next several years include the following:

* replacement of our 1961 motorboat with a boat that can handle larger lakes (we have a good 4-stroke engine already) $4-10,000

* development of volunteer educational folders ($2-2,500)

* development of nest site protection plan and informational packets landowners of loon nest sites ($ ???).

* replacement of 1998 2wd 4 cyl. Toyota pick-up in the next 2-4 years w/ a used low mileage 6 cyl. pick-up to tow a heavier boat ($12-16,000).

If no assistant biologist hired, subtract about $5-7,000 from the budget. An assistant has only been hired twice in past 10 years for 6-8 weeks at 20 hours a week.

Vermont Nongame Fund $14,000, donations $1-4,000, plus 1-2 small grants $1-4,000

By: Eric Hanson

Vermont Loon Recovery Project (VLRP) Biologist

P.O. Box 22

Craftsbury, VT 05826

802-586-8064

ehanson@vtlink.net

VINS address: 27023 Church Hill Road

Woodstock, VT 05091

802-457-2779

www.vinsweb.org