Protecting New Hampshire's Loons

Courtesy of the Loon Preservation Committee:

The NH House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 89 earlier this month by a vote of 225-142 - a convincing margin. SB 89 will protect our state's loon population by banning the sale and freshwater use of toxic lead fishing sinkers and jigs weighing one ounce or less--still the largest known cause of New Hampshire adult loon mortality.

We hope that the Governor will sign SB 89 into law soon, and we will update you as further details become available. Since the bill was slightly amended by the House (extending the phase-in period from two years to three), it will return to the Senate briefly before reaching the Governor. The Senate must concur with the House's change which is expected. This has been a great team effort.

The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC), NH Lakes Association (NH LAKES), and NH Audubon have worked closely together in support of SB 89.