Restoration of Common Loons in Minnesota
Implementing Organization
US Department of the Interior
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$7,520,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Species Restoration
Targeted Resources
Birds/Bird Habitat
Project Description
This project will reduce mortality and increase reproductive success of common loons in Minnesota by focusing on restoration activities that include: 1) acquiring breeding habitat; 2) providing artificial nesting platforms where appropriate and engaging Minnesota lake associations in loon conservation activities; and 3) reducing loon exposure to lead-based fishing tackle. Common loons nest in the northern United States (e.g., Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine, Alaska) and Canada. Recent migration data identify the Gulf of Mexico as the primary wintering area for common loons within the Mississippi Flyway. Among juvenile loons radio-marked in Minnesota, 94% occupied nearshore areas, lagoons, bays, and offshore areas of the Gulf during their first winter. Common loons represent one of the bird species most injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Contact
Kate Healy(251) 517-8010
katherine_healy@fws.gov
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/