Michigan Loonwatch Operates Under the Direction of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Following the Guidelines of the Michigan Loon Recovery Plan

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Working Together To Protect Loons

"Stay Close, Little One" by Dale Doepker, Loon Ranger

MLPA-MLW is a broad-spectrum group with one narrow objective: to protect the loons.

But the implementation of protecting loons covers a wide variety of research, management, monitoring, organization and education. No one narrow activity would be able to address problems ranging from lead and mercury poisoning, mile-long gill nets, habitat destruction of their prey base, harassment by boaters and jet-skis, nest disturbance and destruction and hundreds of other problems which have been identified through years of research and data collection by Michigan Loonwatch, its Loon Rangers and its research projects. These are among the many issues that MLPA and MLW are there to address, with the help of state and federal agencies, Michigan’s citizens, and concerned others as we work together for the success of our beautiful loons and their young, for the present and for the future.

Working Together:
Loon protection is a complex effort, and requires so much more than it would seem. There is much to be coordinated, so much to be aware of, so much to learn as we go along day to day. But, most of all, we realize that it is not an isolated effort, but it takes cooperative outreach among those who have the concern and the processes in place to work toward this worthy goal. Combining and coordinating our efforts is the key to the success of the common desire that we all share: the success of the loons and their young on our beautiful Michigan lakes.

There are many groups in our state that work toward this common goal, and MLPA-MLW is part of this network. It is a good thing to be able to share our concentrations, methods and outreach; to combine our work in the different ways that we approach this important and vital task of helping to ensure that our loons will thrive and continue to make Michigan lakes their territorial home.
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Would You Like to Help Save Michigan’s Loons?
Here are Some Good Ways to Begin!

1. Join the Michigan Loon Preservation Association at any level. Membership opportunities begin at $10: contact Luanne Jaruzel at jaruzel@tds.net

2. Donate to our Operating or Endowment Fund: contact Luanne Jaurzel at jaruzel@tds.net

3. Donate to the Loon Nestling Project: for information contact Joanne Williams at michiganloons@yahoo.com

4. Purchase gifts from the Loon Mercantile: visit www.michiganloons.com

5. Become a member of our board of directors, or sign up to help at festivals: contact Arlene Westhoven at westhova@ferris.edu

6. Become a Loon Ranger or Area Coordinator: contact Joanne Williams at michiganloons@yahoo.com

7. Invite friends and family to visit our sites: michiganloons.com, michiganloons.org and michiganloonwatch.blogspot.com. Encourage them to join the Michigan Loon Preservation Association to ensure that the Common Loon continues to return to our northern lakes.

***Thank you! We Appreciate Your Support!***