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Lead & Loon Exchange Program
The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District is taking
the lead in a Fishing Tackle Exchange Program 2010 in partnership
with the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and Somerset County SWCD. Anglers
within Franklin County's borders can clean the toxic tackle out of
their boxes and get replacement non-toxic tackle for free! Hurry because
the program ends Aug. 1.
When sinkers and jigs are lost by anglers, these items settle on the
bottom of the lake, where they do not dissolve. Loons and other water
birds forage the bottom of lakes for gravel. This gravel or "grit,"
enables their gizzards to break down fish bones. Lead sinkers and
jig heads are ingested when they are mistaken by the birds for the
grit they require. Birds may also ingest lead when feeding on fish
attached to lead fishing gear. As the lead sinker or jig is exposed
to the pebbles in the gizzard and acids of the stomach, lead enters
the bird's system and slowly poisons the bird. The good news is that
tragedies like this can be prevented. There are many non-toxic alternatives
to lead fishing tackle, including those made of natural rocks, tin,
steel, bismuth, ceramic and more. Many retail stores carry these alternatives
and still more would be carried if the public demand for these products
increased.
GPS Training
FCSWCD is offering GPS Classes throughout the year. (CLP credits available).
Our class schedule is as follows:
In addition, we have Rain Barrels and Compost Bins on clearance.
Click the images below for more info. Once the items are sold, FCSWCD
will no longer offer these items for sale. Contact the office at 778-4279
for availability.
Plans for the 2011 Shrub Sale are underway. If you have special requests,
contact FCSWCD,
If you're looking for a practical holiday gift, think about giving
a gift certificate for a plant or shrub. For some samplings of our
2010 shrub sale (items change every year) by clicking on one of the
images below.
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