Category: Share Our Shoreline

Fishing Loon-Safe with Chip Leer

Posted on September 18, 2026September 18, 2026 by nationallooncenter

By Baylee Bessingpas, Minnesota GreenCorps Member

To provide an expert perspective on fishing loon-safe, I interviewed Chip Leer – member of the National Loon Center’s Board of Directors and well-renowned member of the Minnesota sportfishing community. Chip’s experience in the fish industry spans decades, and he has been inducted into both the International Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame!

Q: How did you first get involved in the world of fishing? Is there an experience that stands out as your “spark” for lifelong participation?

A: One of my favorite parts of fishing is the chance to step away from the energy of the city. Time outdoors has helped me re-center for most of my life. I’m not sure there was one single moment that sparked my lifelong connection to fishing. What I do know is that the memories and lifestyle from my youth—time spent in a boat or cabin, the distinct smell of a freshwater lake in the air, and waves lapping against the shore—bring me a sense of serenity. The act of fishing and catching appeals to my competitive side: the challenge of outwitting a species in its own environment. What continues to spark my passion is the pursuit of finding fish and getting them to take something I offer. I still laugh almost every time it happens.

Q: Which Minnesota fish is your favorite to catch? Which do you find most interesting?

A: Currently, Smallmouth Bass. That said, I have had periods of my life where I have become consumed with catching all species at all times of year. From muskies in summer to crappies through the ice.  Every time I fish is interesting to me as there is something to be learned.

Q: When you think about the time you’ve spent outdoors, are there any experiences you recall that really stand out to you as defining moments? Any particularly notable encounters with wildlife?

A: Oh yes, and more than just fish. Having a moose walk out of the woods onto a trail and stand within 3 feet of me like I didn’t exist. Or wolves that walked under me as I sat in a tree. One of the most vivid is the first-time I had a loon chase my muskie bait as I reeled it back to the boat! I had never watched a loon swim underwater at that point in my life. Killer whales in Alaska playing with our anchor line, or closer to home, a large muskie I hooked on Leech Lake that tossed my lure so I never got close…but to this day I cannot tell you how large it was…. Because it’s impossible it was as large as I “think” it was, haha!

Q: What does being an outdoorsperson mean to you?

A: Being an outdoorsperson, to me, is when someone is personally passionate about the outdoors, spends a reasonable amount of time outdoors enjoying multiple activities, and ultimately has acquired skills from doing so. The activities could be anything: camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, birding, etc.

Q: What does stewardship mean to you? How does this influence you as a fisherman and outdoorsman? 

A: As an angler and outdoorsperson, stewardship to me means I put the resource first.  I know that without a healthy resource, we have nothing.

Q: In the community of outdoor enthusiasts, what common threads do you observe between community members (motivations, values, etc.)?

A: Interesting question because I see common desires between recreational anglers, tournament anglers, hunters, boaters and naturalists. Each user group desires a clean, healthy aquatic resource that they can experience in their own unique way. I see/hear fear of the others when each group speaks of the other. This fear is the barrier we need to work diligently to extinguish. Together we will succeed in protecting the resource; separately, groups may find individual triumphs, but ultimately the resource will pay a price.

Q: Over the course of your life, what changes have you observed in the outdoor landscapes you spend time in? What has stayed the same?

A: No question it’s harder to find solitude on a lake or river.  It can still be done, it’s just harder to achieve.  Much of the difference I see is clearer water, not necessarily cleaner. More vegetation in some lakes and less in others, as lakes age and evolve.  That said, much of the influence in lake health is from outside sources such as aquatic invasive species.  Zebra mussels clear up the water, although they sterilize it, rusty crawfish depose broadleaf cabbage beds, while milfoil growth chokes out a lake. All that said, fish management has navigated these challenges, and I do believe we have more opportunity to catch more and bigger fish now than even 20 years ago. How and where you catch fish has changed dramatically over this time. Despite the fishing industry’s desire to overcomplicate the process of catching fish, the process remains close to its roots. A hook with a worm under a bobber still catches a fish, only now you need fancy electronics to locate the fish and a specialized graphite casting bobber rod to reach the fish’s location along with a fine-wire stainless steel hook to capture that fish. Everything changes — nothing changes.

Q: How would you define ethical angling?

A: Understanding when you have advantages over the fish and not exploiting the fish when they are vulnerable.

Q: What inspired you to get involved with the National Loon Center as an advocate for loon-safe fishing?

A: #1 = I love LOONS! I was inspired to get involved with the National Loon Center because I have observed a gap between angling organizations and naturalist groups despite having similar desires for clean and healthy aquatic environments. I feel I can help bring groups together for the common good oops, I mean Common Loon.

Q: For those who may be resistant to change when it comes to their fishing traditions, how would you encourage them to consider safer practices?

A: Hard to say for sure without knowing why they are resistant. My guess is they are concerned their fishing success may change by using loon-friendly tackle. Should that be the reason, I would explain how I, along with many others, adjusted presentations for equal, if not better, success using non-toxic materials.

Q: What does your vision of an ideal future for fishing in Minnesota look like?

A: Aquatic resources being experienced and respected by anglers and non-anglers alike with all user groups working together, putting the resource first.

Q: For those who would not consider themselves to be outdoorspeople, what do you want them to understand about your world?

A: Despite how it may appear, most anglers are not there to take, take, take. The vast majority of anglers do not keep or kill the fish they pursue and have a genuine respect for the resource. It’s how they enjoy the resource that may be different from you.

Q: Any final notes or things you would like to mention related to outdoor recreation, loon-safe fishing, yourself, or your career?

A: Final thought would be – whether you’re an angler or not, next time you are in a social situation and find yourself with an opportunity to talk with someone who enjoys aquatic natural resources differently than you, ask questions about how and why they are spending time on the water. You may just learn you have more in common than you ever thought possible.

Learn more and get involved

Chip’s website:
https://chipleer.com/

MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation
Nonprofit that “works to ensure healthy fish populations, clean lakes, and strong programs that improve fishing for today’s anglers and tomorrow’s.”
https://mn-fish.com/foundation/

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Nonprofit working “to improve the health and resilience of fish and wildlife habitat on public lands and waters and to maintain and improve access to these places for current and future generations to hunt, fish and recreate.”
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/

When Minnesota’s Favorite Pastime Becomes a Threat to our State Bird

Posted on August 7, 2026August 7, 2026 by nationallooncenter

By Baylee Bessingpas, Minnesota GreenCorps Member

Describing Minnesota as simply the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” doesn’t do justice to the abundant aquatic resources found here – Minnesota is in fact home to 11,842 lakes, 16,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams, 13,136,357 acres of surface water, 12,000 common loons, and 141 native fish species! For loons and humans alike, fishing has been an integral component of life in the Northwoods for millenia. Thin, inch-long, J-shaped artifacts thought to be stone fishing hooks have been unearthed at archaeological sites in Minnesota dating back as far as 11,500 years ago! While the tools and strategies used to catch fish have certainly evolved since then, Minnesota remains a place where fishing plays a central role in culture, the economy, and our shared history. The MN DNR estimates that 26% of the MN population above the age of 16 fishes at least once per year, and that each year, 2 million anglers will drop a line in the water and spend nearly $6 billion on trip and equipment costs!

History of Fishing in Minnesota

It would take thousands of pages to thoroughly cover the history of fishing in Minnesota, but here is a brief timeline covering some notable eras and milestones.

To better understand our state’s vibrant fishing history, I visited the Minnesota Fishing Museum & Hall of Fame in Little Falls. As I perused the vast collections of 20th century outboard motors, classic boats, decoys crafted by families whose creativity spanned generations, personal tackle collections featuring handmade and self-designed pieces, and more, I was struck by how much human spirit came through in these artifacts – fishing is about so much more than the act of catching a fish. It means something a little different to everyone that participates: it is art, it is meditation, it is family legacy, it is food on the table… It is an experience that everyone relates to in a personal way. The museum’s founder, Al Baert, had a vision to preserve and showcase collections of artifacts that represent the history of freshwater fishing across Minnesota, to recognize and honor the people, organizations, and companies that have contributed to the sport through the decades, and to provide educational opportunities for people of all ages.

A common theme began to emerge as I made my way around the museum’s beautifully presented collections, best summed up by the following display quote: “Almost every angler has an idea for some piece of fishing equipment to make the fishing experience better.” Minnesota’s fishing culture is one of innovation and evolution to keep pace with advancing technologies and create new fishing opportunities. Pictured below are a few examples of novel tackle ideas brought to life by Minnesota anglers! To most, a better fishing experience means catching more fish, catching bigger fish, and doing it more easily. However, there is a lake resident that has been fishing these waters for over 1 million years, and their distinct voice has long been absent from conversations about creating equipment to make the fishing experience better – the common loon, who relies on clear, clean, cold lakes well-stocked with fish to survive through the summer while hatching and raising chicks. From the loon’s perspective, fishing equipment designed to improve the fishing experience would likely include a new generation of rigs and tackle that prioritized avian safety!

Fishing-related Threats to Loons

The other ways loon ingest tackle come along with the territory of being the original Northwoods fishermen: just like an angler hoping to bring home filets for a fish fry, loons are always on the hunt for their next catch. When anglers and loons are fishing the same areas, sometimes a loon will take advantage of a fish struggling on a line and use their sharp bill to bite it right off, swallowing the attached tackle along with the fish. Sometimes, a shiny fish-like lure moving through the water can be enough to trigger a loon’s instincts and incite a strike; with the loon not realizing their mistake until the lure has already been ingested. Another thing anglers and loons have in common? Sometimes a fish will win the battle and get away before it can be landed! If a fish breaks off a line and the tackle remains embedded or in their stomach, a loon can end up catching that same fish and ingesting the tackle.

Lead has a long history of use by humans that dates back to 6500 B.C. in Turkey, where archaeologists uncovered evidence of lead mining. Lead has a lot of qualities making it easy to work with: it is abundant, easy to shape, very dense, has a low melting point, and is inexpensive. Lead also makes paint colors appear brighter and more vibrant, making it a popular choice for elaborately decorated decoys or jigheads. Despite all of these desirable traits, the fact remains that lead is toxic, and most human uses have been discontinued or outlawed over time. Humans have used lead for things ranging from material for cooking vessels, to makeup, to a wine sweetener, to paint, to a gasoline additive! With the passage of the Clean Air Act and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the 1970s, lead was gradually eliminated from gasoline, and in 1978  lead paint was finally banned in the United States. According to the EPA, there is no safe level of exposure to lead – if humans living in a home with lead paint is an unacceptable health risk, then surely subjecting our lakes and their inhabitants to lead exposure is an unacceptable health risk as well.

Another fishing-associated risk to loons is fishing line entanglement. Loons can come into contact with fishing line in similar ways they might come into contact with lead – biting off an active line, coming across a fish with line attached, or encountering loose line that made its way into the lake. When loons encounter fishing line, it is often accompanied by pieces of tackle such as hooks or lures that may become stuck on the loon’s body, especially around the face and mouth. Sometimes, line or tackle may be attached in a way that does not inhibit the loon’s ability to move, eat, or raise chicks – in these circumstances, the line and/or tackle may persist on the loon and eventually become dislodged on their own. More often, when a loon is entangled, their ability to swim and fly can quickly become impaired. Loons often attempt to remove the fishing line with their most dextrous body part; the bill. Unfortunately, this can lead to the line becoming tangled around the bill, effectively wiring it closed. Without the use of their bill, not only are loons unable to catch food, they are unable to preen their feathers to keep them waterproof. This lack of food and insulation can result in a loon’s body condition deteriorating very quickly. A severely entangled loon can succumb to this problem within a few days to a few weeks without human intervention. The good news is that with early intervention by trained wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators, tangled loons have a good chance at making a full recovery!

If you observe a loon that appears to be in some kind of distress, entanglement or otherwise; the first step you can take is observing and documenting what you notice about the loon. Capturing photo and video evidence of the loon’s behavior is very helpful for professionals to determine if the loon is indeed distressed, or is exhibiting behavior that is typical despite appearing strange. You can access the National Loon Center’s guide to normal vs. distressed loon behavior here. If the loon is determined to be in distress and in need of help, the next step is to locate a licensed wildlife rescuer and rehabilitator near you. The NLC website houses a directory of these certified facilities across the range of the common loon, which can be found here. If you need assistance with determining whether a loon needs help or locating professionals to help with rescue and rehabilitation, you can contact the NLC or the MN DNR (if located outside of MN, your respective state wildlife agency) for assistance.

Fishing Loon-safe

Despite the threats posed to loons by fishing, there are simple steps any angler can take to make their fishing practices safer for loons. The first is straightforward and applies to almost any recreational activity: give loons space! If you have scoped out a fishing area and a loon pops up right when you are ready to cast, it is a good idea to hold off on casting until the loon has moved further away or to move to a different location. Fishing right next to loons puts them at risk of tackle ingestion, line entanglement, and being hooked; as well as putting you at risk of losing your catch or tackle to a loon! The next principle of loon-safe fishing is another one that applies to most recreational activities: clean up after yourself and leave no trace! Keeping loose fishing line and tackle out of the lake is extremely important for the safety of loons and other wildlife. A good precaution to take with used fishing line is cutting it into small pieces – this way, even if it ends up in the lake, there is not a long enough piece to entangle wildlife. Many types of fishing lines are also recyclable in specialized facilities that can be found at some sporting goods or fishing stores, public fishing accesses or boat ramps, and local fish & wildlife offices.

In Minnesota, there are 230 different invasive species that are present and established in our state, with about 100 more species that are present in the state but not established. Many of these species have spread via the boats or bait of fishermen. State law requires that when one is moving aquatic equipment (boats, jet skis, life jackets, water shoes, floaties, etc.) from one lake to another, one must CLEAN any visible debris (plants, zebra mussels, muck, etc.) off of equipment, DRAIN all the water out of equipment and leave any drain plugs open during transport, and DISPOSE of any live bait in the trash, not the lake. If you are fishing with live bait purchased from a tackle shop, there is a chance that it is a non-native species of minnow, leech, or worm. Releasing bait into the lake creates a very high risk of establishing an invasive population! Additionally, you are not allowed to transport water between lakes – if you are using live bait that you would like to keep and use again, you can drain the lake water out of the bait container and replace it with tap or bottled water. 

Perhaps the single most impactful action anglers can take to keep loons safe while fishing is to transition from lead to a non-toxic tackle option. While lead is still the default tackle option for many fishing retailers, non-toxic tackle options are becoming more affordable and accessible with each passing year! Some common material alternatives to lead are tungsten, bismuth, steel, tin, brass, and glass – sometimes even a blend of these materials, which is referred to as an alloy. Tungsten performs similarly to lead, even outcompeting it by some standards: it is a denser metal that allows sinkers and jigs to retain a smaller profile compared to a lead product of the same weight, and it is a harder metal that allows for increased sensitivity. This sensitivity allows anglers to get a better feel for what is on the lake bed and detect bites sooner. While Bismuth is not quite as dense as lead, this is also a harder metal that provides the benefit of increased sensitivity. Tungsten comes at a substantially higher price point than lead, but experimentation and innovation with alloy blends is ushering in a new generation of tackle that is non-toxic, high performance, and budget friendly. A list of online lead-free tackle retailers can be found here.

One of the foremost innovators in tackle design is Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Zernov, founder of Dragon Hunter – a business headquartered in Brainerd, MN that specializes in innovative product development, design, and manufacturing. Zernov teamed up with another iconic Brainerd-based business, the legendary Lindy Tackle Company, to develop and expand their line of Lindy-Lead Free products. In 2024, Lindy launched their Lindy-Lead Free line, which offered 4 different jig styles in 144 variations made from a proprietary alloy specifically designed to perform as well or better than lead while being safer for humans, wildlife, and the water it is used in. While the Lindy-Lead Free line is slightly more expensive than lead tackle, there is not a significant cost differential. On May 8th of 2024, Lindy became the first company to sign the NLC’s Loons & Lakes Legacy Pledge! Under this pledge, Lindy committed to making their entire product line lead-free and loon-safe by 2027 – a massive step in the right direction for the Minnesota angling community. Ron Kiffmeyer, Lindy’s sales manager, sums it up well: “This unique blend of materials is a true game changer in the fishing tackle industry… We have made the commitment to go 100% lead free because we can and it is the right thing to do, period.”

In addition to switching to non-lead tackle, anglers can encourage others in their community to do the same. Outfitting the tackle boxes of kids and grandkids with loon-safe tackle is a wonderful way to instill stewardship ethics in the next generation while introducing them to what could be a lifelong interest in fishing. Talking with fishing buddies about the threats lead tackle poses and the successes you’ve had with non-lead tackle could be the push they need to make the switch! Bait and tackle shops are much more likely to carry non-lead options if they know their customers will purchase them – requesting that your favorite shop carries loon-safe tackle helps get these products in front of more people in your community. Until the end of March 2027, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Get the Lead Out initiative has a tackle rebate program that brick and mortar stores can apply for, which reimburses stores up to $3,000 for the purchase of non-lead products to sell in their storefront. Click here to learn more about this program or apply.

Still not convinced that you’re ready to make the switch? Many lake associations, city governments, and non-profits (like the National Loon Center!) participate in community tackle exchanges, where you can swap some of your lead tackle for samples of lead-free options to try out. Not only does this allow you to experiment with different types of non-lead tackle, but it allows you to safely dispose of old lead tackle. Lead cannot be thrown into a normal trash bin, and should be brought to your county household hazardous waste facility or to one of these community exchanges for safe disposal.

Throughout Minnesota’s storied history with outdoor recreation on our incredible lakes, we have seen countless fishing traditions arise. From the Lindy rig, to the AquaVu underwater camera, to portable ice fishing houses, many innovations in the fishing world have come from Minnesotan fishermen. What if the next wave of innovations in fishing technology were centered around stewardship and the health of our lakes? What if we continued down the path of people like Jeff Zernov, striving toward a future where technology not only enabled great fishing, but fishing that is as safe as it can be for people, wildlife, and our lakes? Perhaps Minnesota’s legacy of being a fabulous place to fish has only just begun. A future where our lakes are full of plenty of fish to catch for humans and loons alike, where we do not see our state bird dying from lead poisoning and fishing line entanglements, and where our lakes are not littered with toxic metals is just on the horizon – all we have to do is continue toward it, with stewardship and sustainability as our guide.

Responsible Recreation During Peak Season

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by nationallooncenter

By Baylee Bessingpas, Minnesota GreenCorps Member

While human recreation can impact loons and their habitat throughout the year, the weeks around the 4th of July bring some of the most dangerous conditions loons will face during the breeding season. This time of year is the pinnacle of summer recreation in the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond, where the level of boat activity on our lakes reaches its peak. At the National Loon Center, we understand that getting out on the lake to celebrate summer holidays “Northwoods Style” is integral to our cultural identity as Minnesotans – our goal is to empower Minnesotans with the information they need to make safe and responsible choices about recreation that will allow us to keep our loons and lakes healthy and thriving for generations to come!

The fourth of July holiday falls during a particularly sensitive time of year for loons, with some loons still sitting on their nests and other loon families busy feeding young chicks that are less than 4 weeks old. Loons typically nest in May or June with chicks hatching during June or July. During the 28 day incubation period where loon chicks are developing inside of their eggs, it is very important that the adult loons spend as much time as possible sitting on the eggs, which regulates their temperature to keep the growing chicks healthy while also protecting eggs from predation. Disturbances like loud fireworks, boaters or paddlers  approaching nests too closely, or off-leash dogs can easily spook an adult loon off the nest, leaving the eggs vulnerable to predation, overheating, or chilling. Boats creating large wakes have the potential to flood or even wash eggs completely out of nests! While some loon pairs will try to nest again after losing eggs, if they experience a nest failure in July it is usually too late in the season for another nesting attempt.

For the first 8 to 9 weeks of a loon chick’s life, they are covered in fluffy feathers referred to as their downy plumage. In this plumage, chicks are very buoyant and have difficulty diving below the water’s surface and staying submerged. As the chicks gain strength; their swimming, diving, and foraging skills improve with each passing week – however, until their juvenile plumage fully grows in around 8 or 9 weeks and allows them to efficiently compress air out of their feathers and dive, they are unable to dive deep under the water’s surface or stay submerged for very long. When fast-moving boats and jetskis approach loon chicks, they are not able to dive to safety, making them very vulnerable to fatal watercraft collisions. For freshly hatched loon chicks less than 2 weeks old, they are spending much of their time riding atop the backs of their parents. Adult loons are very protective of their chicks, and are less likely to dive out of the way while protecting chicks either on their backs or by their side, placing both adults and chicks at an elevated risk for watercraft collisions. Large wakes don’t just threaten nesting loons either: these waves can separate loon parents from their chicks, which leaves the small chicks vulnerable to predation. A bald eagle can easily grab an unattended loon chick of any size, and smaller chicks are also susceptible to predation by snapping turtles or large fish.

While adult loons are excellent swimmers and divers, they are not invincible. Adult loons usually able to steer clear of approaching watercraft by avoiding high traffic areas and diving out of the way, but it is difficult for a loon to track and anticipate the movements of multiple highspeed watercraft that are often moving erratically, such as a jetski or a boat pulling wakeboarders or skiers. During periods of heightened boat activity, there are simply too many moving objects on the lake for loons to reliably avoid all of them, and accidents end up happening. Long-term studies on causes of loon mortality from the Northeastern United States suggest that trauma from watercraft collisions is one of the most common causes of death for adult loons. In Minnesota, we do not have state-specific statistics on loon mortality – YET! In collaboration with the Minnesota DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program, the National Loon Center is currently working on a research project that aims to synthesize long-term necropsy data and evaluate causes of mortality for Minnesota’s loon population. This endeavor will build on the National Loon Center’s ongoing efforts, begun in 2021, to collect deceased loons from around the state and send them to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory for necropsy. These efforts to learn more about common causes of death in Minnesota loons will help us understand the conservation concerns specific to our state and guide our future research, conservation, and education priorities.

Necropsy – a surgical procedure and examination of a deceased animal’s carcass performed to determine a cause of death (animal equivalent of an autopsy)

If you know how to interpret the language of loons, you will notice that they assert their boundaries and communicate when they are feeling stressed or threatened. Three common behaviors exhibited by a threatened loon are the hangover position, penguin dance, and alarm calls.

• A tremolo is the most commonly used alarm call for loons. This call is also made by loons in flight to announce their presence, and is not always an indicator of stress.
• A yodel is a call made only by male loons, and is used in territorial or defensive displays. 
• A wail is typically a long-distance contact call between pair members, but can also function as an alarm call. When a wail is being issued to signal alarm, it generally sounds more frantic than the typical wail and may consist of more notes than the typical two.

While you’re out enjoying lake days under the heat of the summer sun, there are many small actions we can take to ensure that human fun doesn’t result in loon fatality. Here are some tips and tricks for navigating summer recreation with loon safety in mind!

Tips for Loon-safe Boating

• Slow Down!
  • Be respectful of no-wake zones
  • Avoid creating a wake within 200 feet of the shoreline
• Look Out for Loons!
  • Assign someone on the boat to be a loon lookout and announce to the driver when loons are sighted
  • Loons and chicks are usually hanging out near the shore this time of year – take extra care in these areas
• Be Thoughtful & Respectful About Recreation!
  • Try to avoid setting off fireworks near nesting loons
  • Avoid getting close to nesting loons – even if you are using non-motorized watercraft, stay at least 200 feet away
  • Try not to approach loons on the water within 100 feet – it’s alright if they choose to approach closer, but leave that choice to them

Other Tips for a Loon- and Lake-safe Summer

• Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Minnesota law mandates cleaning any visible debris off your watercraft, draining all water, and leaving drain plugs open during transport
    • Dispose of live bait in the trash – do NOT release
  • Best practices – dry your watercraft in the sun for at least 5 days before going to another lake OR visit a decontamination station for high temperature high pressure water spraydown
  • Remember – any aquatic gear can collect AIS! This includes floaties, life jackets, shoes, etc. 
• Fish Loon-Safe
  • Use non-lead fishing tackle
  • Clean up fishing line
  • Do not fish directly next to loons
• Clean Up After Yourself
  • Pack out what you pack in – keep track of your trash
  • Check watercraft and make sure no oil or gas is leaking
  • Be conscious of sunscreen/bugspray ending up in the waters
    • Chemical sunscreens can be harmful to aquatic life – mineral based sunscreens and physical protection like sun shirts are a safer option
    • Heavy duty bug repellents (ex. those containing DEET, permethrin, or picardin) can wash off your skin into the water and become toxic to aquatic life. Opt for rinsing before getting in the lake or using natural non-toxic products.

The National Loon Center wishes everyone a happy Independence Day and a summer of fun, sun, and memories made on the water – we hope this information helps you and your family confidently enjoy lake recreation while keeping our loons safe!

Rah Rah for RALALA!

Posted on May 28, 2026May 28, 2026 by nationallooncenter

By Baylee Bessingpas, Minnesota GreenCorps Member

The Roosevelt and Lawrence Area Lakes Association (RALALA) is the National Loon Center’s featured Lake Association for the upcoming 2026 Loons & Lakes Festival! As the festival draws closer, we wanted to share more about this organization and highlight some of the work they are doing to preserve and protect lakes in their watershed.  Gary and Sheila Langer, active RALALA members who respectively hold the roles of Vice President and Loon Liaison, answered some questions about RALALA’s many endeavors in stewardship and their experience with the organization.

Q: In your opinion, what makes RALALA stand out from other lake associations?

A: We prefer to say that we stand together with other lake associations by sharing common goals, ideas and experiences (both positive and negative) rather than standing out.

Q: What kinds of lake stewardship initiatives is RALALA currently involved in?

A: RALALA contributes to lake stewardship in many ways:

• Educational Newsletter: published Spring, Summer, and Fall/Winter
• Participation in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Get the Lead Out Program
• Coordination with MN Department of Natural Resources
  • Implementation of Restore Your Shore
  • Loon Liaison
  • Fish Stocking
• Highway 6 Cleanup
• Oil Spill Monitoring (via Enbridge)
• Water Quality Monitoring: monthly water clarity testing
• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Monitoring & Treatment: annual surveys of all 4 lakes, Eurasian Watermilfoil treatments in both Roosevelt and Lawrence Lakes 
• Decontamination Station Management; Provision of Launch Site Inspectors
• Installation & Maintenance of Internet Landing Installed Device Sensor (I-LIDS) at the Roosevelt and Lawrence Lake Accesses
  • I-LIDS is a self-contained, solar powered system installed at boat ramps that completes video inspections of boats coming on and off the lake while broadcasting audio reminders for boaters to properly clean their boats between visits to different bodies of water. 
• Cooperation with Nearby Communities and Organizations (membership with ACCL, WAPOA, LARA, MLR, PRWA)

A loon liaison is a volunteer that acts as a bridge between lake associations and the Minnesota DNR. As RALALA’s loon liaison, Sheila coordinates annual loon monitoring efforts by organizing and communicating with volunteers living alongside loon territories on Roosevelt Lake, Lake Lawrence, Smokey Hollow Lake, and Leavitt lake. Sheila and her team of volunteers monitor the loons throughout the breeding season and collect productivity data – where and when loons are nesting, how many chicks are hatching, and how many chicks are surviving through the summer. Each year, Sheila compiles a report including these data to share with the MN DNR’s Loon Program.

Q: Any major success stories or wins that you’d like to share?

A: Three notable “wins”:

1. Eurasian watermilfoil was discovered in Lake Roosevelt in 2016 and Lake Lawrence in 2023 – as of 2025, it appears our treatment in Lake Lawrence was successful. No milfoil has been detected in Lawrence the past 2 years.
2. RALALA, partnering with Crooked Lake Township Lakes and Shores Committee and Lake Washburn Association, has collected over 100 lbs. of lead tackle over the last 4 years.
3. We have received a state-of-the-art AIS Decontamination Unit and have a partnership agreement with Crooked Lake Township and Cass County to manage the unit.

Q: As of right now, what do you see as the biggest challenges in your work? How has this changed over time? 

A:

• Climate change: warmer temps affect Eurasian watermilfoil growth and water clarity
• Continued spread of aquatic invasive species
• Significant increase of property owners on the lake
• Recreational use of major watercraft: Wake boats contribute to lake shore erosion
• Increasing cost of fighting invasive species: Eurasian Water Milfoil surveys are conducted annually on all four of our lakes (both an early summer and late summer survey on Roosevelt), plus diver surveys on Roosevelt and Lawrence, plus the cost of treating EWM (based on recommendations from experts and DNR approvals). We rely on our members and grants to cover costs. 
• Finding volunteers: It is hard to encourage families who are only able to come to the lake on weekends to spend time doing the work it takes to address our biggest challenges. This leaves the majority of the work being done by retired people.

Q: Are there any common misconceptions or misinformation about lake associations that you wish more people understood?

A: Not understanding the significance of issues or environmental challenges that a lake association is dealing with, and that these issues/challenges are never completely solved, but hopefully are managed to decrease the danger to the environment. There is a continued increase in cost and a need for manpower to manage the lake challenges – if not consistently managed, it becomes impossible to turn back time! 

Q: What does water stewardship mean to you?

A: Stewardship is an attitude, the understanding that what we do to safeguard our land or in the water affects the lake environment now and for future generations.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being part of RALALA?

A: Meeting great people with shared goals. We are a diverse group of people sharing a common goal and using our combined talents and gifts in support of our mission statement. Many of these individuals have become very good friends.

Q: Is there anything that has been unexpected or surprising about your time with RALALA?

A: It has been a great opportunity to continually learn more about our environment and how to protect it. The lake association has been a conduit to be able to share that knowledge with others. It is surprising and inspiring how many individuals commit countless hours, talents and energy to the initiatives of RALALA.

Q: If someone living in your area is interested in getting involved with RALALA, what kind of opportunities are available? What steps should they take?

A: Contact a RALALA board member – our contact information is available on our website. All talents are welcome; usually there is a one-on-one meeting with a board member to discuss one’s talents and interests. The board member(s) can then encourage the volunteer to join in a one-time event, a project, or a board seat (based on the volunteer’s area(s) of interest and time availability). There are opportunities for everyone and our newsletter encourages volunteers to come forward. 

Q: What advice would you give to other lake associations based on lessons RALALA has learned?

A: Reach out to other Lake Associations and share knowledge and experiences. We all have similar goals and may address those goals in different ways. We have learned that when we share our experiences with other lake associations, it is a win-win situation for everyone.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about RALALA, water stewardship, or life on the lakes?

A: The Outing and Emily communities and area businesses are positively impacted by RALALA’s members (approx 300 family memberships). 

Our work supporting the RALALA Mission Statement is personally rewarding and a healthy lake environment enables great quality of life and healthy property values.

Things that RALALA does:

Native Plant Communities Strengthening Human Communities

Posted on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by nationallooncenter

By Baylee Bessingpas, Minnesota GreenCorps Member

For this week’s blog, we are featuring an interview with local shoreline restoration expert Laura Mendoza of Great Roots LLC! Great Roots LLC serves the greater Brainerd Lakes and Aitkin areas and primarily takes on restoration projects between the months of April and October. Thanks for sharing your expertise and perspective, Laura!

Q: What is Great Roots LLC?

Q: What makes Great Roots LLC unique from other landscape and restoration companies?

A: We have a community driven approach, meaning the landowners, their families, friends or neighbors get together to learn as they help with the installation. This approach not only gives people the skills to maintain their project, but also provides them with the knowledge so they can spread the importance of natural shorelines.

Q: How has your relationship with the land grown and developed over time? What inspired you to pursue a career growing things and restoring landscapes?

A: I have always been inspired to educate people around me to help protect natural resources. I heard about the water shortage crisis as a kid growing up in Mexico City, and created an informational meeting with my family to help us do our part to save water. I went to college for environmental science to learn more. Then created a business teaching sustainable food production and community education for gardening focusing on the environmental needs of the area. I moved to Minnesota, and met a retiring shoreline restoration expert who shared her 30 years of experience. Then I created Great Roots to continue restoring shorelines. The needs of the local environment of the areas I have lived in have shaped the work I do to make the best impact that I can. 

Q: If someone were to start with doing or changing one thing about their shoreline property landscaping, where would be the most impactful place to start?

A: If there is currently a lawn that goes all the way to the water, they could stop mowing at least 5ft away from the water. Then identify the vegetation that grows back. I have to say that this needs to be done carefully, as they would need to make sure that there isn’t any invasive vegetation.

I have seen many properties where the vegetation was actually not grass but native sedges that help protect shorelines, so then I helped them select flowers to add diversity. I have also seen other properties where invasive species showed up, so they needed to control those before adding any native vegetation. They could use an app on their phones to ID plants or ask for help from their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or a native plant landscaper.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about shoreline restoration? 

A: Some people think that riprap is shoreline restoration, and while it might be the only option for sites with severe erosion, in most cases it is not necessary. Riprap also lacks the environmental benefits that a natural shoreline with native vegetation provides, and it can increase water temperature. Riprap is expensive and only strongest the day it is installed, but degrades over time and usually leads to expensive maintenance.

Some people think that a natural shoreline would look “messy” compared to the “clean” look of a lawn, but they can actually look beautiful! Diverse vegetation offers blooms throughout the season, providing important wildlife habitat. Native vegetation needs less maintenance as it establishes over time.

Q: What are some of the most common site concerns property owners have when you go to do a site evaluation?

A: Erosion/soil lost. Especially with properties that have been in the family through generations, people have mentioned that they have noticed the shoreline creeping in, one of the most extreme cases I have heard of, they had lost about fifteen feet. While it was a hard decision to transform their naturally sandy beach, they knew they needed to do something to prevent any further erosion. 

Q: Which plant species used in your restoration projects excite you the most, and why?

A: Blue flag iris is one of my favorite flowers, so much that I integrated it into my logo. It is one of the early blooms of the season, and it also seems to protect shorelines from muskrats, as it can be toxic to them, keeping them away. While muskrats are part of the lake ecosystem, they can dig tunnels into people’s lakeshores that create problems.

Q: Let’s say that a property-owner has restored their own shoreline, and wants to encourage their neighbors to do the same – what would be the main talking points you’d recommend using to sell the neighbors on the idea?

A: They could start by talking about why they decided to do it, and which positive changes they have noticed since restoring their shoreline, and try to relate to what their neighbors might prioritize. Some of the main benefits that can encourage people to restore their shore can be included in that conversation. A restored shoreline with native vegetation can decrease the time they dedicate to maintain their lawn, support pollinators, beautify their space, and improve fish habitat. Deep roots help anchor the shore, preventing erosion, filtering water (preventing algae blooms), and protecting the shore against ice heaves.

It is also good to explain how the benefits magnify when more people do it. Being an example is a great starting point!

If a neighbor is new to the idea and wants to know more before committing, helping out during a neighbor’s projects is a great opportunity to see what it is all about and to get their questions answered. That first-hand experience really plants the seed!

Q: Have any restoration projects throughout your career been especially meaningful to you? What made these projects stick out?

A: Definitely, I still remember the first project I collaborated on and still maintain contact with the landowner, she has become a great advocate for shoreline restoration.

I also have worked on a couple of projects where multiple generations of the family get involved with the installation. Everyone was excited to help and learn, and to contribute to protect a space that means so much to their family, and where they all share many memories. Their energy is contagious and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.

Q: Is there anything else you want people to know about shoreline restoration?

A: A shoreline restoration project doesn’t mean you have to quit having a nice view to the lake or using your space the way you would like to. A shoreline restoration design can integrate your needs and find a balance where you get the most environmental benefits. 

Q: Are there any resources you would recommend for property owners located on non-lakefront properties that still want to landscape in a way that benefits wildlife and water quality?

A: Include native vegetation in your landscape, for stormwater management rain gardens are a great option to capture the water and offer a space for it to filter any excess nutrients or contaminants.

Also avoid the use of fertilizer and any unnecessary chemicals, they can affect pollinators and other wildlife, they can also contaminate the water and affect the ecosystem.

Q: If a landowner is interested in scheduling a consultation with Great Roots, what steps should they take and how should they contact you?

A: Feel free to email me at greatrootsmn@gmail.com – I look forward to hearing from you! 

Q: For landowners that might be interested in restorations in other parts of Minnesota or other states, how would you recommend looking for local resources?

A: Reach out to your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office, they might be able to guide you through your project or direct you to local companies that can help you. Some SWCD even have cost-share programs to support shoreline restoration projects. 

Balanced Shoreline Plantings

Much like people, plants are stronger as a community than as individuals – different types of plants have complementary strengths, and when planted together they all contribute to the balance, stability, and resilience of the system as a whole. Three types of plants that work in synchrony to maximize the benefits of a shoreline planting are shrubs, graminoids, and forbs!

Shrubs are multi-stemmed woody plants that are generally less than 15 feet tall. The deep woody roots of shrubs provide structural support to stabilize shorelines and serve as a line of defense from ice, wind, rain, and waves. One of Laura’s favorite shrub species to include in a shoreline planting is the red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) – sporting vibrant red stems that provide a much-appreciated pop of color in the drab depths of winter, this fast-growing and hardy shrub is a powerhouse for controlling erosion and stabilizing the banks of lakes and rivers. These deep roots can also serve to break up compacted soil, making it easier for rainfall to infiltrate into the groundwater supply. Red-osier dogwood forms dense thickets that provide cover for wildlife and produces white flowers that support pollinators before turning into white berry-like fruits that are a favorite snack of birds!

Graminoids are grass-like herbaceous plants – our grasses, sedges, and rushes! An all-star included in many of Laura’s plantings, woolly sedge (Carex pellita) is an adaptable species that thrives in moist environments and forms dense and fibrous root systems, making it a great candidate for shoreline and wetland restorations. The dense roots hold soil in place and help absorb the energy of crashing waves while serving as a filter preventing nutrients like Nitrogen and Phosphorus from entering the water. The roots and leaves of graminoids like woolly sedge also serve as food and habitat for small critters like the invertebrates forming the base of the food chain!

Forbs are flowering, leafy, herbaceous plants – the type of plants we might call wildflowers. The roots of forbs will intertwine with the root systems of shrubs and graminoids, increasing stabilization and resilience against erosion and pollution. During the growing season, the leaves and flowers help slow water runoff while providing incredible support for biodiversity, especially native pollinators! Flowers bring beauty and aesthetic appeal to any planting, and are often the plants we most enjoy cultivating – as Laura mentioned in the interview, the blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) is a personal favorite flower that she included in Great Roots’ logo. The beautiful and uniquely shaped purple flowers of the blue flag iris attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and this plant’s success in moist environments make it a popular choice for shoreline and rain garden plantings.

Spring: A Time to Landscape for Loons

Posted on April 2, 2026April 2, 2026 by nationallooncenter