Facts About MLPA-Michigan Loonwatch:
Dedicated to Working with People to Protect Loons and Their Habitat
The Common Loon (
Gavia immer), both state and federally protected, is listed as a Michigan Threatened Species and a Federally-Protected Migratory Species. Loons are present here from early Spring through early Autumn, wintering in U.S. southern gulf and ocean open waters.
Michigan Breeding Loons:Loon pairs statewide are listed from Michigan Loonwatch data compilations beginning in 1986. Not all loons in Michigan were observed or entered into MLW database. Yearly statistics are a by-product of MLW’s mission of loon protection. Ten-year checkpoint figures are:
2008: 226 loon pairs; 162 chicks fledged
1998: 309 loon pairs; 155 chicks fledged
1988: 209 loon pairs; 169 chicks fledged
Based on actual observations statewide, estimates are that there are presently around 700 Common Loons in Michigan.
MLPA-MLW Research: The legacy of MLPA-MLW is loon protection. To this purpose, MLPA-MLW has provided funding, assistance and materials for many loon research projects and has received grants from the MI DNR for full or partial funding of several of its own, all specifically undertaken to benefit protection of loons, and used to accomplish that end.
Some few of the projects are:
1989: Loon Census at Whitefish Point: Report for MLPA by Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Although these are migrating Canadian birds, they use the corridor shared with Michigan.
1993: Michigan Loonwatch Nest Island Project: MI DNR. Study and resulting implementation of new Artificial Nest Island (ANI) design using PVC materials; successful and remaining in use today. Plans are requested and used throughout U.S. and Canada.
1996: Loon Entrapment in Fishing Nets:
A Survey: Northern Michigan University. Resulted in implementation of improved net design for increased survival rates for loons, and informational brochures for both Tribal and Commercial Fishermen; by Joseph Christiansen.
1997: Jet-Skis on Michigan’s Loon-Populated Lakes: Commissioned by the MI State Legislature and instrumental in the enactment and implementation of state PWC (Personal Water Craft) regulations.
1998: MLPA/MLW Common Loon Nesting Success Study: MI DNR. Natural and human-induced threats complied from MLW records, for study and implementation of further protection efforts for loons and their habitat.
2000: Michigan Boater Education Study and Pilot Program: MI DNR. Also providing “Michigan’s Loons and Responsible Watercraft Use” brochures statewide. An ongoing project providing educational efforts and materials to Michigan’s boaters
1988 to 2001: Michigan Loon Survey: Northern Michigan University and Lake Superior State University. Provided Loon Ranger observers and MLW data to these Surveys.
2007-2008: Spatial Ecology of Common Loons in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan: Central Michigan University. GIS study focusing on loon population and the habitat criteria necessary for their nesting success; by Maxwell Field.
Ongoing Issue: Lead Poisoning in Loons: MLPA-MLW has been at the forefront of addressing this issue for many years, sponsoring an international lead symposium with crafting of a cooperative effort for action, creating and distributing an informational brochure and initiating ongoing educational efforts statewide.
In addition: 2001-2003: MLW Common Loon Nesting Season: Yearly grants from The Audubon Society of Kalamazoo for support and funding for the Michigan Loonwatch Program.
Michigan Loonwatch, founded in 1986 at the behest of MI Department of Natural Resources, is the field arm of MLPA (founded in 1987 to support MLW), endeavoring to have each loon nest in the state individually monitored and protected. Our Loon Rangers statewide observe the loons day-to-day on the lakes, protecting the birds, their young and their habitat, providing education to lake users and riparian owners, and providing information to our statewide database. MLW works closely with the MI DNR and other state and federal agencies, under their permits, in efforts to help ensure the nesting success of our Michigan loons.
Our Michigan Loonwatch Program is the oldest and the largest in the country, and continues to be in the forefront of loon protection. Other states often contact us for information and updates on our loon nesting success and protection efforts. In addition, some states have begun Loon Ranger programs patterned after ours. Together, we can look to the future, continuing our cooperative efforts for loon protection throughout Michigan and, indeed, our nation.
Who are the Michigan Loonwatch Loon Rangers and Area Coordinators?Our over 200 Loon Rangers come from all over Michigan; also from Wisconsin, Illinois and other states. Some oversee several counties as MLW Area Coordinators and assist other Rangers. They are citizens who are concerned about the loons and the lakes and volunteer their time and efforts to help protect these important and beautiful resources. They are people who live, visit or camp on or near lakes; they are riparian owners, boaters, lake-users, fishermen and hunters who share the view of conservation of our lakes and wildlife for the present and for the future.
Who are our MLPA members?Our MLPA members hail not only from Michigan, but from all over the country. They are dedicated people who sincerely care about the loons and their protection in Michigan, and, indeed, no matter where they are found. Our members’ ongoing and unselfish support of MLPA-MLW has enabled us to continue the work for nesting success and survival of our beautiful Michigan loons.
Who are our MLPA Board of Directors members? Our elected MLPA Directors are all dedicated professionals in their own right, including several Biologists, who volunteer their time, expertise and creative abilities to the mission of protecting loons. Their knowledge and experience in these many fields contributes greatly to the projects and studies that MLPA-MLW has undertaken over the years. They are active in the field as well, heading up important loon research and studies and, in addition, presenting informational programs statewide.
MLPA-MLW is an extensive organization, and for the past twenty-three years has sought to provide protective oversight to Michigan’s Common Loon population. Our membership is growing, and we invite all who share our love for the loons and for Michigan's wild beauty to join us. We appreciate the support of all who are, and have been, members and a part of our group over the years.
Our Most Sincere Thanks to You All!
(Photo: "See How Big We Are!" by Shelley Martinez, Loon Ranger)
**Membership link on the sidebar, or contact Luanne: jaruzel@tds.net
** All new and renewal memberships will extend throughout 2010.
**** Michigan Audubon Society will be withdrawing its financial underwriting and support of MLPA-MLW and loon protection at the end of 2009, after twenty-two years of working together. The support of our membership is vital to the continuation of our efforts for the loons, and enlisting new members will help broaden our support base, along with other avenues such as grants and underwriting of our newsletters and other facets of our work, which we are seeking and which will help MLPA-MLW to carry on with loon protection in Michigan. We invite new memberships as we move ahead together!
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