SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation invites Adirondack anglers to participate in its “Lead Tackle Buy Back Program” to protect common loons from lead poisoning.

Anglers can trade in their lead sinkers and jigs this summer by bringing them to any of the eight participating retailers around the Adirondack Park. The shops include Woods and Waters and Blue Line Sports in Saranac Lake; Tupper Lake Bait & Tackle; Hoss’s in Long Lake; Old Forge Hardware; Crossroads in Chestertown; Norm’s Bait & Tackle in Crown Point; and Fish307.com in Lake George.

The Adirondack Lead Tackle Buyback program is part of a regional effort to keep lead fishing tackle out of water bodies, thus protecting loons from lead poisoning when they accidentally swallow a piece of tackle with a fish. “It is tragic to see loons fall victim to a death that is so preventable,” said Dr. Nina Schoch, executive director of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. “The number of loons that die due to lead poisoning has been increasing over recent years, and it is our duty to reduce the number of these majestic birds who suffer such a tortuous demise.”

Anglers who bring in at least 1 ounce of lead tackle will receive a $10 voucher to use to purchase new non-toxic tackle. This program will continue until all 800 vouchers are claimed, or Oct. 2, whichever comes first. Participating anglers will be entered into a drawing for prizes at the end of this year’s Lead Tackle Buy-Back campaign, and prizes will also be given to the anglers who bring in the most amount (by weight and/or number of pieces) of lead tackle.

“While many threats impact loons, lead poisoning is one of the most preventable,” said Jennifer Denny, Education Coordinator for the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. “This program provides an incentive to replace toxic lead tackle with alternatives that are safer for wildlife. Together WE can remove lead fishing tackle from circulation, and prevent the unnecessary deaths of loons in the Adirondack Park.”

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that conducts scientific research and engaging educational programming to promote the conservation of Common Loons (Gavia immer) in and beyond New York’s Adirondack Park. This project is funded through grants from the Blake Nuttall Ornithological Fund, Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of the Bouchard Barge 120 Buzzards Bay Oil Spill Trustees.

To learn more about the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation visit www.adkloon.org or www.facebook.com/adkloon, or contact the Center at info@adkloon.org or 518-354-8636. The Adirondack Loon Center at 15 Broadway in Saranac Lake is open from 10am-5pm every day.