John,
Found in lake regions of the northern United States, loons are perhaps best known for their distinctive calls that many believe signal the beginning of summer.
Unfortunately, mercury and lead in the environment, acid rain, fluctuating water levels, botulism epidemics, and oil spills have all played a role in their declining numbers across the last 20 years. But Congress can help wildlife like this treasured aquatic bird by fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides money for all 50 states to restore and establish wildlife refuges and wildlife-friendly parks.
Urge Congress to pass legislation to permanently and fully fund the vital Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Congress created the Land and Water Conservation Fund 55 years ago to protect our public lands and wildlife. Over the years, it has become America’s most successful conservation program, helping to create or maintain outdoor spaces in nearly every county in America. From the shores of Minnesota’s Lake Vermilion to New Hampshire and Maine’s Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge to New York’s Moreau Lake State Park, loons have seen their habitat restored and protected. And earlier this year, because of wildlife advocates like you, Congress overwhelmingly voted to permanently reauthorize this crucial conservation program.
Now, Congress needs to take the next step for land, water and wildlife—because without full funding, the Land and Water Conservation Fund cannot reach its full potential. Tell Congress to invest in our public lands today.
Because of its long lifespan, the common loon is a good indicator species: a healthy loon population signifies a healthy habitat. Wildlife refuges—along with local, state and national parks—often provide the best habitat for the common loon to thrive. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is responsible for thousands of such parks and wildlife refuges all across the nation. Without permanent full funding, many conservation projects remain underfunded or never leave the drafting table. Permanent full funding would make those conservation dreams a reality.
Urge your lawmakers to fight for permanent full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to protect our cherished wildlife.
As always, thank you so much for your continued support of our wildlife and outdoor heritage.
