Monitoring over 50 Vermont lakes, VLRP biologists and volunteers provide critical information on loon distribution and abundance, nesting success, and chick survival. This information forms a scientific basis for protective management. Management activities are designed to protect loons during the delicate breeding cycle. They include stabilization of water levels to avoid the flooding or stranding of lakeshore nests, construction of artificial nesting platforms, and placement of signs to discourage nest site disturbance. Public education initiatives concentrate on the effects of boating and fishing activities on loon survival.
Volunteers are vital to the success of the loon's recovery.
People of all ages and backgrounds provide generous grass-roots support in the three areas of monitoring, management, and education. Their participation in Vermont Loonwatch is particularly important. Vermont Loonwatch began in 1983 to provide an annual mid-summer estimate of the statewide loon population. On the third Saturday of July, loon lovers from the Quebec border to the Massachusetts line search for the majestic birds on ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. The VLRP invites you to join in this important loon count.