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Lead & Loon Exchange Program
The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District is taking the lead in a Fishing Tackle Exchange Program 2009 in partnership with the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and Somerset County SWCD.
anglers within Franklin County's borders can clean the toxic tackle out of their boxes and get replacement non-toxic tackle for free! The program begins in June and will continue while supplies last.
When sinkers and jigs are lost by anglers, these items settle on the bottom of the lake, where they do not dissolve. Loons and other water birds forage the bottom of lakes for gravel. This gravel or "grit," enables their gizzards to break down fish bones. Lead sinkers and jig heads are ingested when they are mistaken by the birds for the grit they require. Birds may also ingest lead when feeding on fish attached to lead fishing gear. As the lead sinker or jig is exposed to the pebbles in the gizzard and acids of the stomach, lead enters the bird's system and slowly poisons the bird.
The good news is that tragedies like this can be prevented. There are many non-toxic alternatives to lead fishing tackle, including those made of natural rocks, tin, steel, bismuth, ceramic and more. Many retail stores carry these alternatives and still more would be carried if the public demand for these products increased.
GPS Training
FCSWCD is offering GPS Classes throughout the year. (CLP credits available). Our class schedule is
as follows:
In addition, we have Rain Barrels and Compost Bins for sale. Click the images below
for more info. Order forms are available by clicking below. FCSWCD is accepting orders for both rain barrels and compost bins.Contact the office
at 778-4279 for availability.
We have plenty of new, exciting shrub sale items this year, including President Lilcoln Lilac, and rasberries that ripen in spring,
summer and fall.
If you're looking for a practical holiday gift, think about giving a gift certificate
for a plant or shrub. some samplings of our 2010 shrub sale by clicking on one of the images below.
FCSWCD offers our Annual Shrub Sale.
Our 2010 Shrub Sale Pick-up
Friday, May 7, 1-5 pm & Saturday, May 8, 8 am - noon.
Parking lot adjacent to Maine District Court, Main Street,
Farmington.
For a sample of our 2010 offerings, click on the images below
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