A belated happy Earth Day to everyone. I hope the following will be of interest to local anglers...
Mark Snyder Windom Park ---------- Anglers get the lead out at exchange events this year St. Paul, Minnesota, April 14, 2004 - The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are again partnering with retailers, and conservation and outdoors groups to offer lead tackle exchanges across the state this summer. Thirty lead tackle exchange events are scheduled beginning this month. Anglers can bring lead sinkers and jigs to the event to trade for non-lead alternatives. The events are educational and not one-for-one exchanges. "We want to offer anglers throughout Minnesota the chance to try out and compare lead-free tackle made from non-toxic materials such as bismuth, tin, tungsten, and stainless steel," said Kevin McDonald, coordinator of the OEA's non-lead tackle program. Carrol Henderson, supervisor of the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program, is enthusiastic about the lead exchange program. "This is an excellent opportunity for anglers who care about wildlife to try out new and improved samples of nontoxic sinkers and jigs and reduce the amount of lead being deposited in Minnesota's lakes." Minneapolis exchange events: May 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.*11th Annual Mississippi River Clean Up, Boom Island Park, Minneapolis July 25, 11a.m. to 3 p.m.*Minneapolis Aquatennial, Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun Schedule of events state-wide: http://www.moea.state.mn.us/reduce/sinkers.cfm#exchange New lead-free tackle on the market Non-lead tackle continues to drop in price and is now competitive with lead counterparts. For example, steel weights are priced competitively with lead and also provide added noise-making qualities. The quality of non-lead tackle is also getting better as manufacturers have improved finishing, including painting jigs with eyes and highly sought "red hooks." Water Gremlin, White Bear Lake, introduced several new weights that are made with bismuth to complement their line of weights made from tin. Northland Fishing Tackle, Bemidji, introduced its first ever non-lead NaturJig made with bismuth. Fishing weights made from a composite of tungsten and plastic and featuring similar physical properties as lead were introduced this year by Flambeau Outdoors, a major manufacturer of tackle boxes. Tundra Composites, White Bear Lake, has introduced another composite, which is equal in density to lead and will be available to anglers. Even glass jigs that "glow" are now being made and sold in Minnesota. Anglers who swap lead tackle will receive a sample packet of Bullet Weights stainless steel tackle. The packet includes a jig with an interchangeable head that can be changed without untying the line. Response to the Get the Lead Out! campaign Thousands of people exchanged over 1000 pounds of lead tackle as part of the 22 lead tackle exchanges held throughout the state in 2003. Survey results from the 2004 Northwest Sportshow show a high level of awareness about the dangers of lead in fishing tackle. Results show that over 90 percent of Minnesotans are willing to switch to non-lead, even if it is more expensive than its lead counterpart. While other states have passed laws restricting the sale or use of certain types of lead tackle, Minnesota's approach is to educate anglers about alternatives to lead tackle. The exchange events planned for this year give anglers a chance to try non-lead sinkers and jigs. Why is lead a concern? Lead is a toxic metal that has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds. Traditionally used in fishing jigs and sinkers, this metal has been found to poison wildlife such as loons and eagles that inadvertently swallow tackle made from lead. REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
