The relative health of a lake can be easily measured by the health of its wildlife, especially those at the top of the food chain.

For 27 years a member of the ELCA has completed an extensive survey of the loon population on Eagle Lake to determine the number of both adult and juvenile loons. Any significant decrease could be attributed to a number of causes. It could be as a result of human activity and pollution, speed boats and other recreational use. A decreased loon population could also indicate a decline in their food source and/or deterioration of the lake condition.

The use of lead sinkers and lures, and discarded fishing line kills loons, as well as other wildlife and fowl species, when dumped overboard or left on the shorelines. Even noise can cause the young to die. Young loons can only dive to about four feet at first, and motor oil can result in the death of these young birds, as well as their parents.

Please remember to stay far away from these birds while they sit on their nests, and even after they leave the nest with their young.