Vermont Loon Recovery Program - Vermont Center for Ecostudies

The Vermont Loon Recovery Project

Securing the Common Loon’s Future in Vermont

2010 Loon Summary

2010 Summary of Common Loon Breeding Activity in Vermont

The Common Loon is the product of nearly 65 million years of avian evolution. Its sleek form and boldly contrasting, black and white plumage cut a striking figure, gliding along he surface of mist-shrouded waters. The loon’s haunting call resonates with the depth of its ancient history . . . and the mystery of its uncertain future.

What is the Vermont Loon Recovery Project?

Since 1978, the Vermont Loon Recovery Project (VLRP) has been working with citizens, lakeshore owners, hydro dam operators, lake associations, state agencies, and other conservation groups to secure the future of Vermont loons. Its strategic integration of monitoring, management, and public education has spurred solid gains in the number of breeding pairs and chicks that fledge.

Concern for Vermont’s loons became acute during the mid 1980's when the total number of breeding pairs dipped to 7, and LoonWatch volunteers counted 29 adult loons on nearly 100 lakes statewide. The sharp decline, attributed to nest site disturbance, flooding of nests, loss of habitat, and heavy metal contamination, sounded an alarm for the state’s ponds and lakes. As consumers of fish at the top of the freshwater food chain, loons are recognized indicators of water quality and ecosystem integrity.

Population recovery began following the 1987 designation of the loon as an endangered species in Vermont. The conservation work of the VLRP was in full swing throughout the 1990s, with more and more loon chicks surviving, and by 2000, loon population numbers were on the rise. In 2005, the VLRP reached a major milestone with the removal of the Common Loon from the Vermont Endangered Species list. Over 60 loon pairs attempted to nest in 2007 and 2008, and volunteers counted over 200 adult loons during the one-day census in July.

However, the original threats to loon survival persist and new ones have appeared on the horizon. The VLRP exists to address the continued endangerment of loons.

VLRP’s mission is to restore and maintain Vermont’s loon population through seven conservation programs:

The VLRP is a program of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and works cooperatively with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.