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   The Cass County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League will have a table at the July 21 and Aug. 4 Hackensack Children’s Fishing Contests.

   Information concerning the effect of lead fishing tackle on loons and other birds, fish and mammals — including humans that may consume lead — will be available. According to the “Get the Lead Out” campaign, an estimated 25% of adult common loon deaths are linked to lead poisoning after ingesting lead fishing tackle, and a single lead sinker can be enough to kill a loon. The campaign encourages anglers to switch to lead-free, non-toxic tackle to help protect wildlife and keep lakes healthy.

   The group will also collect fishing tackle that contains lead so they can help clean up local lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

   Those who turn in lead currently in their tackle boxes will be given a sample of non-lead tackle. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will be notified of the amount of lead collected, and the lead will then be properly disposed of to remove it from the environment.

   The Hackensack Children’s Fishing Contest is already working hard on getting the lead out. In fact, for many years, the tackle used and given out as gifts to winners and participants has been lead-free.

   Community members are encouraged to stop by from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, or Tuesday, Aug. 4, to pick up “Get the Lead Out!” information, exchange some or all of their lead tackle — primarily jigs and sinkers — for lead-free alternatives, and enjoy the excitement of hundreds of kids and their families participating in the Children’s Fishing Contest.

   For more information, visit the Lead Out Minnesota Facebook page or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Lead Out webpage.

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