Effective January 1, 2007, it is ILLEGAL to use lead sinkers which weigh one-half ounce or less to fish in Vermont. Stores that sell fishing supplies will no longer be able to sell the lead sinkers. New Hampshire and New York have implemented similar programs.

Loons and other water birds can die from lead poisoning after swallowing lead fishing sinkers and jigs lost by anglers. Lead is toxic to humans and wildlife. This is why we no longer have lead paint, lead plumbing or lead in our gasoline.

Many species of birds are dying due to lead poisoning by ingesting lead tackle. Lead sinkers have been responsible for almost 50 percent of the loon deaths in Vermont. A single ingested lead sinker can poison a loon.

Never throw lead fishing tackle away in your household trash. Many community recycling centers will be equipped to collect the lead sinkers for recycling. It is estimated that this program will result in the collection of 85,000 pounds of lead throughout the State of Vermont.

Please clean out your tackle box. Dispose of lead fishing tackle properly and follow the new law.

While the new law does not ban the use of lead weighted fly line, lead-core line, downrigger cannon balls, weighted flies, lures, spoons, or jig heads, you may want to consider alternative products for the safety of fish, wildlife, and the environment.

Please visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife website at http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Get_the_lead_out_ index.cfm for additional information and information on where you can get FREE non-lead sinkers.