releases: https://nolan.house.gov/the-monday-report/theyre-in-serious-trouble
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://nolan.house.gov/the-monday-report/theyre-in-serious-trouble | They're in serious trouble! | 2017-11-27 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Saving Minnesota’s Loons - Before It’s Too Late These iconic Minnesota loons are swimming near Ely, on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Dear Friend, The community of Crosslake is stepping up to help save the Minnesota loon, the iconic state bird we love so much here in the Northland. The loon is in serious trouble. And I’m working with Crosslakers, and with my colleagues in Congress, to help lead the rescue before it’s too late. Minnesota has more loons than any other state in the lower 48, and we aim to keep it that way. The facts are clear The National Audubon Society has placed the loon on its list of 300 birds that may become extinct in the lower 48 states by the turn of the Century. Climate change and man-made pollution are eroding loon habitat and breeding grounds. Invasive zebra mussels are spreading a deadly form of botulism that has already killed thousands of loons. Scientists confirm that the deadly BP oil spill that occurred seven years ago in the Gulf of Mexico has probably caused genetic damage to the young loons that migrate south, live in those waters, and stay in the Gulf region for three or four years before returning. The Community of Crosslake Steps Up to Help Save Our Loons With the future of our loon population at stake, the community of Crosslake – including a growing coalition of local businesses, civic groups and citizens – has launched a groundbreaking new project to turn the tide by establishing a National Loon Center and model Green Marina Project for the region. Among many other things, the project would help build awareness and advocacy for loons and formulate loon survival strategies. The effort would also help restore fragile shoreline and loon habitat, promote environmental education, recreation, and tourism, and enhance the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ camp ground to encourage folks to watch and appreciate loons in their natural state. I have asked the Army Corps to include the National Loon Center and Green Marina Project in its 2018 Civil Works Plan. Moreover, I am strongly supporting Minnesota’s efforts to secure a $6 million grant from a fund set up by BP Oil to help the loon population. Administered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, that money would be combined with private funds to help restore shorelines on loon nesting lakes. Meanwhile, the Crosslake community is planning to submit its own funding applications to state, federal, and private non-profit entities committed to the survival of loons and other birds and wildlife. Battling Zebra Mussels and Climate Change to Help Save Our Loons In the meantime, my successful bipartisan amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations bill will boost the Army Corps’ anti-zebra mussel program to a total of $1 million next year. Those funds will help stop the epidemic of botulism that’s killing loons and threatening Minnesota’s multi-billion dollar sport fishing and tourism industry. And last but far from least, I am the first and only member of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation to join the bipartisan Climate Change Solutions Caucus. The Audubon Society predicts that unless we address climate change, gradually warming temperatures will drive our entire Minnesota loon population northward to Canada by 2100. Our children and grandchildren deserve to hear the same call of the loon that we have enjoyed all our lives. That’s what these efforts to preserve and protect our loons are really all about. We will keep you posted as events proceed. Meanwhile, I want to hear your thoughts. Feel free to contact any of our offices listed below or send me an email. Sincerely, P.S. Did You Know These Facts About Our Minnesota Loons? The bones of most birds are hollow and light, but loons have solid bones. The extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes. Because their bodies are heavy relative to their wing size, loons need a 100 to 600-foot “runway” in order to take off from a lake. Loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour. The red in the loon’s eye helps it to see under water. Scientists think loons can live up to 30 years and more. The full letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |