For almost 30 years the Minnesota DNR has been taking a census of the state bird. The survey of loons focuses on six specific areas - one of which spans the border between Cook and Lake counties.
Gaea Crozier works as a non-game specialist for the DNR. The survey is not so much a focus on the loon population itself, but rather used as a barometer. "Loons are a really interesting species in that we can use them as an indicator for the health of our lakes," says Crozier. "If we have a problem with our loon population then we most likely have a problem with our lakes.
The survey relies on volunteers to listen and look for loons. "The time commitment is quite low," says Crozier who notes that just one visit is required over a ten-day span. Some small lakes are accessible by foot, but bigger lakes necessitate motorboats.
To sign up and get involved with the loon survey, visit the Minnesota DNR website.
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