Who Are the Loon Rangers?
Over 300 volunteer Loon Rangers protect and monitor loons and their habitat on specific lakes in Michigan. They have been recruited from people living on, summering at, or regularly visiting lakes reported as nesting lakes for loons. They observe loon activities on their lakes from early spring to late summer and then fill out report forms summarizing the numbers of pairs, nests, chicks hatched, and chicks mature enough to fly. They also map loon nesting habitat for use in review of proposed lakeshore projects and management of water levels. Rangers act to protect loons and loon nesting areas, educate other lake residents and visitors about the need to leave the loons alone, and contact coordinators and MDNR biologists for help with problems they are unable to handle. Many Loon Rangers have reported on and protected Michigan loons since 1986, while other have just started. More Loon Rangers will be recruited for new lakes or to replace retiring Loon Rangers. For More Information about
