Every five years the LoonWatch program conducts a one-day survey on 258 pre-selected lakes in northern Wisconsin to estimate the state’s total common loon population.
Next year this survey will take place on July 18th between 5a.m. and 10a.m. This survey provides an accurate estimate of Wisconsin’s loon population, and has been a resource for multiple scientific publications since 1985. LoonWatch will provide training workshops throughout northern Wisconsin next year.
There are numerous lakes in Polk County that are part of the Survey, and we are looking for volunteers to survey them. We would be grateful if you would be willing to spread the word about this survey to potential volunteers who might be interested in participating.
The more lakes we have volunteers surveying, the more accurate our population count will be. The list of lakes where we need volunteers is included below.
A link with a map of the lakes and volunteer registration can be viewed here:
Thank you so much for any help you can give with the Wisconsin Loon Population Survey. Please contact me with any questions. Again, thank you for helping with this important project.
Lakes in Polk County without volunteers:
Name: WBIC:
Apple River Flowage 2624200
Big Round Lake 2627400
Cedar Lake 2615100
Garfield (Big Horseshoe) Lake 2465600
Horse Lake 2616200
Pike Lake 2624000
Rice Lake 2615400
South Twin Lake 2623800
Tarbert Lake 2501000
Trident Lake 2502400