Things to see and Things to do August 24, 2020 | THE LAKER | Page 29
Strong Public Support for Loon Preservation Committee Expansion Goal Located on the tranquil grounds of the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, NH, The Loon Center has served as the base for statewide scientific research, management, and educational activities of the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) for 27 years. Recently, the group announced a dramatic expansion of its facilities to meet a pressing need. LPC’s Spreading our Wings Campaign for the Future is seeking $2 million in gifts, and the organization is already within $250,000 of this target. “We are pleased to announce our campaign and the significant public support we have already received for our mission,” said LPC’s Senior Biologist/Executive Director Harry Vogel. LPC’s work has expanded dramatically over the past several decades, and the grassroots organization has more than doubled its year-round staff. “Every nook and cranny of The
Loon Center is filled with field and office equipment, staff, and biological samples. The Board and staff recognized that our facilities had become a major factor limiting our continued work, and that they needed to grow as the rest of our program has grown,” Vogel explained. New Hampshire’s loon population has more than tripled since LPC built The Loon Center as its headquarters and visitors center in 1993, in large part due to LPC’s monitoring, management, and educational efforts. Loons remain a threatened species in the Granite State, however, so LPC has found itself monitoring many more lakes and ponds to protect this fragile recovery from an increasing number of challenges. LPC staff and volunteers have responded with a three-fold increase in loon nesting rafts maintained, a fourfold increase in nest sites protected with rope lines and signage, a nearly
five-fold increase in exhibits and presentations that teach people about loons and their needs, statewide efforts to reduce loon deaths from exposure to lead (Pb) fishing tackle, and prompt rescues of injured or sick loons. LPC staff also analyze more inviable eggs, eggshell fragments, and deceased loons for contaminants and to determine causes of nest failures and loon mortalities. The Spreading our Wings capital campaign will allow an expansion of The Loon Center to provide additional work and laboratory space for biologists, new workspaces for staff and volunteers, library and conference
space, and dedicated storage for biological specimens and supplies. A new Field Operations Center (adjacent to The Loon Center) will include muchneeded housing for field biologists and veterinary interns, along with workspace for construction of nesting rafts and signs, and maintenance and storage of boats, trailers, and field equipment. To learn more about supporting the organization’s work to recover and protect this state-threatened species and opportunities to support LPC’s Spreading our Wings campaign, contact LPC at 603-476-5666 or visit www.loon.org.
Lakes Region Events Calendar Updated Weekly
Boat Rentals
Summer fun begins here!
BOAT RENTALS
19’, 21’ & 27’ Bowriders 20’ & 22’ Pontoons 25’ Tri-Toons Summer fun begins here! 463 Governor Wentworth Highway Melvin Village, NH 03850
603-544-3583
www.melvinvillagemarina.com
We Rent:
Slips, Boats, Canoes Kayaks and Paddle Boards
2-, 4-, & 8-hour Rentals Special Weekly Rates
20-21’ BOWRIDERS 21’ DECK BOATS 23’ PONTOON BOATS 603-366-4311 or 1-800-366-8119 1258 Union Avenue, Laconia Reservations Encouraged www.anchormarine.net
MORE BOATS • MORE FUN!
603-968-9001
www.holdernessharbor.com 879 US Route 3, Holderness, NH Bowriders - SUPs Canoes - Kayaks Pontoon Boats Fishing Boats
We Rent:
DISCOVER Slips, Boats,SQUAM Canoes
Kayaks and Paddle Boards HOLDERNESS HARBOR
Winnipesaukee
603-968-9001 603-968-9001
96 Channel Ln. Laconia (603) 366-4801
www.holdernessharbor.com 879 US Route 3, Holderness, NH
winnisquammarine.com
Best Gas Prices on Squam Lake - Free Ice!
SALES – SERVICE – STORAGE Downtown Meredith • Off Route 3
• BOAT RENTALS • Half-Day, Daily, Multi-Day or Weekly
Stingray Bowriders Hurricane Deckboats Godfrey Pontoons
603-279-7921 www.meredithmarina.com
Sales • Service • Ships Store • Valet
Starcraft Pontoon Fishing – Runabouts Volvo – Mercruiser *Evinrude Platinum Service & Repower Center*
BOAT RENTALS
Largest & Newest Fleet On The Lake! Brand New 2020 Models Pontoons – Ski Boats *NH Temporary Boating License Agent*
603-366-4811 • WWW.THURSTONSMARINA.COM
LAKE SIDE BOAT RENTALS
LOCATED AT BAY SIDE INN • 21’DECK BOATS • 24’ PONTOON BOATS • DAILY AND WEEKLY RENTALS AVAILABLE • SEADOO RENTALS BY THE HOUR Fun For the entire Family! route 11-D • alton Bay 875-5005 • www.bayside-inn.com
www.lakesideboatrentals.com
