Protecting Our Loons, Lakes, and Legacy
Drag and Spruce Lakes Property Owners Association is proud to join the growing province-wide “Let’s Get The Lead Out” movement! We’re partnering with the Wolfe Lake Association’s inspiring efforts (visit fishleadfree.ca for more) to protect our iconic loons and other wildlife by removing toxic lead fishing tackle from Drag Lake, Spruce Lake, and surrounding Haliburton County waters.
Loons are more than just a beautiful symbol of our pristine wilderness—their haunting calls connect us to nature. But lead poisoning from lost or discarded sinkers, jigs, and weights is the leading cause of loon mortality in Ontario. One small piece of lead can be fatal, and it’s entirely preventable.
Thanks to community support, awareness is building fast. In 2026, we’re expanding our campaign with education, incentives, lead collection events, and more—building on the success of over 27 lake associations across Ontario already involved in Fish Lead Free initiatives.
Our 2026 Campaign Goals
- Increase Awareness among Drag and Spruce lake residents, cottagers, and visitors about:
- The serious danger to wildlife—especially loons—from lead-containing fishing tackle.
- Readily available, effective lead-free alternatives (like tungsten, bismuth, tin, and steel).
- Offer Real Incentives to anglers to switch from lead tackle to safer, non-toxic options—making the change easy and rewarding.
- Collect as Much Lead as Possible through drop-off locations and swap events to keep it out of our lakes and environment forever.
- Build Momentum Locally and Beyond by raising awareness through the Municipality of Dysart et al, inspiring other Haliburton-area lake associations to go lead-free, and forging partnerships for greater impact.
Together, we can safeguard our waters, support sustainable fishing, protect tourism and our local economy, and give our loons—and wildlife—a brighter future.
Joins us in 2026!
Watch for “Did You Know?” facts, lead swap contests, free samples, educational information, new signage at boat launches, and more. Check back here or on our Facebook for event announcements, drop-off spots, and ways to get involved.
