ABOUT US
Let's Get The Lead Out - Start Up
In 2022, the Wolfe Lake Association (Westport) introduced a grassroots program called
“Let’s Get the Lead Out” to encourage anglers to switch to lead-free fishing tackle. The
initiative was created in response to our learning that lead poisoning from ingested lead
fishing tackle is (by far) the number one killer of Common Loons.
Fishleadfree.ca
A few years back, the Wolfe Lake Association created a webpage, fishleadfree.ca, to
help raise awareness on lead tackle toxicity. It is packed with information for visitors to
the page, including published papers documenting lead poisoning in wildlife, links to
other relevant articles on the subject, photographs and radiograph images depicting
poisoned birds, tips on lead-free fishing, a list of retailers offering lead-free tackle, and
much more.
The latest direction for the webpage seeks to separate it from the Wolfe Lake Association’s website (wolfelake.org) to where it stands alone for increased impact, recognition, and credibility.
Funding for this change was provided by Wolfe Lake Association ( Committed to the long-term health and enjoyment of Wolfe Lake, founded in 1986) Charleston Lake Association (oldest Lake Association in Canada, founded in 1890) and Charleston Environmental Lake Association (protecting, restoring and improving the natural resources of Charleston Lake)
Steering Committee
A Let’s Get the Lead Out steering committee was recently formed which includes:
- Margie Manthey and Donna Garland from Wolfe Lake Association
- Ron Evers and Linda Whitmarsh from Charleston Lake Association
- Matt Huras from Papineau Lake Community Association & Shawano Rate Payers Association
- Shane Renwick, Representative from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Let's Get The Lead Awareness is Spreading
Let’s Get the Lead Out continues to build in size and scope. To date there 27 Lake Associations around the province engaged in promoting lead-free fishing on their area lakes.
It’s a preventable tragedy – and together, we can make positive change!
Moving Forward - Petition for Change
More work needs to be done to address the deadly impacts of lead poisoning in loons and
other aquatic wildlife.
Therefore, we are moving forward with a Petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario respectfully requesting legislation restricting the use of lead-based fishing tackle – specifically, all lead split shots, sinkers, weights, and jig heads weighing 50 grams (1-3/4 ounces) or less – within the Province of Ontario.
Steering Committee members from both associations have initiated encouraging
conversations with Provincial and Federal MPPs.
A sincere word of gratitude to the Charleston Lake Association, especially Ron Evers,
Linda Whitmarsh, and Dwayne Struthers, for the ongoing efforts and support of Let’s
Get the Lead Out.