ABOUT US
Our Start
In 2022, the Wolfe Lake Association in Westport, ON started a grassroots program called
“Let’s Get the Lead Out.” It's goal was 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
The Wolfe Lake Association created a website, fishleadfree.ca, to help raise awareness on lead tackle toxicity. The site is packed with information for visitors, including published papers documenting lead poisoning in wildlife, links to relevant articles on the subject, tips on lead-free fishing, a list of retailers offering lead-free tackle, and much more.
The latest direction for the website seeks to separate it from the Wolfe Lake Association and its website. Fishleadfree.ca now stands alone, allowing for increased impact, recognition, and credibility across Ontario.
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.)
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.
Steering Committee
A "Let’s Get the Lead Out" steering committee has been 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
Awareness is Spreading
Let’s Get the Lead Out continues to build in size and scope. To date, there are more than 27 Lake Associations around the province engaged in promoting lead-free fishing on their area lakes.