Where We Are
The Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed has been home to the common loon since the glaciers retreated 10,000 years ago. The ERCOL Watershed covers more than 500 square miles in northwest Michigan. Containing some of the highest quality waters in the world, the fourteen connected lakes flow into East Grand Traverse Bay and contribute 60% of the surface water draining into the Bay. Covering more than 500 square miles, the watershed lies primarily within Antrim County, but also includes portions of Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Charlevoix counties.
The Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed is shown in dark blue.
Map courtesy of: The Watershed Center
Who We Are
The Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed LOON NETWORK is a group of volunteers committed to using a watershed approach to protect threatened common loons. The LOON NETWORK is funded by the generosity of private donors.
The LOON NETWORK is a project of Michigan Audubon, a statewide 501(c)3 organization. We work closely with Common Coast Research and Conservation, another 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the protection and study of loons in Michigan.
What We Do
We are a network of people who take positive action to protect the Threatened common loons living in the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed. We strive to achieve measurable results by collaborating with other organizations. We focus on HABITAT PROTECTION, RESEARCH and MONITORING.
Our Approach
We use a watershed approach to loon conservation. This approach begins by identifying interested property owners who live in an area of the lake where loons are nesting. We connect them with other people nearby who also care about the loons. We provide information about the natural history of loons and loon conservation. We work with them to develop a conservation plan for their area of the lake. We introduce each team to the local lake association, too.
Then we connect these teams with other teams throughout the watershed. We provide secure email connections, so people can share concerns and information, as well as offer solutions to problems. We also provide a blog for sharing observations of loon activity throughout the breeding season. Together, we offer to speak to local groups about loon conservation and provide specific ways that people can help.
This page has the following sub pages.
