DNR rejects petition for lead ammo, tackle ban
About 90 percent of bald eagles received by Minnesota's Raptor Center (link is external) have elevated levels of lead in their blood. It's time to get the lead out of our ammunition and tackle. (Photo: Bald Eagle by Gillfoto, Wikimedia Commons (link is external), CC BY-SA 2.0)
As reported by Minnesota Public Radio (link is external), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently decided not to ban lead tackle or bullets.
FMR was one of the groups that petitioned the agency (link is external) for the ban, as lead ammo and tackle harm both wildlife and human health (link is external).
We were disappointed, but we're also hopeful that the issue will emerge in the 2020 Legislative session.
Become a River Guardian
FMR's Water Program is working with partners across the state to address many water pollution and public health issues — including efforts to get the lead out (link is external) of fishing tackle and ammunition.
Sign up as a River Guardian (link is external) and we'll email you when there's a chance to act quickly online for the river. Plus you'll be invited to special events like educational happy hours.