• The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) and volunteers use manmade floating raft nests to help loons hatch eggs, leading to a significant increase in the loon population in New Hampshire since 1975.
• Lake Winnisquam serves as a prime example of successful loon conservation due to the use of these raft nests, with the loon population increasing from one pair in 1989 to three nesting pairs currently.
• Despite the success of raft nests, natural nests are preferred; conservation efforts also address threats like lead poisoning through tackle buyback programs and aim to minimize human disturbances to loon habitats.

The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) was founded in 1975 when only 74 territorial pairs of common loons were recorded in New Hampshire. Through aggressive conservation efforts, including the implementation of manmade floating raft nests, the loon population has significantly increased. These raft nests offer a secure environment for loons to hatch their eggs, especially in areas where natural nesting is compromised. Volunteers like Dick Tracy and Ed Stephenson play a crucial role in maintaining these nests. While raft nests contribute significantly to loon conservation, natural nesting remains the preferred method. Ongoing threats, such as lead poisoning from fishing tackle and human disturbances, continue to be addressed through education and preventative measures.

• What: The use of manmade floating raft nests to provide safe nesting spaces for loons, combined with conservation efforts to address threats such as lead poisoning and human disturbance.
• Who: Key individuals include volunteers Dick Tracy and Ed Stephenson, and Caroline Hughes (outreach biologist for LPC). The primary organizations are the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) and the Winnisquam Watershed Network.
• When: The Loon Preservation Committee was founded in 1975. The first nest on Lake Winnisquam was implemented in 1989. Monitoring practices of banding birds started in the late '80s.
• Where: The primary location discussed is Lake Winnisquam in Meredith, New Hampshire, but the conservation efforts extend across 350 lakes in the state.

The success of the Loon Preservation Committee's efforts, particularly the use of manmade raft nests, showcases the effectiveness of targeted conservation strategies. The increase in the loon population from 74 pairs in 1975 to 345 pairs in 2022 demonstrates the positive impact of sustained conservation work. The reliance on volunteers and community engagement further strengthens these efforts. The article also underscores the importance of addressing ongoing threats such as lead poisoning and human disturbances to ensure the long-term health of the loon population. The preference for natural nesting, even with the success of raft nests, highlights a balanced approach to conservation that aims to support natural ecological processes.

Back in 1989, that was the only pair of loons on Winnisquam, but now there are three nesting pairs. And actually, [there’s] a fourth pair that has not nested yet, but seems like maybe they want to.

They were circling here a lot, waiting for us to get it in the water. Sometimes they'll come and they'll just swim right around this area. [We] almost think that they're ... yelling out to us to get that nest in.

It does feel nice, though, putting out the nest, and the loons are there checking it out.

Neither of those things are true. We really want loons, if they can, to nest naturally. We put the rafts out when the loons have been trying to nest, but failing for years in a row due to a problem that a raft can solve.

People love loons. And, I think, always learning to be part of the ecosystem, and to not harm the ecosystem, is good for us as humans.

The conservation efforts surrounding loons in New Hampshire, particularly the use of manmade raft nests, have proven to be highly effective in boosting the loon population. Lake Winnisquam serves as a successful case study, demonstrating the positive impact of these interventions. While ongoing threats such as lead poisoning and human disturbances remain a concern, continued conservation efforts, including community engagement and education, are essential for maintaining and further enhancing the loon population in the state. The focus remains on supporting natural nesting where possible, while providing raft nests as a valuable tool when natural nesting is compromised.