Anglers can turn in their toxic lead fishing tackle and receive free samples of non-toxic weights and jigs again this year in a program sponsored by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources.
Anglers can help keep toxic lead out of lakes and rivers by bringing lead-containing sinkers, jigs and other weights to one of more than 30 tackle exchange events across the state.
In exchange, anglers will receive new, lead-free fishing tackle made of tin, bismuth, tungsten and steel. Many of the new products are made in Minnesota.
Lead is a toxic metal that has adverse effects on human health and wildlife. Tons of lead tackle is lost in Minnesota lakes each year, and some experts believe waterfowl, especially loons, are ingesting lead tackle and perishing.
Tackle exchanges in the Northland include:
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June 15, 1-6 p.m., Hermantown, Gander Mountain, 4275 Haines Road.
June 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aitkin, Rivers and Lakes Fair, Rippleside Elementary School, 225 Second Ave. S.W.
July 19, 2-7 p.m., Ely, Red Rock Wilderness Store, 2267 Fernberg Road
July 21, 1-6 p.m., Tower, Vermilion Fuel and Food, 610 Main St.
Aug. 3, 1-6 p.m., Grand Rapids, Rapids West End Marketplace, 1509 N.W. Fourth St.
Aug. 9, 2-7 p.m., Two Harbors, Al's Bait and Tackle, 1028 Seventh Ave.
Aug. 10, 1-6 p.m., Longville, The One Stop, 5006 State Highway 84.
Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grand Marais, Buck's Hardware Hank, First Avenue West and First Street.
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Go to www.reduce.org for more information.
