Monofilament fishing line is the line anglers most commonly use: single-strand, high density nylon. If left in the water or on shore, it can harm wildlife that become tangled in it or ingest it. Line in the water can also endanger swimmers and divers and become tangled in boat propellers. It can last up to 600 years in fresh water, meaning it poses a threat for a long time.
Fishing line can remain a problem even if put in the trash, because birds can take it from an open bin and become entangled or it can entangle wildlife at landfills.
The good news is that, if collected, the line can be melted down into plastic pellets, which are then recycled into products such as tackle boxes, spools for fishing line, toys and fish habitat structures.
With the support of the LOFA Board, volunteers have constructed a new collection bin for fishing line and installed it at the public boat landing. It will be emptied regularly and the line will be deposited at the DNR Service Center in Ashland. One more way to keep our lake healthy!