The Prairie Woods Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America invites the public to an open meeting at the Detroit Lakes Public Library on Monday, November 18, at 7 p.m. The meeting will focus on the dangers posed by lead in fishing tackle and firearm ammunition and a proposed legislative effort to address the issue.
Tom Casey, a board member of Friends of Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas, will deliver a virtual presentation, followed by a moderated Q&A session. Participants can learn about the environmental and health risks associated with lead and review proposed legislation that aims to ban lead in outdoor sporting equipment to protect public health and wildlife.
Hunting and fishing are central to Minnesota’s culture, but research shows lead used in these sports has unintended consequences, including poisoning wildlife and exposing humans to toxic risks. Lead, already banned in products like paint, cookware, and gasoline, has no biological function and is harmful to both humans and animals.
The meeting is open to hunters, fishers, shooting clubs, sporting goods dealers, elected officials, and the general public. Fact sheets and details about the proposed legislation will be available at the event, or by contacting Willis Mattison at mattison@arvig.net.