According to the news report a new recycling program for monofilament line has started on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge near Winona. This program is spearheaded by the volunteer group Friends of the Refuge Headwaters and Berkley Conservation Institute.
It is said that the new program has discouraged anglers from otherwise discarding the line. Recycling receptacles have been placed at 10 boat landings and fishing areas on the refuge. Fishing line can’t simply be placed in a home recycling bin but requires special treatment. It is told that fishing line can last up to 600 years and is a hazard to boaters, swimmers, wildlife and fish when left in the environment.
It is obvious that fish and wildlife can become tangled or ingest discarded fishing line. A tangled animal can find it difficult to move to locate food and water. The line also has chemicals that can be poisonous or cause digestive problems when ingested. Fishing line recycling receptacles can be found at Minnesota City Boat Club, Verchota Landing, McNally Landing, Prairie Island, St. Charles Street Landing, East End Landing, Trempealeau Spillway, Dick’s Marina, McNally Landing, Latsch Island beach, Dam 5A, Bass Camp, Minneiska, Weaver, Half Moon, Pioneer Lake, Peterson Lake, Wilcox, Indian Slough, Pontoon Slough, Beef Slough, Alma Marina and Great River Marina.
