An attempt to Save the Loons One Fishing Derby at a Time.On July 2, 2016, Ryan Buchanan, a high school freshman is hosting the 3rd annual "Save the Loons" fishing derby on Chocorua Lake. He became interested in loons at a young age after spending weekends and school vacations on the lake and in nearby Tamworth. Once he learned of the many loon deaths due to lead poisoning in New Hampshire, he decided to organize a lead-free fishing derby to help educate people about this issue. Ryan raised funds himself and contacted local businesses for prizes. |
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15-year old Ryan Buchanan, mastermind of the "Save the Loons" fishing derby, enjoys a peaceful moment fishing on Chocorua Lake. Photo: Jen Buchanan
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In addition to his interest in the environment and protecting an iconic species, Ryan has many other aspirations. After a brain tumor left his mother legally blind five years ago, he started volunteering with Team with a Vision (TWAV), a program that partners sighted athletes with athletes who are blind or visually impaired to train and participate in running events. His ultimate goal is to be a guide for someone in the Boston Marathon, but there is an age restriction so he has to wait for a few more years. In the meantime, he will continue to volunteer as a guide for shorter running races during the warmer months and as a snowboard guide during the winter months. Last winter, he was a sighted guide for his mom at a ski event at King Pine, helping her to qualify to go to Jay Peak, where she went on to win gold in her division. Ryan's mom and the other athletes that he assists would not be able to participate in these sporting events without him. The 2016 "Save the Loons" fishing derby will start at the Narrows Bridge on Chocorua Lake. Registration begins at 8:30 am and the derby runs from 11 am to 2 pm. There are four different age categories and prizes will be awarded in each group. All proceeds from the fishing derby go to the Loon Preservation Committee and the Chocorua Lake Conservancy. If you cannot participate but would like to donate to his cause please click here.
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Yakking for Loons
A Kayak-a-thon to support New Hampshire's Loons!
WHEN: July 8, 2016 (rain date July 11); 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Lee's Mill Landing, Moultonborough NH
REGISTRATION FEE: $12 per person*(includes a light lunch)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 5, 2016
*Get pledges and raise money for the Loon Preservation Committee!
Raise $50 in pledges over your registration fee and get "Yakking for Loons" t-shirt! - Discount rentals available from Wild Meadow
- Lunch donated by Curt's Caterers
- PRIZES for the most money raised
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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2015 "Yakking" participants head out on one of two courses on Lake Winnipesaukee.
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Thank you to Irving and Curt's Caterers for sponsoring this event!
For more information or to register by phone, please call 603-476-5666 (LOON). Or to download a registration form, click here. To download a pledge form, click here.
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