<Your Name>										<Date>
<Your Address & Contact Information>

<Representative’s Name>
<Representative’s Address>

Dear <Name of Representative>,
	
Lead sinkers have become a major problem is Vermont’s waterways and should be banned.  Lead poisoning resulting from the ingestion of lead sinkers and jigs has been identified as a significant cause of Common Loon mortality throughout Eastern Canada and the United States.  A long-term study, conducted by Dr. Mark Pokras of Tufts University from 1987 to 2000, identified lead sinker ingestion to be the cause of death for 44% (111 of 254) of loons examined in New England.  Most of the lead sinkers and jigs will end up in fishing areas, along shorelines, rocky areas and docks on lakes, ponds or streams.  These fishing areas are often used for reproduction and feeding by many species of waterfowl, not just loons.  An estimated 500 tons of this fishing tackle accumulates annually in Canadian waters.  Lead is accumulating in Vermont’s waterways and it is evident that aquatic birds are in danger.
Countless studies suggest that lead is a deadly toxic substance, so let’s prohibit its use in Vermont’s waterways.  A bill introduced into the Vermont State House of Representatives (H.516) is a measure that bans the sale and use of lead sinkers under one-half ounce.  We, as citizens of Vermont, need your help to ensure the bill passes! Help protect the endangered Common Loon and many other beautiful waterfowl.  Let’s get on with encouraging anglers to use other products and let’s be clear there are other products.  I realize that anglers may see a minimal increase in cost and that some anglers prefer to make their own sinkers and jigs.  In the whole context the hazards outweigh the benefits and we should be going to other products, such as tin and tungsten.  I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

<Your Signature>