Artificial Nesting Platforms (ANPs) are floating platforms that can be used under certain conditions to support loon nesting. The Minnesota Loon Restoration Project uses ANPs to augment natural nesting locations in targeted locations.
Should I deploy an Artificial Nesting Platform?
Artificial Nesting Platforms are known to support loon nesting under certain conditions (see list below). However, they do not ensure nesting success. In some cases, ANPs may not be the best tool to support loons on your lake and can pose problems to loons.
Properly constructed ANPs may support loon nesting when the following conditions occur in a given area:
- Loons have had consistent nesting failures (2 to 3 times over the past 5 years)
- Water levels fluctuate during the nesting season
- Predation is significant or reoccurring
- A pair of loons are defending their territory, but limited opportunities for natural nesting exist
There is no guarantee that loons will use an ANP.
Additionally, unintended problems to loons may arise upon deployment of ANPs, especially when they’re not properly constructed, including:
- Increased human disturbances
- Injury to loons
- Nesting failure
For additional guidance, please contact Minnesota Loon Restoration Project staff or your Regional Nongame Wildlife Specialist.
Register Your Artificial Nesting Platform
Typically, Artificial Nesting Platforms require a permit from your county sheriff’s office. Proper permitting and registration are required prior to deployment of a platform.
Enhance Natural Loon Nesting
One of the best ways to enhance the long-term health of loons on your lake is by protecting natural nesting sites with these practices:
- Develop slow-no-wake zones near the nest.
- Restore shoreline areas (Restore your Shore has resources to get you started).
- Maintain natural shoreline.
- Share loon education with lake residents and users.
For additional information and guidance:
Contact Minnesota Loon Restoration Project Staff at [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a permit or registration required prior to deploying an Artificial Nesting Platform (ANP)?
Yes. Typically, ANPs require a permit from your county sheriff’s office prior to deployment.
Will Minnesota DNR place an Artificial Nesting Platform (ANP) on your lake?
No. Minnesota Loon Restoration Project staff will work with you to evaluate loon nesting habitat and advise on appropriateness of an ANP. In some cases, financial assistance may be available as part of the Minnesota Loon Restoration Project.
What type of platform does the Minnesota DNR use as part of the Loon Restoration Project?
The Minnesota Loon Restoration Project uses the “Eternal” Nesting Platform designed by Sandra Gillum. Instructions were modified from the LoonWatch program at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College. Instructions may be available if it is determined your loons may benefit from an artificial nesting platform (ANP).
What are the responsibilities for installing an ANP?
Responsibilities for an ANP include:
- Obtaining or building ANPs
- Maintaining the ANP for at least three years
- Placing the ANP on the lake soon after ice-out
- Removing it in late summer and storing it on shore
- Making necessary repairs at the end of the season
- Obtaining a permit for placement from local law enforcement (typically the Sheriff Department)
Are platforms guaranteed to help loons?
No, platforms can sometimes create problems for loons.
- Predators may have an easier time locating nests if they are on platforms
- If curious humans are attracted to the obvious ANP, nesting loons may abandon their nest
- A poorly maintained or placed ANP may attract a nesting pair, but ultimately provide an insecure nesting site until eggs hatch and chicks leave the nest
The true challenge is balancing human lake use and the needs of loons and other wildlife. Protecting nesting habitat from development, managing water level fluctuations to avoid flooding nests (when possible), educating people on how they can avoid disturbing loons while enjoy the lake and maintaining food webs are all important for the long term success of Minnesota’s loons.
More information about common loons
- MN DNR Common loon information
- The Common loon as our state bird
- Common loon calls
- “Hoot, tremolo, yodel, and wail”, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer article about loons
- University of Minnesota Common loon information
- National Loon Center
- MPCA Get the Lead Out
How the MN DNR is helping loons
Restoration of Common Loons in Minnesota (Minnesota Loon Restoration Project) is funded by the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Deepwater Horizon settlement.