A National Parks Service press release last month signalled their intentions top reduce lead in Parks environments.
Lead-eye Clousers, lead-head jigs and lead shot will be banned on the Buffalo River and all other National Rivers from the end of 2010.
“Our goal is to eliminate the use of lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle in parks by the end of 2010,” said Acting National Park Service Director Dan Wenk. “We want to take a leadership role in removing lead from the environment.”
The release has drawn a bunch of criticism on hunting and fishing blogs, despite the fact lead bans are nothing new in certain parts of the country and there are a bunch of alternatives available now and more coming onto the market every month. Heck there is even a European company marketing actual rock sinkers (neat for spooky fish).
We carry Boss Tin non-toxic split shot, jigheads and fly tying bead heads already, plus lead-free fly tying wire, and there a number of other brands out there with assorted products. Non-toxics aren’t as heavy as the lead versions, so simply upsize till you get the weight you need.
Its not inconceivable someday a similar lead-free ban could be introduced on the White, but right now its your choice to use lead or not. Something to ponder.
