I believe that Yellowstone has had a no-lead rule in place for a while now, so this is probably going to happen. The only place folks will be able to stop it (if they are so inclined) is through science. As far as I know, the only major habitat harm from lead weights is over loon mortality (go to town with that phrase):
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/loons/

You know that I’m not so ruffled by lead bans for habitat reasons, but I think science should be the leading force in this issue, and if folks can reasonably show that there is no significant habitat damage, then they should be allowed to use lead.

Possibly, this needs to be a park-by-park issue, but splitting the difference by having some serious research over it.

Last year the NPS, USGS, and EPA came out with a report on pesticides and other pollutants in Western park units (WACAP: http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Studies/air_toxics/wacap.cfm), and they found significant levels of pesticides in high mountain lakes in Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Lassen National parks. Perhaps they should do a study like that for lead from fishing tackle.

I just received this:

“Last week, the National Park Service (NPS) issued a statement saying that it intended to eliminate the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle in its parks by the end of 2010. Now, after heavy criticism from NRA and other hunting and fishing groups, NPS has backpedaled on its anti-lead announcement, saying Wednesday that the ban only applies to NPS employees and authorized agents of the park service.”

The rest of the article is here: http://www.nrahuntersrights.org/Article.aspx?id=1712

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical
Proud Member of Outdoor Bloggers Summit

If the ban does eventually filter into the National Forest Service, it is going to effect me directly as well.

I think all of us should be pulling together on this one, because, quite frankly, I’m sick of the “me” mentality.