Protecting Prospect Park’s Wildlife

November 24, 2015

A wide variety of wildlife call Prospect Park home. In conjunction with FIDO in Brooklyn, WILD for Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Bird Club, the Prospect Park Alliance has recently taken a step toward protecting the health of the Park’s many wild residents.

The Alliance installed twelve fishing line recycling containers around the Lakeshore, where fishers can responsibly dispose of their fishing line. Improperly discarded fishing line and hooks can pose a serious injury risk to both wildlife and pets. Aquatic wildlife is especially at risk, due to their proximity to areas where fishing line is discarded. These containers were funded and constructed by FIDO and will be regularly maintained by WILD.

As a National Audubon-designated Important Bird Area, Prospect Park supports over 200 species of birds, as well as fish, turtles and other wildlife. Recreational fishers can help protect wildlife by placing used fishing line in one of the new recycling containers. Learn more about fishing in Prospect Park.