NEWS RELEASE
May 5, 2025
PAYSON, Ariz. — In honor of Earth Day, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Arizona Public Service (APS), Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and a cadre of volunteers teamed up for a cleanup project at Woods Canyon Lake—removing fishing line and debris that pose serious threats to wildlife.
APS, inspired by the story of a fledgling eaglet tangled in fishing line that required a year of rehabilitation for its injuries, reached out to AZGFD to plan the Woods Canyon Lake event for Earth Day.
“We wanted to come out here and give back to the community and protect our wildlife in this beautiful area,” said Carl Nelson, APS forestry and resource management supervisor.
Fishing line can harm all kinds of wildlife, from small birds to large mammals, but some birds and their young, like eagles and ospreys, are particularly susceptible because they find monofilament an attractive material for nest building.
“Once a chick gets entangled, it’s not going to act normally,” said Dan Groebner, AZGFD senior wildlife specialist. “The chick won’t eat as much, it won’t grow as fast and it definitely can’t leave the nest.”
AZGFD biologists will attempt to rescue birds and other wildlife entangled in fishing line, but it’s not always possible.
“If nests are in dead trees or inaccessible, that chick is on its own and there’s nothing we can do,” said Groebner. “That’s why these types of preventative cleanups are so important.”
Unfortunately, cleanups like this are becoming increasingly necessary.
“Over the years, the littering has gotten worse at Woods Canyon,” said Timothy Rose of the U.S. Forest Service. “This lake is very heavily used. We can see over a thousand people on one day here during the weekends, so cleanups are very valuable for this habitat.”
The conservation partners hope that having a cleanup at the beginning of the season before the lake sees its heaviest usage will encourage folks to dispose of their trash responsibly. Visitors are encouraged to pick up their trash and pack it out with them.
Frequent AZGFD volunteers, Ryan Gero and Dani James, love getting out to help Arizona’s wildlife and wild spaces and this Earth Day cleanup was no exception.
“Every bit counts — you always leave a site better than you found it,” said James. “In the long run, it helps our wildlife and it protects our environment.”
“I’m just here for the animals,” joked Gero. “But luckily what’s good for the wildlife is good for everyone who wants to enjoy this lake.”
These Earth Day cleanup efforts highlight how everyday actions—like properly discarding fishing line and picking up after yourself—can have a positive and lasting impact on Arizona’s wildlife.
Inspired to help? Visit volunteer.azgfd.gov for upcoming opportunities!
Read more about how fishing line affects wildlife.