The Minnesota D-N-R has said “no” to environmental and conservation groups’ request that the agency ban lead or other toxic fishing tackle in waters where loons feed. The agency also denied a petition by those groups to ban hunters’ use of bullets containing lead or other toxic material. The D-N-R cites what it calls the petition’s lack of data on the impact of the proposed regulations, plus lack of “broad stakeholder support.” Officials say it’s an issue for the Minnesota Legislature to decide. But advocates say non-recovered lead tackle and bullets pose serious threats to wildlife.