Damage Prevention: A Community Effort
An adult Canada goose produces up to 1/4 pound of
feces daily. The accumulation of feces may cause increased levels of fecal
coliform bacteria in the water, which could result in closure of public
swimming areas.
Reducing damage caused by Canada geese takes the cooperation of the entire community. It may surprise you, but the first steps do not involve geese.
Step 1: Decide if you are truly dedicated.
It is easy to talk about controlling Canada goose damage, but mounting the necessary efforts on a long-term basis is not easy. If a community makes only a minimal, short-term effort, no reduction in damage will likely occur; and the time and money spent will be wasted.
The ultimate goal is to solve conflicts humanely with minimal controversy. Each landowner and community will have their own tolerance for and relationship with Canada geese. The challenge is to balance the need for nuisance relief with appropriate respect for wildlife. Because Canada geese may fly from lake to lake within an area, the plan also should include working with neighboring communities and property owners to reduce goose damage and population growth in their areas as well.
If your community decides to commit resources to control goose damage according to the methods provided in this booklet, go to Step 2.
Step 2: Set up an infrastructure.
Although it is important to have a committee for support, one person should be in charge. This person, whether elected or appointed, should:
- have the desire and ability to lead other community members 4 in measures to control geese.
- have the authority and the support of the community to modify the surrounding habitat as needed.
- be well educated on goose management issues.
- be willing to communicate regularly with a qualified wildlife biologist about the latest goose abatement methods.
Once this person is chosen, go to Step 3.
Step 3: Assess and document the problem.
Arrange for a Conservation Department or USDA Wildlife Services biologist to visit with the community leader selected in the previous step to document damage and past attempts to solve goose damage problems. Before the meeting, fill out as completely as possible the "History of Goose Conflicts and Management Efforts" worksheet.
The wildlife biologist will discuss all control methods that can be used to reduce goose damage.
The wildlife biologist and community leader should then meet with other community members to answer questions and explain any abatement methods or habitat modifications being considered. After this meeting, the wildlife biologist will suggest an integrated pest management approach, which will use many control methods to solve the problem rather than relying on a single method.
Although the wildlife biologist will help develop a plan, it is up to the community to adopt and use it.
