06-11-2003 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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case will they recommend that volunteers be used. This is due to Dr. Cooper's experience that working marshes in the spring is hard work and it is difficult to find the many nests in thick cattail areas. I have also gone through the past information we have gathered on this topic. (I'm attaching copies of the more pertinent information.) Here is a summary of what I believe are some key factors. The Canada Goose is under Federal Protection through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This act makes it unlawful to hunt, kill, sell, disturb nests, purchase or possess migratory birds except as permitted by regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior. • Habitat management can be effective in controlling birds' use of an area. (Dr. Cooper noted that Gervais Mill Park and the pond by the Public Works garage discouraged bird usage due to tall grasses that had grown up close to the water. Geese favor fertilized and closely mowed lawns. According to the December 1994 issue of the Smithsonian, "lea Canada goose were to design paradise, there would be lots of short, tender grass for grazing, a pond of fresh water for drinking and security, and no predators. It would look almost exactly like a park, golf course, waterfront estate, cemetery or manicured corporate complex." (See article labeled "Coalition to Prevent the Destruction of Canada Geese ") • Chemical inhibitors (Rejex-iT & Flight Control) can be effective. However, the life cycle of the product is short (14 days) and the chemical costs over $175 for an amount that will treat one acre (this does not include costs of application). See March 16, 2000 memo from Elizabeth Mursko to me. • Some birds (a pair) could be banded and returned to the site they were taken from once the capture is complete. We have indicated this was an acceptable course of action in the past (when birds were inadvertently removed from Round Lake). • I am in the process of seeing which parties will help with the cost now that the survey results have been received. St. Jude Medical has agreed to participate. I will update you on Wednesday as to any other possible contributors. My recommendation is that removals should be conducted on all sites where more than 10 birds are present. Please note that this may involve sites where the count was down due to the birds moving between sites. (This figure was based on Dr. Cooper's past comments about the questionable cost effectiveness of the program on populations of lesser size.) The Council should also provide direction about leaving geese at any of the sites. cc: Elvie Day Bonnie Chester 2