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private lands around the pond should be discouraged so as <br />not to delay geese during migration. <br />2. Upland Nest Cover Plantings <br />Upland nesting cover would be further enhanced if some areas <br />of dense, native grass cover were established in close <br />proximity to,the pond. One potentially suitable area would <br />be the the large hills at the south end of Silver View Park <br />(see Figure 9). Dense nesting cover would also act to <br />minimize erosion on these steep slopes. Seeding of such <br />material is not proposed in the immediate area of the park's <br />amphitheater, since it would be incompatible with heavy <br />human use. Also, if such seeding were done around the in <br />place landscape plantings, mulching around the bases of <br />trees will be necessary to prevent grasses from competing <br />with the trees for moisture. Again, any areas seeded in <br />this manner should be mowed every 4 to 5 years to minimize <br />woody competition. Prescribed burning is normally the <br />preferred method for periodically rejuvenating such stands; <br />however, this method may not be compatible in the area of <br />the pond. <br />3. Additional Nest Structures <br />There is presently one wood duck nesting structure on Silver <br />View Pond near the junction of the three arms. At least two <br />additional structures could be reasonably added, preferably <br />one near the south end of the south arm and another at the <br />east end of the east arm. If possible the existing <br />structure should be relocated to the west end of the west <br />arm. In this manner, the nesting structures will be placed <br />to be as far apart as possible, providing the hen wood ducks <br />with ample space to nest and raise broods without <br />interacting with each other. Wood duck nest structures <br />should be placed in sheltered areas to blend in with <br />existing trees. Other types of nesting structures, such as <br />purple martin and/or bluebird houses, might also be <br />considered to maximize the interpretive value of the pond <br />area. <br />4. Monitor Canada Goose Use and Prevent Nestin <br />Canada goose use in the pond area is already high and is <br />likely to increase in the future. In order to reduce the <br />likelihood of future goose problems, goose use should be <br />monitored to determine if deterrence or control measures <br />should be undertaken. Of particular importance is the need <br />to prevent goose nesting on the pond, since any goslings <br />produced will return to the same location to nest <br />themselves, thus aggravating any problems that may arise. <br />Should geese begin nesting, the Minnesota DNR Area Wildlife <br />Manager should be consulted on deterrence methods. <br />92 <br />