1) Passive Control Techniques

Habitat Modification

As geese are grazers, the shortness and tenderness of grass turf in parks plays a big role in their attraction to the park. Aside from the removal of turf altogether or the replacement of the current palatable turf variety for coarser less palatable turf species, grass length is the most cost effective control method with any kind of long term effectiveness. Increasing the length of grass makes it tougher and less palatable for geese, therefore reducing the attraction to a food source. There is no associated additional cost to letting grass grow and decreasing the frequency of cutting would actually be a savings to the Parks Operations budget. For the most part this would be an unpopular control measure as the expectation by the public for our riverfront parks is for a high level of turf maintenance. This control measure is NOT suggested for consideration.

Physical Exclusion

The ease of which geese can transition from an aquatic environment to terrestrial foraging areas plays a significant role in their attraction to a park. An exclusion technique often used is the placement of physical barriers at the shoreline transition using either structural material (trip wire, string, fencing) or the placement of coarse woody vegetation (shrubs, thorny plants). It is speculated the short powered flight to defeat the exclusion barrier requires more energy than individuals are willing to expend and the ability to quickly escape to the safety of the watercourse is compromised. Also for the period of time in early summer both adults and goslings are flightless so escape to water is critical and the attracting food source is unreachable so they move on. Excluding geese from entering riverfront parks would be very difficult to achieve. This control measure is NOT suggested for consideration.

2) Active Control Techniques

Behaviour modification

Behaviour modification Geese do respond well to behaviour modifying techniques if they are deployed so as not to habituate individuals to the perceived threat. Typically utilized are combinations of several techniques like amplified playback of taped distress calls, hazing with loud noises, using a bird in effigy, introducing a predator response such as using a trained dog, or treat grass with foul tasting "repellents". Albeit effective, these techniques are labour intensive and are relatively short lived requiring repeated and continual effort. They also may inadvertently impact the public as these are techniques are meant to startle. Several contractors are available for this type of work however on initial review it would appear the contract value may warrant in sourcing this work or integrating it into duties performed by the Parks Horticultural Department. These control techniques also require permit by the CWS. This control measure IS suggested for consideration.