Physical Removal

There is annually a period of time that both adults and goslings are flightless. The goslings are too young to fly and the adults moult all their primary flight feathers and can't fly. This vulnerable period is when entire populations can be rounded up, transported and relocated. This is a popular technique used where the same individuals reoccur with high predictability. The expectation once released into suitable habitat is that only the adults will return to their breeding territories once able to fly and the gosling will assume the new location as their future breeding territory. This technique effectively ages a population out of existence but must be incorporated with reproductive control for subsequent breeding years using techniques to sterilize eggs by shaking or oiling. The egg must remain in the nest to prevent the female from realizing the loss and laying a second clutch. As previously discussed a riverfront park may only potentially see a temporarily reprieve, perhaps only hours, before another group moves in. If all of the parks were to be considered the logistics of finding release locations and transportation for hundreds of geese need to be considered. These control techniques also require permit by the CWS. This control measure is NOT suggested for consideration.

3) Managing Fecal Matter

In the absences of an efficient option to control geese, managing the mess left behind may be a consideration. The Parks Operations and Horticulture Departments currently do not have the staff or equipment to deal with routine cleaning of over 25 kilometers of waterfront trail and sidewalks at the 21 waterfront park locations stretched over riverfront.

Parks does operate a seasonal mobile power wash crew that responds to in-park and SERT needs, as well as contracts with private mobile power wash contractors who may respond to particular goose poop situations. Droppings on manicured turf areas do eventually get dispersed with lawn cutting operations.

It is conceivable that the riverfront parks could benefit from the placement of a single self propelled sweeper and operator who could be tasked with routine cleaning seasonally and as required. This program would not guarantee "soil" free sidewalks and trails but would certainly address accumulation, potential problem areas and an expectation for level of service. This would not benefit turf areas.

This control measure IS suggested for consideration.