Notes

Outline

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Our Local Government Partners Bloomfield Township City of Auburn Hills City of Farmington Hills City of Grosse Pointe Farms City of Troy Clinton Township

Other Resources University of Wisconsin, Managing Canada Geese in Urban Environments Illinois Environmental Protection Agency University of Minnesota, The Impact of Branta canadensis Herbivory on Shoreline Restorations Minnesota Urban Small Sites BMP Manual U.S. Department of Agriculture

Goose Management Goose biology Problems caused by geese Canada goose history Management techniques

Biology

Biology Long-lived (approx.       20 yrs) Breed at 2-3 yrs Nest in March and April Return to breed where fledged Molt in June/July

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Protected Bird Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 Illegal to harvest without license State permits Local regulations

Population Early 1900’s – near extinction 1970’s 3,000 birds in MI 1980’s birds stopped migrating

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Integrated Approach No silver bullet Mix of solutions Determine community objectives No eradication

Dogs Chase birds from area (including ponds) Early spring, or late summer Vary chasing times

Chemical repellant Anthraquinone and methyl anthranilate Good for high-use sites Always follow label

Barrier fencing Prevents access to water and grazing Molting (flightless) period Chicken wire, snow fencing, picket fencing, etc.

Scare tactics Cracker shells Sirens, airhorns Sprinklers Mylar tape

Balloons (1) three eyes are more aversive than two; two are more aversive than one (2) “pupils” inside the circles are better than plain circles (3) eyes with colored irises are more effective than black and white images (4) eyes surrounded by a head outline diminish the scaring effect (5) scare-eyes used with distress calls had an additive aversive effect.

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Permit-related Goose roundup Property owners can apply Permit received June 1st. Roundup in Late June/ early July Must initiate alternative measures SE MI DNR Contact: 248-359-9040

Permit-related Nest and Egg Destruction Eligible areas: Oakland, Macomb, Wayne Counties Property owners can apply

Permit-related Nest and Egg Destruction Training by DNR Recordkeeping Must initiate alternative measures

Permit-related Hunting Early season* = 9/1 – 9/15 Bag limits = 3 daily, 6 possession Regular season* = 9/30 – 10/29, 11/23 – 12/12 Bag limits = 2 daily, 4 possession

Additional Techniques Restrict feeding Allow ponds to freeze Shoreline modification

Shoreline Modification

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