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INTRODUCTION
Fecally derived nutrients have the potential to enrich surface water and thus contribute to the process of eutrophication, the accelerated aging of lakes. There has been a significant number of papers published examining how nutrients from migratory bird populations can affect water quality and create human health problems. Even in small numbers, larger waterfowl like geese are likely to supply more phosphorus than any other outside source. Furthermore, defecation from waterfowl in public areas may create human health problems. Management may need to be implemented, because if left unmanaged, waterfowl could likely become the major external supply of phosphorus and could contribute to human health problems. A few facts are listed below.
Studies of geese foraging suggest that planting tall trees, hedges, or tall grasses around the body of water can alleviate problems. Such plantings make sites less attractive to waterfowl by creating obstacles for flight (tall trees and hedges), reducing the ability of geese to detect predators (tall grasses), or both. Another study of waterfowl foraging suggests that replacing lawns with unpalatable vegetation may discourage the birds from frequenting such sites.
DISTRICT NO FEEDING POLICY adopted the 17th day of March, 2004 The Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District has recognized the need to protect the lake, surface and groundwater, and public and private property and has adopted policies, guidelines, and recommendations for that purpose. In an effort to protect the public’s health, reduce pollutants that contribute to algae blooms, and control waterborne parasites (such as swimmers itch), the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District is requesting no feeding of waterfowl, including gulls, within the district boundaries. According to the No Feeding Policy, the recommendation is made that no person shall feed, cause to be fed or provide food for migratory waterfowl, non-migratory waterfowl, resident Canada geese, gulls, or domestic waterfowl on any land within the boundaries of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District. The No Feeding Policy will help accomplish the following: 1) Reduce the concentration of large populations of waterfowl in certain areas of the district, including the lake, parks, residential yards, and golf courses. 2) Reduce the concentrated defecation in areas of congregating waterfowl. 3) Reduce the number of birds suffering from physical complications related to nutritional deficiencies because of supplemental feeding from humans. Furthermore, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife do not encourage feeding of waterfowl and wildlife for these purposes To promote understanding of and compliance with this policy, signs will be posted throughout the district to provide information on no feeding recommendations. The District shall post signs at the District’s expense in accordance with the No Feeding Policy. The district shall determine, upon inspection and survey, the proper placement of these signs. In general, waterfowl, particularly geese, have benefited from the way humans have altered the landscape. Canada geese are attracted to areas that provide food, water, and protection. Urban areas with lakes and ponds offer all the resources that geese need to survive. Elimination of feeding, landscaping, and habitat modifications are the first steps toward control and prevention of nuisance waterfowl. Click here to obtain a copy of the district's No Feeding Policy. It is in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) format. If you need to download Adobe Acrobat, please visit:
Excellent References: Managing Problems Caused by Urban Canada Geese
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