There are two key points to resolving human-goose conflicts.
First, it is not possible—even if it were desirable—to
eliminate geese from a community. The goal of humane wildlife
conflict resolution is to reduce problems to a manageable and
acceptable level, while enjoying the benefits derived from the
simple presence of wild animals like geese—and understanding
that the quality of the environment is high enough that they
can thrive within our communities. To reach this goal,
solutions need to address the specific conflicts and the sites
on which they are occurring—not attack the geese generally.
The second key point is that there is no single quick-fix
that will resolve human-goose conflicts at every site.
Integrating a variety of techniques, experimentation, and
creative thinking is most likely to lead to successful
conflict-resolution programs. This guide presents a range of
available techniques. How and when they are used, in what
combinations, and how intensively are critical to success.
There are two sides to every wildlife conflict, animals and
people. Both must be addressed in seeking environmentally
responsible, lasting, and humane solutions.
One of the most obvious failings of projects launched to
deal with problems caused by geese is that they involve too
little commitment of either time or resources. In
human-wildlife conflicts, people often expect to resolve
conflict issues quickly and easily. While a golf course manager
might be perfectly understanding of the need to repeatedly
treat turf for insects or disease problems, and accept the need
to both monitor for problems and respond when they occur, the
fact that geese management requires the same diligence often
receives far less acceptance. Solving problems with geese in a
humane and environmentally responsible way will require
dedicated and persistent efforts. Goose management programs
must be based on reliable information and have carefully
evaluated alternatives that reflect both the specific problems
and any site-specific characteristics that might influence
success or failure.
To solve conflicts with geese, first examine how, when, and
why geese are using the site, so that you can select the best
combination and timing of techniques to make it less attractive
to them. Next, assemble the resources you need to address the
problems, including the personnel—volunteer or paid—who will
dedicate sufficient time and effort to see things through to
resolution. Only then should you act, monitoring your actions
closely to determine their efficacy. Don't declare the war to
be won after the first battle has been fought, unless your
situation turns out to be one of the fortunate few where this
actually happens. Be prepared to regroup and try again, and to
monitor and evaluate the program on a continuing basis so that
new and more effective strategies can be devised.
Finally, start a process of long-term planning that
incorporates environmental modifications that can permanently
alter goose behavior. Just letting grass grow to a height that
diminishes geese's interest in it as forage might be one step;
planting emergent vegetation in aquatic benches or configuring
plantings of shrubs and trees on land are other, more intensive
(and in the short term, expensive) approaches.
In a nutshell, it is necessary to identify the basis for
conflicts; to plan on appropriate tactics to address these and
to have a strategy that establishes when and where
implementation is to occur; and how program components are to
be employed and combined to complement one another. We know far
less about this aspect of goose conflict management than we do
its other elements.
