Grunter
11-25-2005, 09:27 AM
USFWS Takes On Canada Geese
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced the release last week of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that outlines various alternatives to reduce, manage and control the country's resident Canada goose populations and reduce related damages. The USFWS's says its preferred goose management alternative will give state wildlife agencies, landowners and airports more flexibility in controlling resident Canada geese.
The USFWS says it took this action in response to widespread concern about overabundant populations of resident Canada geese, which have caused damage to property, agriculture and natural resources in parks and other open areas near water. "Resident Canada geese populations have increased dramatically during the past 15 years," said USFWS Director Dale Hall. "These high population levels have been shown to cause problems for natural and economic resources, and we believe increased local management with national oversight is the best approach to reduce conflicts and bring the population under control. Through this approach, the USFWS will continue working to expand and protect hunting opportunities while providing airports, private landowners and state and local officials the tools they need to address resident Canada goose issues." Under the USFWS' new management plan, airport managers at commercial, public and private airports and military air operation facilities in all flyways will be authorized to establish and implement a resident Canada goose control and management program. They'll be able to conduct management and control activities, including the lethal take of resident Canada geese, between April 1 and September 15, and can destroy nests and eggs between March 1 and June 30. Resident Canada geese can be killed only within a 3-mile radius of the airport or military airfield.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced the release last week of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that outlines various alternatives to reduce, manage and control the country's resident Canada goose populations and reduce related damages. The USFWS's says its preferred goose management alternative will give state wildlife agencies, landowners and airports more flexibility in controlling resident Canada geese.
The USFWS says it took this action in response to widespread concern about overabundant populations of resident Canada geese, which have caused damage to property, agriculture and natural resources in parks and other open areas near water. "Resident Canada geese populations have increased dramatically during the past 15 years," said USFWS Director Dale Hall. "These high population levels have been shown to cause problems for natural and economic resources, and we believe increased local management with national oversight is the best approach to reduce conflicts and bring the population under control. Through this approach, the USFWS will continue working to expand and protect hunting opportunities while providing airports, private landowners and state and local officials the tools they need to address resident Canada goose issues." Under the USFWS' new management plan, airport managers at commercial, public and private airports and military air operation facilities in all flyways will be authorized to establish and implement a resident Canada goose control and management program. They'll be able to conduct management and control activities, including the lethal take of resident Canada geese, between April 1 and September 15, and can destroy nests and eggs between March 1 and June 30. Resident Canada geese can be killed only within a 3-mile radius of the airport or military airfield.