Goose Concern
Once again, the geese are using the area in and around the quarry as a “rest stop” while on their migration back to the warmer temperatures awaiting them south of Wisconsin. And once again, they are making a mess in and around the quarry and our development. Residents closest to the quarry are impacted more than others in our development, but we have likely all driven or walked over, in and/or around “goose poop”.
We can all agree that it’s easy to say “We’ve GOT to do something!” The question is whether there exists an effective means of preventing the geese from using the quarry area as a “rest stop”. Geese love the water and the quarry just draws them to it. The OLCA Board is in the process of reviewing the few options that exist. In the meantime, there is one thing that we can do to dissuade the geese from spending time at Overlook Lakes. And the good news is that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources agree on this action and it’s one action that everyone can take right now.
Do Not Feed Waterfowl!
Feeding waterfowl is a popular activity for many people, but it is a significant cause of high urban bird populations. Consider implementing a “No waterfowl feeding” ordinance or policy. Congregating wildlife by hand feeding can be unhealthy nutritionally for geese and more easily spread disease through waterfowl populations. Feeding also disrupts natural patterns and concentrates waterfowl which can have a decoy effect, attracting more birds to the location.
Additional information is in the brochure, “Resident Canada Goose Management in Wisconsin” describing the problem and potential solutions. You’ll see that most potential solutions cannot be implemented quickly or unilaterally by the OLCA Board of Directors; however, in the weeks ahead, the Board will review options available to us under the applicable federal and state laws to understand what can be done. In the meantime, please do the one thing as described in the brochure that everyone can do right now to reduce the attractiveness of a “stop over” at Overlook Lakes – Do NOT feed the geese!
