Managing The Geese

The Okanagan Regional Goose Management Committee is holding a series of public meetings to discuss plans for development of a valley-wide goose management strategy. While local governments in the Okanagan have been attempting, with some success, to address the problem of large numbers of geese in public areas, the Okanagan Regional Goose Management Committee has decided a valley-wide strategy is necessary to better deal with the growing problem.

Since the 1960s, the Canada goose population in the Okanagan Valley has expanded from virtually nil to thousands. In spite of the aesthetic appeal of these attractive birds, their high numbers have put them in conflict with the public particularly on beaches, playing fields and other recreational areas. Goose droppings also significantly impact water quality.

The committee intends to hold public meetings in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Osoyoos to outline its approach in developing a goose management strategy, and to seek the public’s input on goose populations and their opinions on control options in different areas of the valley.

Information will be gathered on the size of current goose populations, impact on the public and employable techniques to control population size and distribution. The committee will then develop an action plan to help local governments implement recommendations valley-wide.

For further information contact Ted Sophonow, City of Kelowna, 250-469-8844 (Chair, Okanagan Regional Goose Management Committee) or Mike Sarell, Robertson Environmental Services Ltd., 250-498-6118.