Our Challenge
30 years ago Canada Geese were almost extinct but have made a remarkable comeback … that comeback included a population of geese that did not migrate. These geese became residents and unfortunately, a growing nuisance to many. The population of Giant Canada Geese is increasing 15% annually. With this growth rate, the nuisance aspect of these geese will increase to a crisis level and our options to humanely resolve the problem will be diminished. Unless we act now, a controversy will surely arise in Fairfax County pitting neighbor against neighbor and institution against institution on how to deal with this issue.

Our challenge is to:

  • Begin the resolution of the geese nuisance problem now, before crisis
  • Demonstrate that humane wildlife management practices are effective and eliminate community controversy.
  • Devise and implement strategies, activities and technologies (such as GIS) that add even more value to the community than resolving the wildlife nuisance issue.

The Plan
  • Phase 1: Stabilize Geese population through comprehensive addling program

March 2000 – June 2000
  • Phase 2: Provide information to residents and business on effective strategies to minimize geese nuisance.

May 2000 – October 2000
  • Phase 3: Create long term program of coordination and cooperation of public and private entities to devise and implement effective and humane solutions to geese nuisance.

July 2000

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