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The Solution: Between 1989 and 1999 Lake Barcroft ( the 2nd largest lake in Fairfax County) has maintained a stable goose population (practically 0% growth) by "addling" eggs during the nesting season. Addling is a technique which halts development of the egg. It is accomplished by oiling or replacing the egg. Addling is effective in reducing the resident population because resident birds, unlike their migratory cousins, do not move far from the area where they were born. Therefore, as the population of resident birds is stabilized by egg "addling", the number resident geese will decrease by natural attrition, although we will always have migratory geese passing by. Another advantage of addling is it is a recognized humane method of minimizing goose human conflicts. The Humane Society of the United States has developed an addling protocol that we have adopted for the GeesePeace in Fairfax project. The Project: GeesePeace will coordinate a concentrated effort to locate goose nest sites in Fairfax County and provide training for nest watchers and professional egg addlers needed to carry out an effective program. Fairfax County will provide GIS mapping documentation and analysis and necessary equipment to carry out the program. Each partner will provide personnel and a commitment to carry out an effective program with a goal of 100% egg reduction at each identified nest. Partners will commit to a humane solution that will cause as little stress to the birds as possible and to building a strong coalition committed to finding solutions to wildlife problems that build our community. |