Spring Break
Mirror Lake geese removal plan was shortsighted
Our Opinion
Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: Commentary
They're back! Since last week, groups of everyone's favorite feathered friends have been hanging around Mirror Lake, despite the application of "Goose Be Gone" and the construction of a wire grid over the pond. The continued presence of Canada geese on Mirror Lake proves that the application of chemicals and the grid were both wasteful expenses that suggest hasty, poorly researched action.
"Goose Be Gone" and other chemical products like it are combinations of grape seed extract and man-made imitations of other natural compounds. When applied, the chemicals make grass appear unappealingly speckled in the UV spectrum that geese see in. The chemicals also make the geese have an unpleasant intestinal reaction after eating the grass. Unfortunately, these chemicals can cost around $250 per acre. They must also be reapplied after heavy rains, snow melt, mowing or after a certain amount of time passes.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), these sprays are really only effective in small areas, since geese will continue to feed on any grass that is left untreated. Because the chemicals are invisible, applicators are more likely to miss a spot on a larger lawn, thus allowing the geese to regain a foothold. ODNR also recommends that geese be removed from the area before each application for maximum effectiveness.
The wire grid over the lake is recommended for use in smaller settings. Mirror Lake is approximately 175 meters long and 75 meters wide. A study done by the USDA and the University of Nebraska showed that wire grids could be effective geese-deterrents for ponds with a maximum span of no more than 83 meters. The study also showed that the grids needed to be continually monitored and replaced to prevent the line from slacking. In one pond, the line was allowed to slack and geese quickly began to re-colonize it.
Overall, the methods employed by UConn are clearly not effective, as the geese continue to appear on the lake. Rather than costly chemicals and a grid that needs constant maintenance, the university should focus on cheaper, more effective alternatives. Allowing native reeds and grasses to grow in a border around the lake would deter geese from using the area, because they prefer to avoid areas where predators can lurk. This would also have the added benefit of preventing some of the runoff of fertilizers and pesticides into the lake - which contributes to the annual algae blooms and perpetual greenish tint. In addition, borders of reeds or ornamental plants are much lower maintenance than lawns that require mowing and chemical applications. Hopefully, UConn will do some more research before embarking on another attempt to drive the geese out of Mirror Lake.
"Goose Be Gone" and other chemical products like it are combinations of grape seed extract and man-made imitations of other natural compounds. When applied, the chemicals make grass appear unappealingly speckled in the UV spectrum that geese see in. The chemicals also make the geese have an unpleasant intestinal reaction after eating the grass. Unfortunately, these chemicals can cost around $250 per acre. They must also be reapplied after heavy rains, snow melt, mowing or after a certain amount of time passes.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), these sprays are really only effective in small areas, since geese will continue to feed on any grass that is left untreated. Because the chemicals are invisible, applicators are more likely to miss a spot on a larger lawn, thus allowing the geese to regain a foothold. ODNR also recommends that geese be removed from the area before each application for maximum effectiveness.
The wire grid over the lake is recommended for use in smaller settings. Mirror Lake is approximately 175 meters long and 75 meters wide. A study done by the USDA and the University of Nebraska showed that wire grids could be effective geese-deterrents for ponds with a maximum span of no more than 83 meters. The study also showed that the grids needed to be continually monitored and replaced to prevent the line from slacking. In one pond, the line was allowed to slack and geese quickly began to re-colonize it.
Overall, the methods employed by UConn are clearly not effective, as the geese continue to appear on the lake. Rather than costly chemicals and a grid that needs constant maintenance, the university should focus on cheaper, more effective alternatives. Allowing native reeds and grasses to grow in a border around the lake would deter geese from using the area, because they prefer to avoid areas where predators can lurk. This would also have the added benefit of preventing some of the runoff of fertilizers and pesticides into the lake - which contributes to the annual algae blooms and perpetual greenish tint. In addition, borders of reeds or ornamental plants are much lower maintenance than lawns that require mowing and chemical applications. Hopefully, UConn will do some more research before embarking on another attempt to drive the geese out of Mirror Lake.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Chiron
posted 2/27/09 @ 12:18 PM EST
That's Hogan for you, wasting money in a time of economic crisis. And we wonder why the university has such a large deficit. Almost everyone involved in the supposed "research" for these ideas was against it yet somehow it happened, hmmm. (Continued…)
c
posted 2/27/09 @ 1:37 PM EST
or they could just, you know, leave the geese alone
Bob
posted 2/27/09 @ 2:08 PM EST
You know, with the state ornithologist being one of the faculty members on campus, one would think that they might consult her first before acting on a plan like this. (Continued…)
shawn
posted 3/28/09 @ 9:58 AM EST
Right, we have a whole slew of experts right here on campus yet we can't even take care of a silly duck pond.
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