St. Joseph County residents can now take steps to control the Canada geese population

Jef Rietsma
·2 min read
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CENTREVILLE – St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution this week that would likely impact the number of Canada geese in the area.

St. Joseph County residents can now request a permit to destroy Canada geese nests and eggs.
St. Joseph County residents can now request a permit to destroy Canada geese nests and eggs.

During their monthly board meeting Tuesday, commissioners agreed to support a plan that allows residents to destroy goose nests and eggs.

Commissioner Luis Rosado brought up discussion on the matter. He said the action was prompted by residents of Klinger Lake, Cade Lake, Fish Lake and other area bodies of water. Rosado said the number of complaints related to overpopulation of the waterfowl has risen to the point that he felt the need to look into the matter.

According to the resolution, nest destruction can be performed only by residents who have secured a permit from Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In addition, they need to complete an online training program to learn exact steps that must be taken to follow through on the measure.

St. Joseph County’s nest-destruction is valid for a five-year period.

Rosado said People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals recognizes nest destruction as the most effective and humane program to limit population growth.

He said a mature goose eats three pounds of grass, while discharging two pounds of defecation daily. In addition, Rosado said Canada geese are no longer migratory birds, staying in Michigan and other northern states year-round.

“The annual cycle for Canada goose nest destruction requires permitting in the spring in order that the eggs can be destroyed within a proper timeframe,” Rosado said. “Our parks director, Jaymes MacDonald, has indicated there is a major problem with Canada geese in places such as Cade Lake and several other parks that (include) bodies of water.”

Rosado said Jackson County officials approved a similar tactic last year and yielded results consistent with their goal.

Applications for residents who wish to take part in St. Joseph County’s effort have through March 11 to request a permit allowing them to be a part of the effort. Permits can be secured through Michigan DNR, not St. Joseph County, Rosado noted.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: St. Joseph County residents can now take steps to control the Canada geese population