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City of Castlegar using dogs to help control geese at Millennium Park

City using a number of measures to discourage geese from settling at the park
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Goose control measures are in place at Millennium Park. Photo: Betsy Kline Goose control measures are in place at Millennium Park. May 2020. Photo: Betsy Kline

The City of Castlegar is implementing a variety of measures in its ongoing battle with geese at Millennium Park.

In recent years, fecal coliforms from the geese have caused the closure of the Millennium Ponds at least once each year.

RELATED: Bacteria closes Millennium Ponds again

“The geese like to feed on the turf and swim in the ponds,” said city spokesperson Bree Seabrook. “This makes the field slippery to play on and increases the fecal coliforms in the ponds to the point we need to shut them down for public safety.”

After receiving numerous complaints from the public about goose droppings on the soccer fields and in other areas of the park, the city has contracted a dog handler to aid in goose control efforts.

“The contractor has three dogs that are trained to scare the geese away — which is a natural way to deal with geese issues,” said Seabrook.

The contractor has received a number of queries while working, so the city has installed signs at the park stating that the activity is approved by the city.

The purpose for starting early in the season is to prevent the geese from nesting and getting comfortable in the park.

The city has also utilized strobe lights, squakers, goose distress noise makers, ribbons and an owl statue to help deter geese from settling at the park.



betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com

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Betsy Kline

About the Author: Betsy Kline

After spending several years as a freelance writer for the Castlegar News, Betsy joined the editorial staff as a reporter in March of 2015. In 2020, she moved into the editor's position.
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