Habitat Modifications

Habitat modification has been noted as the most effective, long-term solution to the resident goose problem. It is not an overnight solution - patience is a must, and each option works best when used in conjunction with others.

The goal is to make your shoreline property unattractive and undesirable to the geese.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

Restoring your shoreline property to a more natural ecological state has several benefits, in addition to the reduction of geese and their droppings:

• Alternatives to grass typically require use of fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• By decreasing the amount of lawn and increasing the diversity of vegetation you will actually help to increase the habitat for other types of wildlife.
• Improved soil, water, and air quality of the immediate environment
• Helps to reduce erosion and the impact of waves and wind on the shoreline.
• Less time spent mowing your lawn, more time to enjoy your newly created environment!

BUFFERS/VEGETATION

Geese love a well-manicured lawn especially if it has direct access to the water.  Creating buffers along the water’s edge will inhibit the geese’s movement from land to water.  Both the male and female molt shortly after the birth of their goslings and are flightless during this time.  They remain flightless for an additional couple of months until their young are ready to fly.  Their primary modes of transportation become walking and swimming.  Making travel from the water to your yard more difficult will eventually deter the geese and they will move on to another location.  

Geese prefer areas that have unobstructed views (just like we do) that allow for easy sight of predators and quick get-aways if needed.

Please remember, before planting anything along your shoreline, contact the Whatcom County Weed Control Board at 360-354-3990 or go to the Noxious Weed List, Whatcom County Washington on line to ensure what you are planting is not a noxious weed.

Following are some suggestions for making your yard and waterfront area less than desirable for your resident geese.  It is suggested that these be done in combination to create greater diversions for geese and make the area as inhospitable as possible:

• Allow grass to grow -

Grass taller than 10 inches creates a barrier and great hiding places for animals such as dogs, fox, raccoons and other predators. Mowing your lawn every week creates the type of vegetation that geese love.  Young fertilized grass shoots contain the nutrients geese seem to need.  Consider letting a strip of lawn adjacent to the lakeshore grow.

Alternative types of grasses may be less palatable to geese.  Consider planting some of these less tasty and often attractive species, such as tall fescue and wildflowers.      

• Plant trees
  By increasing the angle at which geese will have to take off and land you can effectively inhibit their ability to access grazing areas.  Stands of trees need to be fairly dense to prevent them from flying in between.  This option is a long-term approach to habitat modification, as the trees will need time to grow and thicken.  Used with other plantings this can help round out your overall landscape plan.
  
  The shade provided by the trees will also keep the grass growing more slowly, making it a less attractive menu option for the dining geese.
• Fencing - This option may not be as pretty as a new landscape design, but it can be an effective short-term solution and may be a good deterrent to a newly residing flock.  It is also a good option if removal or reduction of turf is not an option.
  
  Fencing can be permanent or temporary and depending on materials used and may initially be a less expensive option than planting buffers.  If you choose to build a fence be sure to check with the City or County to make sure that your fence complies with relevant regulations such as fence height.  It is strongly recommended that any fencelines erected on shoreline property be a temporary solution while appropriate vegetation grows and becomes a permanent barrier.
  
  For fencing to be effective, it must have slats or spaces no wider than three inches by three inches and at least 24 inches high.  It can be constructed of any durable material such as wood, chicken wire, chainlink, plastic or woven wire.
• Buffers - Plant a 20 to 30 foot wide buffer of native upland, transitional and emergent vegetation at the water’s edge.  Contact the Cooperative Extension office at WSU Cooperative Extension Whatcom County (360) 676-6736 for assistance with choosing the right plants for the right location.

Benefits of Buffers