Branch County residents are gearing up to tackle Canada goose overpopulation at local lakes this spring, after resolutions passed Monday, Jan. 12, by the Coldwater City Council and Ovid Township board.
The two government boards were the last to pass the resolution authorizing the goose egg hunts.
According to U.S. Wildlife studies, hundreds of geese nesting near area lakes deposit up to 2 pounds of fecal waste per bird each day, creating health and water-quality concerns.
Nearby farm fields, golf courses, and grassy yards attract geese, many of which now stay year-round.
The Marble Chain of Lakes Improvement Association began collecting goose eggs two years ago under a Department of Natural Resources-approved program. The eggs are frozen to prevent hatching, then sent to landfills.
This spring, the North Chain of Lakes Association and Coldwater Lake Association can also apply for DNR approval to begin egg collection along their shores.
Tom Duff, president of the North Chain Lake Association, said support for the program was nearly unanimous. “Everybody really wanted to try to do this,” Duff said.
The Michigan DNR has tried to encourage goose hunting, but “they just can’t get enough people to do it,” Duff added.
Margie Franker, who leads a Coldwater Lake group, said the main goal is to improve water quality, especially after large algae blooms last summer.
The program allows landowners and lake associations to manage nuisance Canada geese by destroying eggs and nests, subject to strict state regulations.
Michigan DNR Rules
Cleaner Water, Healthier Lakes
Large flocks of geese leave droppings rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, which can fuel nuisance and harmful algal blooms on Michigan lakes
Limiting goose numbers along the shoreline helps reduce these nutrients, leading to clearer water, more stable oxygen levels, and better conditions for fish and other aquatic life.
Goose droppings can carry bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Cryptosporidium, which can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting if ingested.
Michigan public health officials say beaches heavily used by geese are more likely to face swimming advisories or closures.
There is no fee for the egg/nest destruction permit. Round-up and relocation permits have fees, but relocation has proven difficult and largely ineffective.
Associations can now apply for permits, hire approved collectors, or train their own members, as the Marble Lake association did.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Branch County lake associations going after nuisance Canadian geese
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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