Goose Management through Habitat Restoration presented at the Goose Management Workshop Bergen County Community College Paramus, New Jersey March 3, 2009 Christopher C. Obropta, Ph.D., P.E. Extension Specialist in Water Resources 732-932 932-98009800 ext. 6209 obropta@envsci.rutgers.edu www.water.rutgers.edu
Goose Facts Life expectancy is 20 years They have two basic requirements: 1) freshwater for drinking, resting, nesting, and escape from predators; 2) tender, succulent vegetation for food. They nest within 100 feet of open water usually directly adjacent Geese are grazers with a preference for mowed and fertilized turf grasses They prefer to feed in large open areas with few obstructions that give a 360 view of potential predators Each goose produces 1 to 3 pounds of feces per day
Methods for Managing Geese An integrated approach is best. Three important factors need to be considered: the characteristics at the site that attract geese (food, water, secure nesting), the human attitudes and behaviors that attract and protect the geese, and laws and regulations.
Fact Sheets on Goose Management FS1024 A Goose is a Goose? Identifying Differences Between Migratory and Resident Canada Geese FS1025 Canada Goose Management Series: Exclusion FS1026 Canada Goose Management Series: Habitat Modification FS1027 Positive Benefits and Negative Impacts of Canada Geese FS1028 Canada Goose Management Series: Modify Human Behavior FS1029 Canada Goose Management Series: Capture and Euthanasia FS1030 Canada Goose Management Series: Nest and Egg Destruction FS1031 Canada Goose Management Series: Repellents FS1032 Canada Goose Management Series: Harassment FS1033 Canada Goose Management Series: Regulated Hunting http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/subcategory.asp?cat=6&sub=51
Goose Habitat The habitat most desirable to geese is a large, flat to gently rolling managed turf area close to a lake, pond, or slow moving Many land uses in suburbia provide this environment: large corporate campuses, suburban lawns, commercial centers, parks and golf courses
Specific Habitat Modification Strategies Reduce amount of turfgrass specifically areas adjacent to water Install vegetative buffers along shorelines and stream banks Place barriers to goose movement to and from water bodies Modify shorelines
Reducing Turf Areas Reduce mowing frequency (let vegetation grow to at least 8 ) Reduce/eliminate fertilizing and watering Replace cool-season grasses (bluegrass, fescues, ryegrass) with warm season grasses/wildflowers (bluestem, wild rye, sedges, rushes, asters, coneflowers, milkweeds)
Vegetative Buffers Stabilize shoreline Plant dense vegetation at least 24 inches in height Establish a no-mow zone of at least 25 feet along shorelines and streambanks where possible Use native plant species that are not invasive and are adapted to riparian habitats Create access areas and paths at shallow angles to shorelines
Solutions (Before Buffer Planting) Bee Meadow Pond
Solutions (After Buffer Planting)
Solutions (Before Buffer Planting)
Solutions (After Buffer Planting)
Solutions (Before Restoration)
Solutions (Before Restoration)
Solutions (Before Restoration)
Solutions (During Restoration) Roosevelt Commons 6/14/08
Solutions (During Restoration) Roosevelt Commons 6/14/08
Solutions (After Restoration) Demerest Pond 10/4/06
Barriers Fencing Temporary solution until vegetation is established Boulder placement - Permanent solution to deter movement from water to land and back
Barriers - Typical Stone Materials
Stone Access Points Demerest Bee Meadow Pond
How do you get started? Work with local partners to: Identify the problem Identify funding source Develop goals and objectives Design the restoration Obtain permits if necessary Recruit volunteers to help with construction Implement the restoration effort Regularly inspect restored area Maintain as necessary
Problem Identification?
Algae Growth Downstream of Pond
Are the geese the problem?
Water Quality at Roosevelt Common Waterfowl observed day of sampling Tributary from Pond Mainstem Tenakill Brook downstream of pond Date FC: col/100ml FC: col/100ml 7/17/2007 > 50 waterfowl 800 673 7/24/2007 > 50 waterfowl 3,300 2,400 7/31/2007 > 60 waterfowl 3,400 1,160 8/7/2007 > 30 waterfowl 11,000 4,600 8/14/2007 > 30 waterfowl 13,000 2,180 8/16/2007 > 20 waterfowl 19,000 2,100 8/21/2007 > 20 waterfowl 11,000 37,000 Wet weather days
One Funding Source: The 319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grant Program from NJDEP Goal of the Program: Implement nonpoint source pollution management measures with the objective of protecting and/or maintaining designated uses of a water body. Who is eligible to receive funding? Municipal and county governments, local and/or county environmental commissions, watershed and water resources associations, non-profit organizations 501(c)(3) Program Priorities: 1) Funding implementation projects in approved watershed restoration and protection plans 2) Funding project that will help achieve an approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
General Goals and Objectives Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution to Improve Water Quality Enhance Recreational and Aesthetic Value of the Pond Eliminate/Reduce Preferred Goose Habitat Manage/Reduce Resident Waterfowl Populations Maintain Public Access Use Native Plantings Shoreline at Roosevelt Commons 2007
Example: Specific Tasks for Roosevelt Common Shoreline Restoration Restore 700 feet of shoreline around Roosevelt Common Pond Establish upland vegetation for canopy to the pond Conduct before and after water quality monitoring (Fecal Coliform, Total Suspended Solids, Total Nitrogen, and Total Phosphorus) Prepare and implement long-term monitoring and maintenance plan
Project Milestones Approval of concept plan for shoreline restoration Construction and installation Goose management evaluations Water Quality Analysis Final reporting to NJDEP DWM
Expected Costs for Naturalized Planting Projects Design Costs costs vary greatly depending on size and complexity of project Tasks may include site survey, wetland delineation, preparing and presenting plans, and member education Permitting Costs ($5,000 - $15,000) Typical requirements may include: Wetland delineation and letter of interpretation (LOI) Individual or General Freshwater Wetlands Permit or Transition Area Waiver Flood Hazard Area Permit (individual) Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Expected costs for native seeding or plantings Native seed costs typically range from $25/lb to $45/lb depending on diversity of wildflowers. Installation costs range from $80 - $150 per 1000 sq ft Native wetland plants cost approximately $200 - $250 per 1000 sq ft installed
Project Timeline 12 Month timeframe from contract authorization Outreach materials Restoration Implementation Maintenance Plan Maintenance Work Days Water Quality Sampling Final Reporting
Local Partner s Responsibilities Help administer the project and/or grant Provide mulch, wood chips, tools and refreshments for volunteer work days Provide in-kind services, such as Grade/Prep the Site using DPW or Parks Dept. Water newly planted vegetation (as needed) Store and move plant materials Provide long-term commitment to manage and maintain project
Maintenance Requirements Inspections Routine Maintenance Vegetation management Debris and litter removal Mechanical components maintenance Non-Routine Maintenance Stabilization and erosion control repairs Sediment removal Outlet repair or replacement
Reducing Costs for Routine Maintenance Vegetation management Reduce need for mowing through alternative landscaping approaches where feasible and appropriate Minimize use of commercial fertilizers and pesticides in shoreline and streambank areas adjacent to waterways Debris and litter removal Install simple low cost retrofits such as the Snout on catch basins near the discharge to a pond or stream Mechanical components maintenance Regular inspections and immediate repairs will reduce need for major replacements Inspections Clearly identify appropriate personnel and have same individual conduct inspections at regular intervals
Inspections at a minimum, regular inspections should: Document any erosion or sedimentation and identify any needs for repair or replacement Provide review of the inlet and outlet/spillway structures and note any deterioration, evidence of malfunctions, or collection of debris Document condition of the vegetation, noting any evidence of poor health, establishment of exotic species or weeds, woody growth on embankments, or need for any replacement Note whether clear access to the facility is being maintained as specified in design plans
Routine Maintenance Vegetation management Mowing should be done where and when it is needed Effective groundcovers must be kept healthy to prevent erosion and damage to the system Debris and litter removal Inlets and outlets should be regularly cleared of debris and litter to prevent obstructions and reduced efficiency of the system Mechanical components maintenance All mechanical equipment, such as gates, valves, locks, aerators or other components must be kept in working order should an emergency arise Inspections Regular inspections by designated personnel, owner, or operator should be made and clear records kept
Case Study: Bee Meadow Pond (Before Restoration) Bee Meadow Pond
Case Study: Bee Meadow Pond (After Restoration) Bee Meadow Pond 2006
Bee Meadow Pond (After Restoration)
Bee Meadow Pond Water Quality Sampling Precipitation Fecal Coliform Fecal Strep Dissolved Phosphorus Total Phosphorus TSS Specific Conductivity ph Temperature Dissolved Oxygen
Bee Meadow Pond Total Phosphorus
Bee Meadow Pond Geometric Mean of Fecal Coliform (#/100ml) Geometric Mean, Fecal Coliform (#/100ml) Dates of Sampling Events Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Before buffer (8/9/05 to 9/7/05) 306.8 210.0 197.3 656.6 88.7 Before buffer (9/14/05 to 10/12/05) 73.5 82.3 247.9 750.8 108.8 After buffer (11/2/06 to 11/28/06) 26.6 39.6 17.3 5.0 7.1 After buffer (11/29 to 12/20/06) 20.0 28.7 10.8 21.1 8.1
Bee Meadow Pond Total Suspended Solids Total Suspended Solids TSS (mg/l) 50.00 45.00 40.00 35.00 30.00 25.00 20.00 15.00 10.00 5.00 0.00 Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Bee Meadow Sampling Site Before After
Questions?