justnorth posted on March 20, 2007 07:28 :: 1935 Views
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources oversees a Canada goose nest destruction program, which is designed to decrease human-goose conflicts in eligible metropolitan sites in southeast Michigan. The nest destruction program allows for goose nest destruction under a special permit issued by the DNR. Any nest destruction without a permit is illegal and subject to prosecution, said DNR wildlife officials.
"Based on banding results, geese rarely leave metropolitan areas and recreational hunting is not always an option; therefore, goose-human conflicts are difficult to resolve in this region," said Julie Oakes, DNR wildlife biologist. "Research studies have shown that properly timed nest destruction encourages many of the affected adult geese to migrate out of these urban areas for the remainder of the summer."
Eligible sites include the metropolitan areas of Oakland County, Macomb County properties located south of 32 Mile Road, and Wayne County properties, excluding Sumpter, Huron, and portions of Brownstown townships, lying south of Gibraltar Road.
"Within the eligible areas, nest destruction could be considered along with other goose control programs," said Timothy Payne, DNR wildlife management supervisor for southeast Michigan.
Accepted applicants for the nest destruction program must attend a two hour mandatory training session in at the Novi Civic Center in Novi on Wednesday, April 11 to receive a permit. Participants must pre-register for the training session by calling Julie Oakes at 248-328-8113.
The training program includes the safe and proper way to handle general goose situations; how to properly destroy a nest; and required record keeping. Residents interested in learning additional methods in addressing human-goose conflicts are also encouraged to attend. It is not necessary to attend the training if an authorized contractor is being hired to handle the conflict; however, an application and permit is still necessary. For a list of authorized contractors, residents should contact Oakes at 248-328-8113.
The DNR's Wildlife Division Southeast Management Unit is accepting applications through April 1, 2007, from lake associations, businesses, or residents experiencing human-goose conflicts within the eligible locations. Information on the conditions and requirements for applying for a permit may be obtained by contacting Oakes at (248) 328-8113.
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