I got a copy of news release of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
concerning resident (locally breeding)Canada Goose populations conflicts
in urban and suburban communities. I haven't seen any mention of it in
Seattle or Port Angeles newspapers so thought I'd pass a brief synopsis
of it along to people who might be interested it.

There are 9 public meetings meetings to be held in February and March
nationwide by the Service to get comments, both oral and written,
concerning conflicts and what should be done about them.. That for
Washington will be at Bellevue on Feb. l7 at the Double Tree Hotel, 300,
112th Avenue S.E. at 7:00 PM.

In essence, the Service from people affected by these resident
populations so it can develope a long term coordinated strategy which
will provide states with more managent flexibility and authority to deal
with resident Canada Goose populations, while establishing population
goals and objectives, managment planning and population monitoring.

Most Canada goose populations are migratory, but increasing urban and
suburban development has resulted in creation of ideal habitat
conditions bringing along with it problems like goose droppings,
denuding lawns of vegetation, contributing to excessive algae growths in
nearby waters and killing fish and polluting water supplies of
municipalities among things. Also presenting strike hazards to planes
at airports.

Although estimates place overall populations of Canadas of 1.1 million
in the the Eastern and Missisippi Flyways and growing, nothing is said
about populations in the Central or Pacific Flyways. Estimates of those
flyways should come later.

Notice of the meetings was published Dec. 30, 1999 in the Federal
Register.

Witten comments and notification of intent to speak at a particular
meeting should be addressed to the Chief, Migratory Bird Management,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ms ARLSQ, 1849 C St, N.W. Wash. D.C.
20240. They should be submitted before March 30, 2000. Comments can be
sent by Email to canada_goose_eis at fws.gov All electronic comments
should include the complete mailing address if a cpoy of the EIS.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Office of
Migratory Bird Management by calling (703) 358-1714.

Whew, I'm glad I'm an 80-year old FWS retiree. Life was simpler then.

Gene Kridler
Sequim, Wa.