Heard on NRPAnet: feeding Canadian Geese

Parks & Recreation, March, 2004

Should you implement a no-feeding policy in conjunction with other control efforts (i.e. signs) on Canadian Geese? That was a recent question posted from Reno, Nev., on NRPA's listserv, NRPAnet. For information an how to join the discussion, select "NRPAnet" from the right-hand side of NRPA's Web site (www.nrpa.org). Here are some of the responses about our feathered neighbors from the north:

We had the board pass an ordinance that prohibits feeding water fowl. There is a $500 fine. We posted signs with, "do not feed the waterfowl" and site the ordinance number. We have not had any problems.--Northbrook, Ill.

We went with the following: "Feeding Geese and Ducks are against local regulations." We borrowed it from the Geesepeace site at the following location. Check out their signs. www.geesepeace.org/integratedsolutions.html. --Columbia, Miss.

We state, "Do not approach, handle or feed any stray or wild animal." --Fairlawn, NJ

We recently passed an ordinance against feeding waterfowl in our park because their droppings have become such a nuisance. We have put signs up with a hand with corn in it and a goose, and then a big red circle with a slash through it. "Please don't feed the Waterfowl." We used to have signs that talked about disease and disrupting their migration, but they were largely ignored.--Milwaukee, Wisc.

I'd suggest that you try to have something enforceable ... for those folks who don't see the benefits of voluntary compliance. I recently told our security and police to use the city code section on littering in cases where people feed pigeons excessively (in downtown, hard-surfaced parks) and don't comply with our request to not make a mess. If we had to "go to the mat" on this, my guess is that the hearings officer or judge would want to hear testimony that the feeding was excessive and the person had been warned to stop, or do something different. We also use a park code section (a "catch all") that requires persons to follow the "reasonable direction of a park officer." Also suggest that you check with your city attorney, like I did in the above situation.--Portland, Ore.

We use "Do not feed the geese." Not positive customer service, but in our case we have to be vigilant.--Morris County, NJ.

We are changing our signage to read, "Birds and animals may become injured or aggressive to humans when fed or disturbed. Please keep your distance--do not feed."--Wyoming, Mich.

I would suggest that you post, "Do not feed the geese." That is what the town of Salem Recreation Department has, and we are able to enforce this with a fine of $1,000.--Salem, NH

The city of Worcester, Mass. is using "Please do not feed the geese, ducks or seagulls." The post reasons why this is detrimental to the animals. We will also be working with Massachusetts Audubon to distribute information on this topic.--Worcester, Mass.

If you can enforce a specific regulation, I suggest saying "Don't feed the geese in ......." (Specify the location or name of the park.) Good luck. We have tried to designate specific areas for feeding because we didn't get much cooperation with efforts to discontinue feeding. Unfortunately, the designated areas don't work well either.--Kingsport, Tenn.

We had the board pass an ordinance that prohibits feeding water fowl. There is a $500 fine. We posted signs with, "Do not feed the waterfowl," and site the ordinance number. We have not had any problems.--Northbrook, Ill.