THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, July 15, 2010 GEESE from 33


Hampshire their home is almost double the optimal population of 16,000—a goal set by the Atlantic Flyway Council.


Multiple management


techniques are needed to achieve an optimal balance. Using an integrated


approach of nonlethal and lethal methods, the Wildlife Services Program helps individuals, local governments, businesses, and others manage water- fowl in ways that best bal- ance the positive value of bird populations with the conflicts that they some- times cause. Long-term waterfowl management results require multiple tools, each effective for different concerns. Exclu- sive use of only one tool will not have a long-term impact. The management techniques they recom- mend include lethal and non-lethal methods, as follows: Discontinue feeding.


Wild birds can find their own food. Modify landscaping.


Allow grass to grow lon- ger. Along water edges, leave native vegetation, or replant areas with less attractive vegetation such as pachysandra and peri- winkle. Install barriers along


the shoreline. Barriers such as fences and hedge- rows have been known to work. Use scaring devices


and move them around the property periodical- ly. Try large helium-filled balloons, strobe lights, scarecrows with moveable parts, and Mylar flags. Utilize dogs. Most effec-


tive are free-ranging dogs trained to chase birds as soon as they land. Prevent nesting by ma-


nipulating the nests. Since waterfowl are pro- tected by law, a property owner must first register with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at www. fws.gov/permits/mbper- mits/GooseEggRegistra- tion.html. Hunting can work.


New Hampshire’s resident Canada goose hunting season is September 8-25. For more information visit www.wildlife.state.nh.us/ Hunting/Hunt_species/ hunt_waterfowl.htm. Obtain a depredation permit. A Federal Mi- gratory Bird Depreda- tion Permit is required to capture or kill migratory birds for depredation con- trol purposes. After ap- plying some of the listed techniques above over an extended period of time with little to no success, a depredation permit can be requested. Land own- ers should apply for a depredation permit only after they have involved their local community in the decision process. If a permit is issued, land- owners are expected to continue to integrate non- lethal techniques when implementing any lethal measures. Since capture and removal will result in a reduced population size, other management meth- ods should become more effective in the future. For more information contact 1-866-4USDAWS (1-866- 487-3297).


Remove the welcome


mat! NH LAKES recommends that all property owners


1-


along the edges of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, make their property unat- tractive to geese by simply not having a lawn that extends to the shoreline. The best and easiest thing to do is plant a vegetative buffer com- prised of native shrubs and bushes along your entire shoreline. Not only will you discourage the geese from visiting, you will make your prop-


erty more attractive while reducing the amount of polluted water that runs off of your property and into the lake!


Information for this ar-


ticle was found at www. aphis.usda.gov/publica- tions/wildlife_damage/ content/printable_ver- sion/fs_waterfowl.pdf.


The New Hampshire Lakes Association (NH


Assisted Living with Memory Support


Are you worried about a senior who is living with memory problems?


Are they socially isolated and unsafe at home alone?


at


37


LAKES) is a member sup- ported, non-profit organiza- tion dedicated to protecting New Hampshire’s lakes and their watersheds. For more information, visit www.nhlakes.org or call (603) 226-0299. To receive NH LAKES’ free monthly e-news blast, Shorelines, full of interesting lake- related information, sign up on the website.


We create a quality of life through genuine


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After a short visit, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to see for yourself why The Gardens is just right for you.


We are just off the roundabout at the junction of Routes 3 and 106


21 Mile Point Drive, Meredith, NH 03253 603-279-1500


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