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Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 1
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
CANADA GOOSE MANAGEMENT PLAN
March 2018
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 2
Prepared by:
WENCK Associates, Inc.
1800 Pioneer Creek Center
Maple Plain, MN 55359
Phone: 763-479-4200
Fax: 763-479-4242
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Lakeville Context and Goose Management Concerns ...... 3
1.1 Canada Goose Habitat Use ................................................................. 3
1.2 Population Estimate ........................................................................... 4
1.3 Priority Recreation and Management Areas ........................................... 5
1.4 Concentrated Habitat Use and Human Use Conflicts ............................... 8
1.4.1 Proximity to Sensitive Areas ............................................................... 9
1.4.2 Impacts to Health ............................................................................. 9
1.4.3 E. coli Sampling ................................................................................ 9
1.4.4 TMDL and WRAPS Studies ................................................................ 10
2. Canada Goose Management Recommendations ............ 11
2.1 Goals and Measures......................................................................... 11
2.2 Geographic Scope ........................................................................... 11
2.3 Management Techniques .................................................................. 12
2.3.1 Passive Management Techniques ...................................................... 13
2.3.2 Population Reduction ....................................................................... 14
2.4 Public Information ........................................................................... 15
2.5 Partner Relationships and Permit Requirements .................................. 15
2.6 Summary of Management Measures .................................................. 16
Figures:
Figure 1 – Wetlands and Waterbodies
Figure 2 – Goose Management Areas
Figure 3 – Antlers Park Beach
Figure 4 – Orchard Lake Beach
Figure 5 – Valley Lake Beach
Appendices:
Appendix A – Management Activity Tracking Form
Appendix B – Lakeville Waterfowl Feeding Information Handout
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 3
1. Lakeville Context and Goose Management Concerns
The City of Lakeville (Lakeville), with a
population over 60,500 residents, is located in
western Dakota County, Minnesota. Lakeville
includes over 60 parks, 3 public beaches, 8
lakes, and hundreds of wetlands and ponds. The
diverse resources found in Lakeville make it an
attractive community for families and business,
which has contributed to significant population
growth over the last ten years.
The diverse land use also provides habitat for
many wildlife species including waterfowl. The
Canadian goose is a species that has adapted to
living in developing residential and commercial
areas throughout Lakeville. As geese expand
their habitat extent within urban areas, the
species becomes accustomed to living among
human populations. This adaptive nature results in very successful population expansion.
Booming Canadian geese populations present a challenge for cities such as Lakeville as
populations must be managed before they reach nuisance levels or create public health
concerns. This management plan has been prepared to:
• Describe the habitats within Lakeville and the population of geese using them;
• Identify efforts that Lakeville has undertaken to manage geese within City limits; and
• Develop future management activities to ensure geese populations continue to
successfully coexist with City residents.
1.1 Canada Goose Habitat Use
Lakeville encompasses approximately 38 square miles Residential areas comprise over 40
percent of land area. Other significant land uses include commercial, parks and natural areas,
rural residential, and wetland and waterbodies. Land use within the City is summarized in
Table 1.
Table 1: Land Use Summary with Lakeville
Land Use Area
(acres)
Residential 9,726
Parks & Public Lands 2,096
Commercial/Office
Space
1,936
Rural Residential 1,345
Industrial 1,068
Water & Wetlands 2,818
Other/Unclassified 4,491
Total 23,480 ac
Growing population of Geese
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 4
The development of suburban areas has created a mosaic of habitats that cater directly to the
habitat needs and preferences of geese. During development, wetlands areas are preserved,
stormwater ponds are created to treat and manage runoff, and park areas with mowed lawns
and open spaces are interspersed throughout neighborhoods. These areas provide the
components of habitats that geese prefer for nesting and feeding. Residential and commercial
areas within municipalities also have low or non-existent populations of natural predators to
geese (such as coyotes), allowing geese populations to easily expand.
Canada geese reside in areas throughout Lakeville. Nesting occurs in wetlands, lakes, and
within commercial and residential stormwater ponds. Islands within wetland complexes are
typically the preferred nesting areas for geese as the islands offer protection from nest
predation. Lakes, wetland and stormwater ponds are spread across the City providing, a
ubiquitous habitat base, including nesting locations, for geese populations within City limits
(see Figure 1.). Newly hatched broods tend to loaf and feed in the wetland and residential
pond areas. After their flightless period, Canada geese are more mobile, and frequently move
from wetland and residential pond areas to adjacent feeding areas along Marion,
Orchard/Kingsley, and East Lakes. As the geese regain their flight in later summer, agricultural
fields act as significant food sources, attracting both local and migratory geese.
1.2 Population Estimate
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not currently conduct population
estimates of Canada geese in the Minneapolis-St Paul metropolitan area and does not maintain
population data specific to Lakeville or Dakota County. Geese are very mobile species that
walk, swim, and fly to different habitats over the course of a year, season, or day. The mobile
nature of geese makes it difficult to develop an exact population estimate of birds within a
municipal area. However, field surveys can be useful in developing estimates of resident geese
utilizing a lake or wetland area, as well as identifying areas with high concentrations of geese.
A field assessment of resident geese within Lakeville was completed in early May 2017. The
assessment was completed at a time when geese where observed as nesting pairs or with
newly hatched goslings, indicating that observed geese were likely local resident geese and not
migrating transient birds. The field assessment targeted Marion, Orchard/Kingsley, Valley, and
East Lakes, as well as wetlands and ponds located throughout the City. Visual observations
were made from vantage points that allowed
viewing of the waterbody (or part of the water
body on large lakes) and the number of adults
and goslings were recorded. In addition, if
evidence of geese was present (i.e. goose
feces) at a given location, it was recorded in
field notes. Many wetlands and stormwater
ponds are in remote areas or areas surround by
private property. These ponds with limited
visibility were only observed if the waterbody
could be seen from public walking paths,
streets, or parks. If geese were observed in
yards or open spaces between water bodies,
their locations were also recorded.
The May 2017 assessment included visits to 90
vantage points within City limits to observe
geese in waterbodies and on the landscape. In Geese by walking path
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 5
total, 150 adult geese and 79 goslings were observed. The number of survey points, habitat
type, and adult geese and goslings observed are summarized by management area in Table 2.
The field assessment likely included counts of non-breeding geese as indicated by the relatively
large number of adults vs goslings observed in the Orchard/Kingsley complex. Non-breeding
geese are birds that may not yet have reached breeding age or are transient birds passing
through an area.
Field observations resulted in an estimate of approximately 1.2 adults and 0.3 goslings per
pond; and 1.8 adults and 1.2 goslings per wetland. Geese were not observed on all wetlands or
ponds assessed. Depending on surrounding conditions (i.e. mowed grassy areas immediately
adjacent to a waterbody versus mature trees), wetlands and ponds were less likely to contain
resident geese.
It is reasonable to estimate that half of the ponds and wetlands with the City contain resident
geese. Extrapolation of the field goose counts provide a population estimate of 930 adults and
500 goslings across the ponds and wetlands within City limits. Adding in the geese observed
from the lake survey points (direct count data), the population of Canada geese in Lakeville is
estimated at 995 adults and 550 goslings.
During an early spring field assessment, goslings can be difficult to spot as they are small and
can hide in the tall vegetation. Additionally, some broods may not have hatched, which could
result in additional spotting difficulty These constraints should be incorporated into the
Lakeville assessment results. Large areas such as the main basin of Lake Marion likely provide
habitat for a larger number of resident geese than were observed during the field assessment.
Therefore, because some geese were likely not visible during the assessment and more
goslings will hatch this spring, the population estimate is conservative on the low side and the
total number of resident geese within Lakeville and utilizing certain management areas is likely
higher.
Table 2. Goose observation summary by management area.
Management
Area
Habitat
Type
Survey
Points Total Adults Total
Goslings
East Lake Lake 1 14 0
Pond 19 14 6
Orchard/Kingsley
Lake 13 42 48
Pond 7 13 8
Wetland 5 16 11
Marion
Lake 11 7 0
Pond 7 9 0
Wetland 9 9 6
Valley Lake 1 2 0
Other Pond 17 24 0
1.3 Priority Recreation and Management Areas
Lakeville parks and recreational areas priority are considered high management areas due to
the public benefit services they provide. Park areas are also attractive to geese for feeding,
loafing, resting, and nesting. As a result, geese can be found in almost every park and
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 6
recreational area within Lakeville. Due to the availability of habitat across the City total geese
removal within the City is not feasible.
Four priority areas have been identified by the City as the main areas to focus possible
management efforts to limit geese from reaching nuisance levels. These areas include parks
and recreation areas around:
• Lake Marion;
• Orchard/Kingsley Lake;
• Valley Lake; and
• East Lake.
The four identified management areas are displayed in Figure 2. A brief description of the
resources and concerns associated with each priority goose management area is provided.
Lake Marion
Lake Marion is a 588-acre lake that has a shallow littoral area covering almost 85 percent of
the lake. There are numerous areas of emergent wetland vegetation and island habitats
around the lake that are attractive to geese. There are three parks, three special use areas,
and two conservation areas around Lake Marion, as well as several miles of trails Visitors can
enjoy recreation and leisure activities in the water, along trails, under park shelters, and in the
park open space. Antlers Park, located in the southwest corner of Lake Marion, includes a
beach that can be frequented by geese. The beach at Antlers Park is displayed in Figure 3.
Visitors to Antlers Park can be impacted by goose droppings found
along the beach and on trails, which also requires additional maintenance by park staff.
Orchard/Kingsley Lakes Complex
Orchard Lake is a 235-acre lake that reaches depths over 30 feet. The lake also includes
shallow areas with emergent vegetation that provides habitat for geese. There are 3 parks,
and one conservation area along Orchard Lake. Visitors to the parks around Orchard Lake can
enjoy recreation and leisure activities in the water, along the trails, and in the park open
space. There is one beach, located at Orchard Lake Beach Park on the west side of the lake.
Geese are often found utilizing the beach area (Figure 4). Visitors to Orchard Lake Beach Park
are impacted by geese that visit the park and adjacent beach because of goose droppings and
Antlers Park Beach on Lake Marion
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 7
also by geese impacting existing vegetation, through trampling or over grazing. This can also
lead to shoreline erosion.
Kingsley Lake is a 78-acre basin that is located adjacent to the northeast of Orchard Lake. The
lake is relatively shallow and includes various wetland-type islands and habitat around the lake
that provide habitat for geese. There is one conservation area located along Kingsley Lake.
There are no city parks or beaches on Kingsley Lake; however, the islands and prime nesting
habitat around Kingsley lake utilized by geese increases the number of birds found in public
areas on Orchard Lake. There are four islands within Kingsley Lake, three of which have been
severely impacted due to over use by feeding and nesting geese which has led to habitat and
vegetation degradation.
Valley Lake
Valley Lake Park includes a 7.4-acre lake. There is one public beach within the park and other
areas to access the lake (Figure 5). Visitors to the park can enjoy recreation and leisure
activities in the water, on the beach, along the parks walking trails, under park shelters and in
the park yard. Visitors to Valley Lake Park are impacted by geese or other waterfowl that often
use the park and adjacent beach.
Beaches and adjacent waters located on the lakes listed above are sensitive area where
excessive goose droppings can result in water quality concerns. Bacteria are tested at City
beaches and there have been times when levels are unsafe, which has resulted in beach
closures until bacteria levels return to concentrations that are safe for beach visitors.
East Lake
East Lake is a 42-acre basin shallow lake surrounded by a City park. The park includes trails,
sports fields, playground areas, and picnic shelters. There are a number of ponds around the
Valley Lake Beach
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 8
park that are utilized by geese. The City has developed a plan for park improvements at East
Lake Park including additional shelters, play areas, and trails, as well as some wetland
improvement and restoration projects. Park visitors can be impacted by excessive goose
droppings on the trails or in the open mowed areas. Additionally, overuse of park areas by
geese results in damage to vegetation and wetland areas, including the wetland vegetation
recently restored by the City as part of park improvements.
1.4 Concentrated Habitat Use and Human Use Conflicts
The parks, beaches, and waters within the management areas all experience impacts from
goose excrement at varying levels. Geese feeding in park grassy areas is also a concern to
park visitors when geese occasionally become aggressive defending nesting areas or goslings.
The frequent and sometimes excessive use of City park and residential areas by geese and
their excrement are a nuisance that elicit complaints by park users. This results in the need of
additional efforts by City park staff to manage the property upkeep.
To help mitigate conflicts between geese and human populations at priority sensitive areas, the
City has implemented limited geese removal in prior years. To date, geese removal has
occurred at Antlers Park on Marion Lake from 2014 – 2016. Past removals have all been in
response to nuisance conditions, including public health impacts, at the beach. All removals
have been conducted by an outside contractor that specializes in control and removal of geese.
In 2014, 58 geese (29 adults and 29 goslings) were removed. In 2015, 59 geese (15 adults
and 44 goslings) were removed. In 2016, 39 geese (10 adults and 29 goslings) were removed.
The number of goslings within the removals each year indicates that nesting pairs around Lake
Marion and Antlers Park are very successful, resulting in several dozen new goslings each year.
The information also suggest that the removals are having a positive reduction in the number
of adult geese utilizing the beach (29 adults removed in 2014 vs only 10 adults removed in
2016). The reduction in adult geese around the park could lead to less nesting around Lake
Marion and ultimately a lower number of geese impacting park facilities
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 9
1.4.1 Proximity to Sensitive Areas
Areas in addition to the four priority management areas
previously mentioned in the plan may be evaluated for
potential goose management requirements across the city as
they arise. Possible areas may include school grounds (i.e.
Kenwood Trail Middle School, Lakeview Elementary School,
Lakeville North High School, etc.), golf courses (i.e. Bracketts
Crossing Country Club) and parks (i.e. Casperon Park).
These sensitive resources are within proximity of geese
utilizing nearby available habitats. If goose management
activities do not get implemented, impacts to these sensitive
areas from increased usage by geese is likely to occur.
1.4.2 Impacts to Health
Conditions for safe human use of swimming beaches is based
on bacteria levels within the water. Federal standards for
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria require a minimum of five
samples within a 20-day period with a geometric mean
concentration below 126 E. coli colonies per 100 ml of water.
Additionally, no single water sample can exceed 235 E. coli
colonies per 100 ml of water. The Lakeville Parks Department
implements the Federal water quality standard for bacteria at all City beaches. City beaches
will be closed if a water sample is over the Federal Standard of 235 colony forming units (cfu)
for a single sample. A beach will reopen when testing reveals that the levels have dropped
below the guideline. Additional information on water monitoring within Lakeville can be found
on the City’s website: www.lakevillemn.gov
1.4.3 E. coli Sampling
The City of Lakeville Parks Department is responsible for the water quality sampling and
determining the status of each beach for E. coli levels. All beaches in Lakeville are sampled and
analyzed weekly from the end of May through August for indicator bacteria to determine if a
health risk is present for swimmers. The indicator bacteria tested is E. coli. Although E. coli is
typically non-pathogenic, a high level of these organisms at a swimming beach is an indication
that pathogens may be present, thus they are termed “indicator bacteria”. An increased level
of these indicator bacteria has been shown to increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in
humans.
The current testing method used for Lakeville is the E. coli quant-a-tray or E. coli quant for
short. Lakeville Parks Department is currently using Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories in
New Ulm MN for testing. The method is listed with them as SM9223QT. The results of these
tests are expressed in most probable number (mpn). Mpn is a scientific estimate of the
number of cfu. The major difference in the results is the time it requires to gather a mpn or a
cfu. A mpn can be acquired in 24 hours versus a cfu which takes a minimum of 48 hours.
Results of water samples for E. coli have determined Federal standards are exceeded
throughout the monitoring season which have resulted in beach closures due to human health
concerns. The high bacteria levels observed at beaches in Lakeville identify a public health
concern at these important resources and the need for continued management of geese to
reduce the risk of public exposure to public waters with unsafe bacteria levels.
Goose excrement near waterline
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 10
1.4.4 TMDL and WRAPS Studies
Recent monitoring efforts indicate high levels of E. coli in the streams and rivers downstream
of the City of Lakeville. There are currently 12 stream reaches in the Vermillion River that are
impaired for bacteria, 10 of which are located within or downstream of the Lakeville. The
bacteria impaired reaches downstream of Lakeville include: North Creek (reaches 542, 670,
671, 545), Middle Creek (reaches 546, 548, 668), South Creek (reach 527), and the main-
stem Vermillion River (reaches 516 and 517).
Total maximum daily load (TMDL) studies to address these impairments were completed in
2015 through the Vermillion River Watershed TMDL Report. This report identified bacteria load
reductions for Lakeville, which are based on the reach and flow condition of a stream. Bacteria
accounting exercises completed for the TMDL study suggest that geese and other waterfowl
account for less than 5% of the total bacteria produced within the impaired reach watersheds;
however, the report acknowledged that geese could be a significant source during certain
times of the year or under certain flow conditions. Additionally, the report also identified that
urban areas with high geese populations near the stream corridor could also be a significant
bacteria source.
The City of Lakeville works cooperatively with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Power
Organization (VRWJPO) on all water quality issues and was an active participant in the MPCA’s
TMDL and Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) Reports for the Vermillion
River Watershed. The Vermillion River WRAPS report identified the following strategies to
reduce bacteria inputs from geese in Lakeville and other urban areas throughout the Vermillion
River Watershed:
• Assess presence of waterfowl (particularly geese) along stream corridors;
• Work with MnDNR to manage geese populations based on assessment results; and
• Assessments will be completed within 3 years and management should be conducted as
necessary.
The ongoing goose management activities completed by Lakeville and the continued measures
identified within this plan are consistent with management needs identified in the Vermillion
River TMDL and WRAPS that describe a need to reduce bacteria loading to improve water
quality in the Vermillion River and its tributaries.
Goose excrement flows into bodies of water near
walking paths and grassy areas during rainfall
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 11
2. Canada Goose Management Recommendations
2.1 Goals and Measures
As described within this plan, Lakeville covers a large area with a variety of habitats that are
preferred by geese. Due to the significant amount of habitat located within the City, geese will
likely always be present. Residential and commercial developments continue to progress which
will bring more users to the City’s park and recreation resources. As a result, humans and
geese will continue to coexist within Lakeville. The goals for Canada goose management within
Lakeville therefore need to focus on the needs of the residents, protection of property and
public health, and establish targets that can effectively manage geese populations within the
City in a reasonable manner.
The goal for Lakeville is to focus management of Canada goose populations within the
identified management areas adjacent to City beaches to ensure they do not create nuisance
conditions or public health concerns at the City beaches. The beaches and nearby areas will be
monitored annually prior to applying for a goose management permit. The total number of
adult and goslings will be recorded at each location as well as any other signs of goose activity.
The City will apply for removal permits based on the number of geese observed impacting City
beaches. Removals will be conducted to ensure protection of public health and recreation when
nuisance levels are observed. If field assessments determine that more than 10 geese are
observed using a City beach or the habitats immediately adjacent to the beach, the City will
apply for a removal permit to ensure public health and safety concerns are addressed. If less,
then 10 geese are observed a passive management strategy may be implemented.
Private individuals or Homeowner Associations may be permitted to conduct goose
management on stormwater ponds if it is determined that the geese are causing nuisance
conditions. The city must be contacted prior to any
management activities that involve removal or nest
disturbance. The individual or association is responsible
for obtaining proper permits and approvals.
These goals will be accomplished through a combination
of management practices, including habitat
modification, avoidance measures, and limited removals
within the identified management areas. Specific
management practices are described in the Section 2.3.
2.2 Geographic Scope
Four goose management areas have been identified
within Lakeville (Figure 2). These areas have a
significant amount of concentrated goose habitat and
include sensitive areas such as City beaches. Population
and concentrated use reduction goals will be focused in
the four management areas. The Lake Marion and
Orchard/Kingsley beaches have been prioritized as they
have experienced closures due to bacteria
concentrations above water quality standards.
Geese gathering on City street
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 12
Goose management activities are not currently planned for individual wetland or pond areas
outside of the four management areas. However, if nuisance level conditions are identified,
private individuals or homeowner associations may be permitted to conduct goose
management. The city must be contacted prior to any management activities that involve
removal or nest disturbance. The individual or association is responsible for obtaining proper
permits and approvals. Lakeville will evaluate the need for potential management activities on
a case by case basis.
It should be noted that the City will focus on City owned public beaches. Specific management
practices will be implemented to protect City beaches and ensure protection of public health.
Although the focus of this plan is to outline and facilitate management efforts that will be
conducted by the City, the City of Lakeville acknowledges that geese may reach nuisance
conditions or potentially result in negative impacts on private properties. Examples of private
properties impacted by geese where management may be required include large residential
developments administered by a home owner’s association or within a large privately owned or
managed industrial park or golf courses. The City does not intend at this time to perform
management activities for these private parties; however, the potential benefits of goose
management by private parties to help manage and control the overall goose population within
the City is recognized.
There have been prior cases within Lakeville where a private party has obtained the required
permits and approvals to conduct goose management. Activities by private parties within the
City are generally covered under this plan in the context that they fit within the overall goals
identified by Lakeville. However, no specific private goose management is identified or
approved under this plan. If a private party intends to conduct future management efforts,
they will be required to coordinate with the City on their intentions, acquire individual permits
and approvals required by State and Federal agencies, and provide summary information of
the management activities to the City.
2.3 Management Techniques
The proposed techniques for Canada goose
management within the four identified
management areas are varied in type and
area that they will effectively impact.
Meeting the goals as outlined will require
the implementation of a broad set of
techniques. Any one management
technique used alone will likely be
ineffective for any significant length of
time, since tolerance and habituation of
resident geese will likely occur. As a result,
the use of an integrated management
approach is proposed, where a number of
techniques, applied in varying ways, times
and locations, will be utilized to manage
the goose population within Lakeville.
Geese on a lawn off City street
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 13
All management activities will be documented on the Management Activity Tracking Form in
Appendix A and submitted to area wildlife manager by September 10th of each year. Lakeville
will maintain records of all maintenance activities completed to help facilitate future
management activities. Adjustments or improvements to the management plan will be made
as conditions warrant.
2.3.1 Passive Management Techniques
Habitat Modification
Lakeville has completed habitat modifications to help deter geese from using certain areas. The
City installed an active buffer strip along 179th Street between a stormwater pond and the road
to prevent goose crossing on the road. Geese walking across the streets were creating a safety
concern via traffic accidents and the buffer strip has helped to mitigate the problem. The City
has also completed numerous shoreline restoration projects along the lakes within the
identified management areas, including a shoreline project near the beach on Orchard Lake
and several shoreline projects around Valley Lake. These projects have all been effective at
helping to limit goose access to the lake and shoreline areas.
Lakeville will continue to explore places where habitat modifications such as buffer strips can
be implemented to help limit geese from creating nuisance conditions, impacting public safety,
or destroying property. Habitat modifications will likely not be implemented at the beaches in
Antlers Park, Orchard Lake Park, or Valley Park as it would not be possible to add vegetation to
the beach shorelines and still provide the recreation experience intended by a public beach.
Temporary Physical Barriers
The use of temporary physical barriers could be implemented for several reasons, such as to
help protect property or help alleviate safety concerns such as impacts to traffic. If geese are
observed traveling between two habitat areas by crossing a road or sensitive area, temporary
barriers could be installed. The temporary barriers could include orange snow fencing or
possible a wire grid, depending on the application. The use of temporary barriers would likely
be most effective after goslings hatch or during the mid-summer flightless period. The barriers
could be used to alter goose travel pathways, such as prevent them from walking across a
road.
Redistribution Techniques
Lakeville has previously employed human disruption
efforts of geese. These efforts were generally
unsuccessful as the geese quickly learned the
behavior and timing of the disruption. Continuous
changes in the timing of disruption is logistically
difficult due to the other job duties required by park
maintenance and City staff. Efforts to install noise
cannons or visual deterrents are generally viewed as
nuisances to park and beach visitors and like human
disruption can become learned by the geese and
therefore become ineffective. The installation of
predator decoys, such as dogs or coyotes, may be
effective as a management technique. The City will
explore installing predator decoys near the beaches in Orchard Park and Antlers Park to
determine the effectiveness of this practice to reduce usage of these areas by geese.
Another redistribution technique that may be implemented would be the use of a service dog.
A service provided by an outside contractor includes the use of a trained service dog that
Geese on Valley Lake Beach
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 14
disrupts geese feeding or loafing at City parks, beaches, or other grounds. The schedule when
the service dog is used at specific park or beach is varied to ensure the geese do not learn a
“pattern of disruption”. By using a service dog in this manner, geese feel threatened,
determine that an area is not safe and relocate. This redistribution technique has proved to be
more effective than human disturbance techniques and has been successful at reducing goose
activity at a specific park or beach in other municipalities.
Excrement Removal
Removal of goose excrement from the Antlers Park, Orchard Lake Beach, and Valley Lake
Beach areas may be necessary during the late spring and summer months. The primary goal is
a reduction of feces in these areas to minimize potential water quality impacts. Excrement
removal practices can also deter geese from using an area through physical disturbance.
City park staff typically inspect City beaches several times per week to check for excess levels
of goose excrement. During past five years, beach raking or excrement removal has often
been needed at least weekly during the flightless period when bird densities are highest, and
geese are constantly walking along beach shorelines or within mowed park areas. Park staff
will continue to inspect City beaches for nuisance levels of goose excrement and to conduct
excrement removals to ensure water quality and public health impacts are minimized.
2.3.2 Population Reduction
Trapping and removal (during flightless period)
Capture and removal of flightless, mixed age groups of geese during their flightless period
(typically May through mid-July) is an effective way to reduce the localized population of
geese. This technique is especially effective at directly removing geese from a sensitive area
during times of high public use (i.e. during peak beach use time in June to July). The use of
contractors to capture, remove and dispose of geese from Antlers Park in the Lake Marion
goose management unit is a management option that has been and will continue to be used by
Lakeville. Past removals have focused on areas directly around the beach on Lake Marion. The
need for additional removals within the other goose management areas will be evaluated and
implemented as needed to control
nuisance level populations of
geese (i.e. excessive breeding
pairs utilizing beach areas as
defined by the established goals
stated above) and reduce public
health concerns due to bacteria
concentrations at City beaches. If
geese population levels exceed
the identified targets in the areas
adjacent to City beaches removals
may be conducted. Annual
removal activities need to be
detailed as part of a removal
permit application through the
DNR Fish & Wildlife Division.
Goose removal disposal will
continue to be conducted by a
private contractor according to
permit conditions.
Geese gathering around drainage pond
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 15
Nest Management
Annual nest search and treatment can be an effective management tool for controlling the
number of resident geese populations within an identified management area. Nest searches
would be conducted in a localized area identified within the plan. Search and treatment areas
for nesting control will likely need to include wetlands and ponds adjacent to a specific target
management area. Including adjacent habitats in the nest search and treatment area is done
to ensure adjacent areas do not lead to an immediate recolonization of the target management
area. This activity requires a permit from the DNR as well as the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS). Nest searches and treatment protocol would follow methods prescribed by
the required USFWS and MN-DNR permits. The areas to be searched and treated would be
identified as part of the permit application process. Permit conditions would be followed, and
reporting would be completed on an annual basis. To facilitate future nest searches in large
areas, GPS coordinates of all Canada goose nests would be recorded as part of the field efforts,
since nest site fidelity is strong and the same nest sites are likely to be used in subsequent
years.
Lakeville has not previously conducted nest search and treatment measures. However,
surrounding municipalities, have found that nest search and treatment measures are an
effective management tool when trapping and removal practices do not achieve the desired
populations levels for a management area. Lakeville will evaluate the need for nest search and
treatment measures to be added as a management tool within the City in future years.
2.4 Public Information
Informing the public and users about Canada goose management activities is an integral part
of a successful goose management plan. Lakeville maintains an active webpage with
information about a variety of topics, including water quality issues within the city and goose
management efforts. The City of Lakeville has produced a Waterfowl Feeding Information
Handout which can be found on the website and is also provided to residents at City functions
such as the annual Watershed Cleanup and Earth Day Celebration event (see Appendix B).
Additional public information practices to be implemented include educational signage (e.g., Do
Not Feed the Ducks) detailing some of the methods being used to manage or control goose
populations. Specific signage or posted notices may be developed for certain activities or target
specific areas. In addition, any City staff or licensed contractors performing management
activities will be available to provide residents with accurate and information about goose
management objectives. Additionally, they will be able to provide a copy of the removal permit
to all users upon request.
2.5 Partner Relationships and Permit Requirements
The City of Lakeville coordinates with several partners on a variety of projects within City
limits. Lakeville partners with the VRWJPO and Dakota County on a variety of projects that
target improving water quality and/or habitat conditions. Airlake Airport is located within
Lakeville and the City communicates with the airport on various activities that overlap between
the two entities. Specific to goose management within city limits, Lakeville will coordinate with
the Minnesota DNR on activities that may be undertaken each year such as population
monitoring and permitting, annual reporting for egg destruction permit, dates/conditions for
permits, permit in possession while conducting activities, notification and involvement of CO’s,
Area Wildlife Manager, etc.
Lakeville Goose Management Plan 2018 16
2.6 Summary of Management Measures
The primary goal for Lakeville goose management is to control local resident geese to
reasonable population levels within the identified management areas. This plan will be
amended as needed to accommodate new management techniques or target management
areas or properties as they are identified. A summary of the management activities described
within this plan and a trigger for implementing the various practices is provided in Table 3.
Table 3. Goose Management Practices Summary
Management Practice Trigger for
Implementation
Target Areas Within
Identified Management
Areas
Shoreline Management (Habitat
Modification or Temporary
Physical Barriers)
Congregations of geese
creating nuisance conditions
leading to habitat destruction
or public health concerns.
Specific lakes, ponds,
wetlands, or City parks where
nuisance populations of geese
are identified. Projects to be
implemented on City property.
Redistribution Techniques
(Predator Decoys or Service
Dogs)
Congregations of geese in
City parks or at City beaches
impact public use of City
resources.
Within City parks or at beaches
with the intent of limiting the
usage of these areas by
resident geese.
Excrement Removal
Excessive levels of goose
excrement observed on City
beaches or on park trails.
Beaches and trails on City
property within management
areas or other City properties
(parks, schools, etc.).
Trapping and Removal
Nuisance level geese
numbers create public health
concerns, such as beach
closures.
City beaches and park trails
where excrement from large
goose populations leads to
beach and trail closure
Nest Search and Management
trapping and removals during
flightless period become
ineffective in controlling
nuisance level goose
numbers.
wetland areas within the Lake
Marion and Orchard/Kingsley
Management Areas where this
practice could control resident
nesting geese.
Figures
Figure 1 – Wetlands and Waterbodies
Figure 2 – Goose Management Areas
Figure 3 – Antlers Park Beach
Figure 4 – Orchard Lake Beach
Figure 5 – Valley Lake Beach
Wetlands and Waterbodies Figure 1
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Lakeville Apple ValleyRosemountBurnsville
Credit River Burnsville
LakevilleBurnsvilleSavage
Castle Rock
FarmingtonCredit RiverLakevilleCredit River
New Market
Credit River
Savage
EmpireFarmingtonEmpireLakevilleEmpire
Rosemount
Eureka
Farmington
Eureka
Lakeville
EurekaNew MarketFarmingtonLakevilleLakeville
New Market
Crystal
Horseshoe
Valley
Lee
EastLakeKingsley
Orchard
Raven
Lake Marion
Orchard Beach
Antlers Park
ValleyLake Park
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
1 0 10.5
Miles±Path: L:\5895\0005\MXD\Wetlands and Waterbodies.mxdDate: 5/31/2017 Time: 12:55:13 PM User: KacHD0606
MAY 2017
2016 Aerial Photograph (Source: MN GEO)
Legend
^_Beaches
Route
Stormwater Basins
Lakes
Wetlands
Public Water Watercourse
Public Ditch/Altered Natural Watercourse
Municipal Boundary
Geese Management Areas Figure 2
^_
^_
^_
East LakeManagement Area
Lake MarionManagement Area
Orchard-KingsleyManagement Area
Valley LakeManagement Area
Credit RiverUnnamedStream
UnnamedStream
Unnamed Stream
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U n n amed S t r e a m
V ermillionRive rU n n a m ed Stream
UnnamedStrea mApple ValleyBurnsvilleApple Valley
Lakeville Apple ValleyRosemountBurnsville
Credit River Burnsville
LakevilleBurnsvilleSavage
Castle Rock
FarmingtonCredit RiverLakevilleCredit River
New Market
Credit River
Savage
EmpireFarmingtonEmpireLakevilleEmpire
Rosemount
Eureka
Farmington
Eureka
Lakeville
EurekaNew MarketFarmingtonLakevilleLakeville
New Market
Crystal
Horseshoe
Valley
Lee EastLakeKingsley
Orchard
Raven
Lake Marion
Orchard Beach
Antlers Park
ValleyLake Park
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
1 0 10.5 Miles ±Path: L:\5895\0005\MXD\Management Areas.mxdDate: 6/16/2017 Time: 2:29:47 PM User: madjc0259
MAY 2017
2016 Aerial Photograph (Source: MN GEO)
Legend
^_Beaches
Management Areas
Stormwater Basins
Lakes
Wetlands
Public Water Watercourse
Public Ditch/Altered Natural Watercourse
Municipal Boundary
Italy Ave201st St W
Icalee PathCITY OF LAKEVILLE
Antlers Park Beach Figure 3
150 0 15075
Feet ±Path: L:\5895\0005\MXD\Antlers Beach.mxdDate: 5/16/2017 Time: 1:30:58 PM User: MadJC0259
2016 Aerial Photograph (Source: MN GEO)
MAY 2017
Antlers Park
§¨¦35
456760
45675
456770
45679
456723
456750
456746
456731
Judicial
R
d
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
Orchard Beach Figure 4
100 0 10050Feet ±Path: L:\5895\0005\MXD\Orchard Beach.mxdDate: 6/13/2017 Time: 10:24:42 AM User: KacHD0606
2016 Aerial Photograph (Source: MN GEO)
MAY 2017
Orchard Beach
§¨¦35
456760
45675
456770
45679
456723
456750
456746
456731
Shoreline Restoration Area
Galena Ave WGalaxie Ave160th St W
Garner Ave W163rd St W
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
Valley Lake Beach Figure 5
200 0 200100Feet ±Path: L:\5895\0005\MXD\Valley Lake Beach.mxdDate: 6/13/2017 Time: 10:22:06 AM User: KacHD0606
2016 Aerial Photograph (Source: MN GEO)
MAY 2017
Valley Lake Park
§¨¦35
456760
45675
456770
45679
456723
456750
456746
456731
Shoreline Restoration Areas
Appendix A
Management Activity Documentation Form
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY DOCUMENTATION FORM
DATE Time Name Activity/Method Location Notes
Appendix B
Lakeville Waterfowl Feeding Information Handout