The Impact of Canada Geese on the James River Park System

Introduction

Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in news reports that discuss Canada geese and the problems that the bird's population growth can cause. Usually, the news reports that geese have damaged a golf course, a subject for which someone may have little sympathy unless he or she is a golfer. However, it turns out that the burgeoning Canada goose population conflicts with other areas frequented by humans, not just golf courses. Humans may not be the only species affected by the geese, either. What is really happening in regards to the Canada goose population explosion, and what impact is it having on our natural resources?

According to the James River Park Overview, the James River Park System consists of 550 acres of river shoreline and islands located in the urban heart of Richmond, Virginia. The flowing river, meadows, and forests combined with the human visitors provide an ideal habitat for Canada geese. It is an environment in which the geese have not only thrived, but one in which they appear to not wish to leave. What could the growing numbers of geese mean to the James River Park, and should steps be taken to control their numbers?

Research

When many people think of the Canada goose, their first thought is usually that of a group of geese, flying in "V" formation on their migratory journey North or South. Unfortunately, this image is no longer the only one that might pop into someone's mind. While many Canada geese still follow their ancestors' migratory habits North and South each year, man has artificially created a second group of Canada geese who choose to remain fixed all year.

An estimated 4 to 5 million Canada geese coexist with humans, year-round, in every state except Hawaii and in every Canadian province (Hope). These geese are known as resident Canada geese.