They said it couldn’t be done.
While many residents of the village of Scotia looked on with skepticism, the Save the Geese group began a plan of action to humanely rid Collins Park of the geese that made the park unusable.
The all-volunteer group proved to the village board that research, planning and dedication could in fact keep the geese under control. A combination of hazing by humans and dogs has kept the amount of geese under control this year, leaving geese and park lovers happy.
Save the Geese spokesman David Goldschmidt said this is why it is important that neighboring communities make an effort to haze the geese as well.
We’re all optimistic that our work will continue to pay off. We know that our efforts and success have both been recognized and we will continue on our path of keeping the geese both out of the park and out of harm’s way, said Goldschmidt.
The group is celebrating its success with an end of the summer potluck dinner in Collins Park, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 25. Group member Laura Brown said they feel it’s a good opportunity to honor all the volunteers who have donated their time and energy.
`Save the Geese has done it again. We have all shown that non-lethal methods are not only simple, but effective as well,` said Brown.
Village officials are still looking at how to iron out legalities concerning funding for the all-volunteer group. Save The Geese currently funds its own efforts. Part of the success for the group this year was its use of border collies on the lake. The group looked to a professional dog hazer out of Madison County earlier this summer. The group paid for the trainer’s assistance and provided housing for the collies.
`We are always looking for manpower as well as funding that will allow us to continue to control the population,` said Brown.
Village trustee Armon Benny said the village is very pleased with the success of the group. Last spring, the board faced many obstacles after announcing its initial plan to get rid of the geese using lethal gas. At that time the park was so overpopulated that it interfered with the residents’ ability to enjoy the lake, playground and athletic fields. This year the number of geese has consistently remained under 30, a number Benny calls impressive.
`I’m very happy with the results of the hazing efforts so far,` he said. `I look forward to seeing the level of commitment be maintained by the group through the ice over season. After a sustained effort that has been promised by the group, I would listen to a funding request during the regular budget process.`
Benny said the village would continue to work with volunteer group on issues of funding for the future.
`Of course, it would have to be legal from a liability standpoint and from a contractual standpoint. For example, if the village funds the lease of a dog for a few months, what happens if the group doesn’t perform the task of hazing?`
Benny asked. `Again, something may be able to be worked out but even the discussion of a small amount of funding is predicated upon a successful season of hazing that the group promised.`
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