City Beach's feathered foes set for relocation

SANDPOINT — The population of resident geese that breed and stay in the United States increased from 230 to 3.89 million birds between 1970 and 2009. As those numbers continue to increase across the nation, Sandpoint struggles with a growing population of geese as well.

“The ever increasing population at City Beach ranges, right now, from 100 to 200 — this winter I went down and counted 300 bird nests down there,” said Kim Woodruff, Sandpoint Parks and Recreation director.

City Council members approved a management plan agreement on Feb. 20 with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The plan, Woodruff said, is to capture the geese this year during the molting season, which is usually in June, band the birds for identification and relocate them.

Woodruff announced the intention to work with the USDA on a management plan during a workshop-style council meeting in October. Other agencies will be involved in the process, he said, as the birds are federally protected through the USDA Wildlife Services and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, as well as Idaho Fish and Game on the state level.

While the plan this year is for relocation, Woodruff said “more drastic measures” may need to be taken for long-term success. When the geese are captured again in June 2020, those with a band from the previous capture and relocation may be humanely euthanized, he said. Those captured in 2020 that do not have a band would be banded and relocated.

“This is the only solution, in my opinion, that will break the cycle of population growth,” Woodruff said. “To be clear, action tonight is to relocate only, but I want to be clear and transparent to you (City Council) and the public on my recommendations for long-term and sustained success.”

Susan Austin, who has served as chair for the Parks and Recreation Commission for the past 15 years, said the goose problem extends to other parks in Sandpoint as well, including Travers and Memorial Field.

“They are beautiful, but they are a nuisance,” she said.

Management of the problem at City Beach, which includes sweeping and removal of fecal matter, contracting with a dog handler, and placement of coyote decoys, among other efforts, comes with a price tag of more than $10,000 per year to the city, Woodruff said. The approved agreement for relocation this year is for $3,000.

“It is probably going to take three, four, five years to see what’s going to happen, but I truly think this is going to work,” Woodruff said.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.