City Council to Consider Canada Goose Management Plan
For immediate release: November 26, 2024
Contact: Parks and Recreation Department, recreation@fostercity.org, (650) 286-3380
The City Council will consider adopting at its next meeting on Monday, December 2, the Integrated Adaptive Canada Goose Management Plan and associated Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration. The plan, which was drafted in collaboration with biological consulting firm Wildlife Innovations, details a comprehensive approach to addressing the potential health hazards and quality of life concerns posed by the local Canada Goose population.
The plan does not include depredation methods, but instead focuses on a variety of nonlethal management strategies such as use of habitat modification, noise makers, pyrotechnics, and more. The plan and supporting documents can be viewed at www.fostercity.org/agendasandminutes.
The Canada Goose is a migratory bird, but due to the favorable conditions offered locally, has taken permanent residence in and around Foster City. The increasing population has posed potential health challenges, noted in Lagoon water quality tests showing increased levels of e. coli linked to waterfowl droppings. Additionally, there are significant quality of life impacts linked to the excess of bird droppings present in local parks and open spaces. For more information, visit www.fostercity.org/goosemanagement.
The intent of the plan is to help protect public health while improving and maintaining water quality and offering a better experience for visitors to the City’s beautiful parks and waterways. Community members are encouraged to review the plan and attend the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., on Monday, December 2, in Council Chambers at 620 Foster City Blvd. Residents can also participate remotely on Zoom at https://fostercity-org.zoom.us/j/82592136594, or watch on FCTV on Comcast Channel 27 and AT&T Channel 99. Public comments can be emailed to the City Council in advance of the meeting at publiccoment@fostercity.org.
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