Control of Canadian Geese populations set to resume with the Okanagan Valley Goose Management Program with its annual egg addling program.

Over the past six years, this program has prevented the exponential increase of the non-migratory resident goose population that inhabits the valley all year long.

“While most communities along the valley are struggling with management of non-migratory Canada Geese, this program aims at reducing geese that are not native species to this area,” says Kate Hagmeier, coordinator of the Okanagan Goose Management Program.

“Trained contractors have already been searching for pairs and nesting sites, and we hope to complete the addling program by the end of May.”

These geese are largely descendants of geese that were trans-located to the Okanagan in the 1960 and 70’s as part of an introduction program.

Young geese and eggs were brought here from different areas in Canada to encourage the creation of an Okanagan goose population.

What was not foreseen at the time was the inability of these geese to migrate because they had no natural parents to teach them, and, like most of us, had the ability to adapt and thrive to the mild Okanagan climate which encouraged them to remain.

The egg addling program involves shaking eggs or coating them with non-toxic biodegradable food-grade corn oil within 14 days of incubation to make them non-viable.

The program also entails a preliminary nest locating component and an overall goose population surveys.

In order for the program to succeed, new nests need to be identified.

The public is asked to report lone geese, pairs of geese or nest locations on private or public land by emailing coordinator@okanagangooseplan.com or calling 1-877-943-3209. Information about the program is available at okanagangooseplan.com.

People are asked to keep away from goose nests and to avoid touching the eggs.

Please help report lone geese, pairs of geese or nest locations on private or public land by emailing coordinator@okanagangooseplan.com or calling 1-877-943-3209. Information about the program is available by clicking here.

The Okanagan Valley Goose Management Program is a partnership between the City of Kelowna, Central Okanagan Regional District, Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, District of West Kelowna, City of Vernon, City of Penticton, District of Lake Country, Town of Osoyoos, Town of Oliver, District of Peachland, District of Summerland and Glenmore Ellison Irrigation District.

with files from Castanet