Canada geese are ubiquitous at Lake Merritt, and conflicts with the recreational use of the park often occur. Implementation of control measures is included in the Measure DD program. To identify how we might shape our capital improvements to help minimize the conflicts, a study of the Canada geese at Lake Merritt was prepared in July 2007. Below is a link to this study. Some key findings of the study include:

The year-round resident population is only about 140 geese, and these are not a big problem.

The main conflicts arise in the early summer months, when migrant geese arrive seeking a safe place to rest as they molt and re-grow their flight feathers. The population can soar to nearly 2,000 geese during this period.

The population numbers have been fairly steady since at least 2001.

As an official State wildlife refuge, available techniques for goose management are limited.



Lake Merritt Goose Study (.pdf) Goose Study Bibliography (.pdf) Goose Management Technique Matrix (.pdf) Wildlife Refuge Statute (.doc)





Contact:

Measure DD Program Manager

Joel Peter (510) 238-7276