Rochester Parks and Rec to resume geese control measures this spring

Rochester Parks and Recreation will continue work this spring to curb the area’s resident geese population, the city said Friday.

The department is seeking volunteers from the community to assist in the effort, known as “egg addling.” The process involves treating or replacing eggs to prevent them from hatching.

Last year, volunteers used a method that involved applying corn oil to the eggshell to prevent air from passing through the shell. Their efforts were met with some resistance from protesters, despite the practice being approved by the Humane Society and the state DNR.

This year, Parks and Rec plans to use a different technique, in which volunteers will replace live eggs with ceramic eggs.

In line with recommendations from the Humane Society and other groups, the eggs will be tested to ensure they have not progressed beyond 14 days of the 28-day incubation period, the department said. Eggs considered too far along in the incubation cycle will be returned to the nests.

Parks and Rec Director Paul Widman said Friday that the goal is to “strike a balance of supporting wildlife,” and ensuring parks, trails, and waterways are “safe for residents and visitors.” He noted that the management plan does not impact migratory geese that visit Rochester during the winter and return to the artic regions of Canada in the spring.

“Wildlife management can be difficult to discuss, as geese have a long history in our community,” said Widman. “We want to reassure the community that the steps being taken in managing the resident goose population are humane and will not eliminate geese in Rochester.”

Geese management will be taking place at Silver Lake Park, Cascade Lake Park, Soldiers Memorial Field Park, and Foster-Arend Park. Work, officials said, will begin at the start of nesting season this spring.  

Interested volunteers can learn about the city’s addling efforts here.

Cover photo: File / Licensed via Canva