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Conway staff recommends habitat modification, not relocation, for Riverfront geese; city open to third‑party stewardship of Lake Busby
Summary
City staff told council that federal protections limit relocation of Canadian geese and recommended habitat modification, education and population management; council also discussed third‑party stewardship opportunities for Lake Busby but noted drought limits and that no agreement has yet been proposed.
The city administrator reported to council on June 15 that complaints about geese at Riverfront Park are increasing and that relocation is not considered a reliable long‑term solution because geese typically return or are replaced by others.
Staff cited legal constraints, noting the federal migratory bird protections that apply to geese, and recommended habitat modification (planting grasses and shrubs to reduce unobstructed views of water), education, and population management techniques as preferred approaches. The administrator said relocation and lethal control are not long‑term fixes and that wildlife professionals favor habitat modification and targeted population measures.
Councilmembers discussed options including egg addling, habitat plantings that obscure shorelines, and regional coordination with nearby municipalities. One councilmember noted Surfside had faced similar issues and suggested collaboration. The administrator also reported that third‑party stewardship proposals for Lake Busby (to restore more open water and habitat) have been discussed in preliminary terms; staff said drought conditions limit immediate action and no formal third‑party agreement has been received.
No formal action was taken; council asked staff to continue research and to return with recommendations if a concrete third‑party proposal is presented.
