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Wolverine Lake board: DNR paused capture-and-euthanasia program; egg roundup continues
Summary
The board reviewed the 2026 bird count and discussed goose-control options. Members noted DNR paused capture-and-euthanasia permits on 05/01/2026, limiting lethal options and prompting continued reliance on egg-collection and nonlethal measures.
Board members presented the 2026 bird count and reviewed options for goose management after recent changes to DNR policy.
The wildlife update reported 121 ducks, 101 geese, 15 swans and five heron in the 2026 count. The board said it collected roughly 80–110 eggs during the first egg‑roundup this season, which the group runs under DNR guidance.
Board members noted a DNR update dated 05/01/2026 that paused the DNR’s capture-and-euthanasia program for 2026, limiting the availability of permits for euthanasia and capture-based relocation. The Chair said the pause followed federal guidance and that the DNR is restricting removals to critical human‑health settings; the Chair read the update and summarized the change: "The DNR director paused the capture and euthanasia program in 2025 and will not be issuing permits for conducting capture and euthanasia at any sites in 2026." The change means Wolverine Lake will need to rely on egg roundup and other nonlethal measures this year and to research additional options.
No lethal control action was taken or approved at the meeting; the board asked volunteers and staff to research alternatives and to include goose topics on a future follow-up agenda.
Next steps: continue egg-roundup in the permitted window, research alternatives to lethal removal given the DNR pause, and report back with findings at a subsequent meeting.
