Lower Mainland Canada Goose Conflict Mapping Project

How might Canada Geese affect you?

Populations of non-migratory Canada Geese have been established in the Metro Vancouver Region of southwestern British Columbia since the 1960s and 70s as a result of introductions. These populations of Canada Geese may be increasing and can cause undesired consequences for a variety of human land uses that include, but are not limited to: agricultural crop damage; hazards to aviation safety; fouling of grass recreation areas by feces; damage to lawns and recreational areas; aggressive behaviour towards humans and other wildlife; the potential accumulation of fecal coliform in water bodies, including swimming areas; and impacts to estuary habitats.

Migratory Canada Geese continue to use the Lower Mainland as well, which can contribute to these undesired consequences, especially agricultural crop damage and aviation safety.

A group of stakeholders has drafted a vision for Canada Geese in the Lower Mainland. The group represents multiple stakeholders (government and non-government organizations) and interests, including public safety, recreation, and sustainable land use. Our vision is to work together to reduce conflict between Canada Geese and people in the Vancouver Lower Mainland.

Understanding Canada Geese in the Lower Mainland

Stakeholders in the Lower Mainland have begun discussing the issues surrounding conflict with Canada Geese. We are searching for information on Canada Geese in the Lower Mainland and we want to know if your business/area/city/municipality is experiencing issues with Canada Geese. We are compiling a map of effected areas across the Metro Vancouver Regional Area. Some of the mapping began at the first annual Lower Mainland Canada Goose Workshop in October 2013 (see attached map as a demonstration).

We require data from stakeholders across the Lower Mainland to define the extent of Canada Goose conflict in our region - Please take 10 minutes to report where you are experiencing conflict with Canada Geese.

How will these data be used?

In October 2014, stakeholders will be invited to attend the 2nd Annual Lower Mainland Canada Goose Workshop, where stakeholders can:

• Identify areas where there is conflict between Canada Geese and stakeholders, including conflicts with aviation safety, public use areas, businesses, agriculture, and estuaries;
• Facilitate the coordination and communication of Canada Goose-management activities in the Lower Mainland to raise awareness of Canada Goose conflicts and history with the public and with local governments.

How can you share your data with the Lower Mainland Canada Goose Mapping Project?

The mapping project is a quick and easy way to share you data on Canada Goose conflict. Simply use Google Earth to create PLACEMARKS where you are experiencing conflict with Canada Geese. Follow these steps:

1. Open Google Earth
2. Find the area where you are experiencing Canada Goose conflict on the map
3. Put a PLACEMARK on the map, to mark the area.
4. While the PLACEMARK dialogue box is open, name the marker, and include your name and contact information, as well as any details about the conflict, in the “Description” box. If you know the kind of conflict, you can label it as one of the following: Agricultural; Aviation Safety; Damage to Grass; Feces on Grass; Aggressive Behaviour; Disruption of Business; Impact on Water Quality; Ecological Damage; or Other.
5. Add as many PLACEMARKS as necessary.
6. Once you’ve added all of the PLACEMARKS, right click on “My Places,” which should be located on the left-hand menu of Google Earth.
7. Click save as, and name “Canada_Goose_YOURNAME”; enter your name.
8. Email the KMZ file to David_Bradbeer@yvr.ca; please include your contact information and who you are representing.
9. You’ll receive an invitation to the 2nd Annual Lower Mainland Canada Goose Workshop in October 2014!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please forward this to any colleagues you have who are dealing with Canada Goose conflict.

If you have any questions, please contact David Bradbeer at 604-619-7700.

David Bradbeer Wildlife Program Specialist, Airside Operations
VANCOUVER AIRPORT AUTHORITY

DIRECT: 604.276.6143  |  MOBILE: 604.619.7700 

WEB: WWW.YVR.CA  |  TWITTER: @YVRAIRPORT