Summary of 2014 Okanagan Valley Goose Management Program

This document provides a summary of the leg-band observation data and mapping conducted by EBB Environmental Consulting Inc. (EBB) as part of the Okanagan Valley Goose Management Program (OVGMP). Leg-band data analysis contributes to a greater understanding of Canada goose population dynamics within the valley and assists with management planning.

This year, largely due to a grant provided by the Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA), EBB was able to compile and map leg-band observation data that has been gathered over the past two years. This follows the leg-banding efforts of 2012 and 2013, which were also funded by the WCTA. Collection of leg-band observations is ongoing; however, this report provides the first results our data analysis.

Results indicate geese that moult in south and central regions of the valley are resident non-migratory geese. These geese may move locally within the valley, but do not migrate outside of the valley in the winter. Geese that moult in the north Okanagan are comprised of resident non-migratory geese and migratory geese, i.e., some of these geese migrate outside of the valley, further south for the winter.

Management approaches must ensure conservation of wild migratory geese and target population control of resident non-migratory geese. Continued data from band returns will contribute greatly to ethical, appropriate and efficient management of the Okanagan Valley goose population. The final objective of goose management is to appropriately mitigate and decrease impacts to lands and resources in the Okanagan Valley, including green spaces such as parks, playing fields, and golf courses.

The results of the larger 2014 Okanagan Valley Goose Management Program, including population surveys and egg addling results is provided under separate cover and is available from EBB and the OVGMP.

More information can be sourced from the following webpages:

Okanagan Valley Goose Management
City of Kelowna goose management

Editor's note:  the WCTA is pleased to be supporting the OVGMP and is also working with other regional groups on this issue.  Special thanks to Kate Hagmeier,EGG consulting who spoke at our 2012 conference in Victoria.