3.11. SR 06-12-2000-?ity of
ver
Item 3.11.
TO:
FROM:
Memorandum
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING AND
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: JUNE 12, 2000
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO TRAP GEESE
As the Council is aware, I have been working with the Lake Orono Water Quality Task
Force. The main goals of this group are the ongoing improvement and/or protection of
water depth and water quality in Lake Orono and the Elk River watershed.
To this end, the group is working on a number of issues that will involve the city, most of
which will be presented to the Council at a later date. However, of immediate concern is
the issue of increased numbers of geese using the Lake.
Although a direct link between geese feces and pathogens affecting people has not yet
been found, it does make recreational facilities undesirable to use, notably, Lion's Park
and the Lake Orono Swimming Beach. In addition, a large population of geese can
significantly add to phosphorus levels in a lake, which encourages algae bloom.
Phosphorus levels in Lake Orono are naturally high so there will always be an algae
bloom (dog days). However, a reduction in phosphorus can translate into a reduction in
the intensity and duration of the algae bloom. The Task Force is looking into several
ways to reduce phosphorus levels in the Lake such as: more frequent street sweeping
(decaying leaves add phosphorus), a ban on fertilizer containing phosphorus, and a
reduction in the number of geese using the Lake.
On this same agenda, the ordinance amendment regarding Elk River's hunting regulations
is in part an attempt to reduce the number of geese in Elk River by potentially opening up
more areas for hunting. Additionally, the Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force is
recommending that the City of Elk River participate in goose trapping this year.
Staff has been in contact with Doctor James Cooper of the University of Minnesota, an
expert on trapping geese. Dr. Cooper traps geese in a number of metro area communities
and is willing to add Elk River to his schedule this year.
The birds are herded up when they are molting and, therefore, flightless (in July). The
adult birds are processed and supplied to area food shelves. The young will be relocated
to an area in Iowa that is trying to establish a population of geese. Dr. Copper takes care
of all permits needed, processing and transporting the geese.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Attached to this memo is a proposal from Dr. Cooper for trapping geese in Elk River.
Also included with this memo is goose population estimate, map showing their
distribution, and a letter form the Department of Natural Resources dated June 5, 2000
approving the city's request to trap geese. The geese should be concentrated in July,
usually in Lion's Park and at the Lake Orono Swimming Beach.
Staff and the Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force are both recommending the
Council hire Dr. Cooper to trap geese at Lion's Park and the Lake Orono
Swimming Beach this summer at an estimated cost of $2,500 to $3,000.
FROM Dr. Yim Cooper TO Stephen Roh!f
DATE 6/7/2000 COMPANY City of Elk River
TIMI,: 4:02 PM v()lcl,: 763-441-7420
PAGES I FAX 763-441-7425
RE: Quote on Goose Removal
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND WILDIFE
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
S T. PA IlL, MN 55108
VOICE: 612.624-1223 FAX 612-625-5299
Pager 6'12-527-0323 Emailjac@fw. umn.edu
GOOSE COUNT IN ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA
JUNE 7, 2000
Group Adults Adults
Map Key Location with Young Young without Young
A Lion's Park 10 34
Alternate location - City Maintenance Garage
60 (occasionally)
Groups using the Lake, which will hopefully be congregated at Lake Orono Swimming
Beach or another accessible area when we trap
B Wapiti Park 6 14
C NE Lobe 2 6
D SE Lobe 6 12
E West Lobe 14 32
28 (overnight in Lake)
Total in Lake 28 64 28
Grand Total 38 98 88
Note: Numbers somewhat down this year. Elk River Country has 8 adults and
approximately 34 young they where inquiring about removing. It is unlikely that the
DNR will permit this without the Country Club trying to hunt them at least one year.
O~ONO ROAD
p~iKWAY ....
NO.
ORONO
RIVER CiTY HALL
SCHO0~ STREET
, STOP
. .% ~ UON'S
PARK
DIRECTIONS TO ELK RIVER CITY HALL
13065 ORONO PARKWAY
(612) 441-9400
- HIGHWAY 10 WEST THROUGH ,3 STOPLIGHTS
- 1ST LEFT (SOUTH ON GARY ST.) AFTER CROSSING HIGHWAY 10 BRIDGE OVER LAKE ORONO
- GARY COMES TO STOP SIGN - TAKE LEFT ON ORONO ROAD
- CITY HALL ON LEFT HAND SIDE OF ORONO ROAD
City of~
Elk iver
0 1/4 mile
STOP UGHT
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Section of Wildlife
940 Industrial Drive S., Suite 102, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320/255-4279
June 5,2000
Dr. James Cooper
Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife
University of Minnesota
104 Hodson Hall
1980 Folwell Ave
St. Paul MN 55108
Dear Jim:
The City of Elk River has adequately demonstrated that they are implementing and
encouraging the necessary steps to increase Canada goose harvest. They are considered
Class 2 municipality.
The City of Elk River, pending implementation of new hunting ordinances, is authorized to
trap and remove Canada geese in Lions Park and the Lake Orono swimming beach.
I understand you will obtain the necessary federal and state permits.
Sincerely,
Fred Bengtson
Interim Area Wildlife Manager
hh
,Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor, Elk River
Steve Rohlf, Elk River City Administrator
Dave Schad, DNR Wildlife Program Coordinator
DNR Information: 651-296-6157 · 1-888-646-6367
An Equal Ol~portunity Employer
Who Values Diversity
· TTY: 651-296-5484 ° 1-800-657-3929
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