Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2004

Schumer:"Geesepeace" Consultants To Hold Training Seminars In Newburgh This Week To Help Solve Canada Geese Problem

Schumer secured $200,000 in federal funds for"Geesepeace" program that uses humane methods to stop Canadian geese from ruining parks and fields

Informational seminars will be held at Newburgh Town Hall March 25-26

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that consultants from a program that works to alleviate Canada geese overpopulation problems will hold informational seminars in Newburgh this week open to local residents and officials. The group, called Geesepeace, is a national non-profit organization that uses non-lethal methods to reduce the number of geese and redirect them to areas where they pose less of a threat to people. Last month, Schumer secured $200,000 federal funds for Geesepeace programs to be used in areas like Newburgh where the Canada geese problem has been particularly severe.

"Canada geese are overrunning our parks and open spaces. Their droppings are polluting our water and our land," Schumer said. "When you talk to anyone who uses local parks, playgrounds, open spaces, athletic fields and golf courses, you hear the same complaint, time and time again. The consultants from Geesepeace will share their expertise and hopefully help nip this problem in the bud."

Throughout the Hudson Valley, Canada geese droppings are both a major inconvenience and a hazard to local residents, as well as an environmental risk to the soil and water. Canada geese settle wherever they find grass and water, favoring cultivated areas such as parks and recreational facilities. Geesepeace uses environmentally-safe and non-lethal methods to reduce the number of geese and redirect them away from public places. The process includes close coordination with residents, and recruitment and training of volunteers. "Addling" of geese eggs – a process akin to spaying or neutering a dog in which the eggs are coated with oil – is the first step in the solution developed by Geesepeace and used successfully in many areas of the country.

Schumer announced today that all local residents are invited to send their parks and environmental personnel to a series of informational seminars held by representatives of Geesepeace and USDA Wildlife Services this week. The seminars will train attendees in non-lethal methods of controlling Canada geese and will be held at the following times:

Thursday, March 25 1:30-3:30 pm: Egg oiling training at the Newburgh Town Hall

Friday, March 26 7:00-9:00 pm: Egg oiling training at the Newburgh Town Hall

Since 2002, Schumer has twice visited Orange County specifically to walk through local parks and fields to view the problem first hand. After pledging to find ways to address the goose problem Schumer secured $200,000 for Geesepeace, which is being split evenly between the Hudson Valley and Long Island. There have also been training sessions hosted by the Westchester County Department of Parks.

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