November 9, 1998

To the Editor:

I am pleased to report that this summer's pilot program to control Canada geese in Clarkstown's parks using non-lethal measures was a resounding success. Anyone who visited our parks saw for themselves how remarkable the results were. Perhaps even more remarkable was that, in contrast to the Town Board's earlier misconceptions about non-lethal goose control, the program was easy to implement and gave quick results.

While a variety of humane methods are available for controlling geese in various situations, our program relied primarily on fencing and the use of border collies. The impact of geese was eliminated in the areas where the control actions were used - places where people felt they were causing problems - and where lethal methods had afforded no significant effect.

As an elected official it is often difficult, if not frustrating, to balance the concerns of our community -- especially on an issue that evokes so much emotion. Thanks to the efforts of concerned citizens, the Parks Department and my fellow board members, we have been able to demonstrate that everybody's concerns can be effectively addressed.

While our efforts this past summer were experimental, they have shown one thing: that these humane methods get results. While some geese may have been displaced to other areas, there is no reason to believe that similar non-lethal methods wouldn't afford equal success in these areas as well. Eventually, geese will settle where their presence is not controversial.

The bottom line is that Clarkstown parks are pristine where these methods were used. In moving forward, we will continue to refine the non-lethal control program we have started and hope that our success will show other communities that you can control geese without bloodshed.

Sincerely,