CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Decoys have been strategically installed at Liberty Park as a necessary step to address the rising goose population in the area. Decoys such as coyotes standing in the wetlands may be alarming at first, but they play a vital role in maintaining the park’s environment.
“Liberty Park is a great place for picnics, exercise, playtime, and to enjoy nature, but the geese who typically migrate in and out of the area have made the park their full-time home,” said Parks and Recreation Spokesman Ryan Sample.
The City states estimates that there are around 250 geese who have made Liberty Park their permanent residence, and the amount of waste they leave behind is a growing issue.
Each goose produces 1 pound of waste per day and up to 4 pounds if they are hand-fed. The waste is damaging the park turf, causing slip hazards on walkways, posing health concerns, and damaging the protected wetlands. Sample said that these issues can become a growing burden to taxpayers.
One of the steps in the City’s plan to discourage the geese is to install four coyote decoys around the pond and in the wetland areas. The decoys will be relocated periodically to keep the geese from getting too comfortable.
Signage at the park reminds patrons that feeding waterfowl and other wildlife is prohibited at Liberty Park. “Supplemental feeding has several negative consequences on goose habits. The most important step the public can take to help us address the overcrowding of geese in the park and help the animals’ natural drive to migrate is to avoid feeding them,” says Jennifer Letourneau, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We invite our guests to enjoy the park’s wildlife from afar observing their natural habits.”