Richmond's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will officially begin its Geese Management Program in Byrd Park on Monday, March 10.

After studying the problem, the department found that Canada geese that once migrated can quickly overtake a park and that using trained dogs encourages the geese to continue their natural migration and not become permanent residents of the park. Using trained dogs to chase the geese away is also one of the most humane ways that growing populations of Canada geese are being dealt with all across the country and is supported by the Humane Society of the United States and other wildlife organizations.

The Department estimates that approximately 300 Canada geese currently reside in Byrd Park, and with their reproductive skills, this number could increase anywhere from 300 to 1,200 in just one year.

Large populations of these geese create an unhealthy environment for the geese, as well as for the public. The geese become more prone to diseases and deformities, and their droppings create unsanitary conditions for park visitors and can pollute the park's lakes.

The department met with neighborhood civic associations and park groups this past winter to discuss the geese in Byrd Park and found that they support the Department's plans.

In addition, this past winter the department began asking people not to feed the geese in Byrd Park and posted signs asking for the public's cooperation in this. Feeding the geese encourages them to continue to reside in the park, and the white bread that is typically used is not healthy for the geese.

The dogs that will be used are Border Collies. Border Collies are often used to control geese populations at airports and office parks and are also used to herd sheep. They will likely be working in the park everyday for the remainder of the week, and then brought back intermittently.

The preceding was compiled from a city of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities news release.