3.11. SR 06-12-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-?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