For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — Pfiffner Park users often complain about geese feces. This year, working with a UWSP class, the city will try a different approach to goose problems.

Students in Dr. Scott Hygnstrom’s UWSP Wildlife Damage Management course discussed goose issues with Parks Director Tom Schrader.  They then investigated possible solutions. Based on their research, the Deer Management Committee (Hygnstrom is a member) will add this additional deterrent to what is currently being done.

Beginning on Monday, July 2, members of the Deer Management Committee and trained personnel will harass the geese with bio-acoustical devices and pyrotechnics beginning around 9:00 a.m. Research has shown that this type of disturbance should deter geese from the habit of eating grass shoots and depositing feces on the Pfiffner lawn.

If this option doesn’t work, the Committee will be looking for volunteers to continue the noise making approach throughout the remainder of the summer.  Staff would then give volunteers instructions and distribute the frightening devices. Volunteers would be asked not to bring their dogs.

Park visitors are reminded that feeding geese attracts them to Pfiffner Park. Where geese eat, geese poop! PLEASE DON’T FEED THE WATERFOWL.