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Habitat Management for Migrating and Wintering
Canada Geese: A Moist-Soil Alternative

Summary

The ideas presented here are based on a number of short-term studies involving Canada geese. Each study provides some insights for management, but collectively they suggest great potential to enhance Canada goose management through moist-soil techniques. The studies raised more questions than they answered. Most moist-soil management work has been directed toward ducks, wading birds, shore birds, and rails (Taylor 1978, Rundle and Fredrickson 1981, Fredrickson and Taylor 1982, Sayre and Rundle 1984). Many aspects of moist-soil management that now are generally operational for these species are largely unknown for geese. What plant species and parts do we manage? What are the effects of water depth or vegetation density on goose use? How do diets of geese vary seasonally, regionally, or among races? Finally, how can moist-soil units be managed for all wetland bird species of interest on an area? We challenge researchers and managers to think about these ideas, and to develop creative solutions for improving goose management.
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