A community approach to goose management: Volunteers sought

March 01, 2024| Community, Environment

By: Colleen Lyons – Administrator, Lake Hopatcong Commission

Canada geese, with their distinctive black heads and white cheek patches, stand out as one of the most familiar birds in New Jersey. If you've ever visited Lake Hopatcong, you've likely noticed an abundance of these waterfowl on lawns and beaches or congregating in coves around the lake. 

Recently, representatives from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Division of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) discussed the overpopulation of geese in New Jersey, including Lake Hopatcong, at an information session hosted by the Lake Hopatcong Commission. The discussion centered on the adverse effects large goose populations can impose on the ecosystems they inhabit, as well as a population management program for Lake Hopatcong.

Just one adult goose can introduce up to a half pound of phosphorus into the lake through their droppings each year. Phosphorus can spur the growth of aquatic plants, algae, and cyanobacteria in the lake. That half pound of phosphorus can produce up to 550 pounds of wet algae, underscoring the critical importance of managing the goose population at Lake Hopatcong. 

In 2023, the Commission enlisted the expertise of USDA APHIS to roll out a comprehensive management program, primarily centered on nest identification and egg addling. For those unfamiliar, egg addling involves treating eggs through methods like oiling, shaking, or puncturing to halt their development and prevent hatching. This technique effectively curtails population growth by inhibiting the development of up to six eggs per nesting pair.

Last year, USDA APHIS successfully treated 271 eggs, thus potentially averting the growth of up to 135 pounds of phosphorus or roughly 150,000 pounds of wet algae in the lake. Building on this success, the Commission is aiming to broaden the program's reach this year by mobilizing the lake community to help locate nests and request access to properties where nests are found. Community support will enable USDA APHIS to concentrate on egg addling and the creation of a more effective program for the lake. 

If you're interested in learning more about how you can get involved and contribute to the management of Lake Hopatcong's goose population, the Lake Hopatcong Commission is hosting a virtual meeting for interested volunteers on March 12 at 7 pm.

Register for virtual meeting