The Density of Goose Feces in Vilas Park
A Lake Wingra Watershed Project
By Susan Drew, Kim Nadolny & Rebecca Saeman
Vilas Park is located next to the Henry Vilas Zoo and Vilas Beach. The park consists of many forms of recreational activities and is frequented by many people of different ages. Because of the large quantity of goose feces encountered, and because this is a heavily-used recreational area, we felt that this was an issue that needed to be investigated further.
METHODS RESULTS DISCUSSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To measure the density of geese feces, we took 1mē quadrat samples in three different zones of Vilas Park. The quadrat is made of PVC pipes to form a one-meter square. We randomly tossed the quadrats and collected all of the feces contained inside them. We weighed the amount of feces and calculated the average amount in each zone. The data were compared with the numbers from the goose observation group to help interpret our results.
As
we look at zones we see many noticeable changes from each zone to the next
(Table 1, Figure 1). In Zone 1,
there was a significant decline in the amount of goose feces found here. From
2000 to 2002, there was a constant increase. Following this increase was a
decrease in 2003. This zone consists of the tennis court, bike path and easy
access to the pond.
In Zone 2A, there was a great decline
of goose feces over the year of 2002 to 2003. Zone 2A is located next to the
lagoon.
Zone
2B, is located in two different places. In 2002 the area sampled was located
southeast of Zone 2A and right next to the pond. In 2003 the area sampled was
the area containing the basketball court, playground and soccer field.
In Zone 3, there was one sample collected of an
exceptional amount of feces. This zone is located as an island between Zone 2
and Zone 7. These zones are connected by two bridges.
Zone 6, there was an increase in the amount of feces from 2002 to 2003. This zone is located from the pond to Lake Wingra. It also edges with the parking lot.
Discussion & Management
From our observations of the data from the amount of goose feces and goose count per zone, we noticed that zone 2 holds the largest numbers in both areas. Because this is the zone that contains the majority of the recreational activities of the park this is the area that is in the greatest need of eliminating the amount of geese in this area. So the following is suggested
· Enforce existing ordinance forbidding the feeding the geese and other waterfowl
· Use trained dogs to encourage geese to leave the specific zones.
· Create a shoreline buffer between the pond and the park to discourage geese from particular areas.
· Post information on kiosks located throughout the park area.
· Make informational brochures available to those that visit to park.
We want to acknowledge,
· The goose observation group for their data on goose numbers in the Vilas Beach. Members include, Mindy Boehnen, Katie Friedel and Susan Hart.
· In addition, fellow classmates for helping us in the collection of goose feces.
· Finally, a large thank you to Jim Lorman for his continuous help and patience.