U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Information on Impact of Canada Geese on Agricultural Operations

ACTION 1) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Information on Impact of Canada Geese on Agricultural Operations ACTION: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Information on Impact of Canada Geese on Agricultural Operations ISSUE: Earlier this year, the AFBF Issue Advisory Committee on Pests and Invasive Species identified resident Canada geese as a particular problem for agricultural producers. In looking into this issue, AFBF has had several discussions with staff at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). FWS is currently proposing to establish annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds for the 2016-17 hunting season and has asked AFBF to provide any relevant statistics or data on damage caused to crops or farms by Canada geese. BACKGROUND: Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and their numbers have increased substantially in recent years. Many geese are no longer migratory, staying in one location year round. These increasing populations can cause significant damage to crops and threaten agricultural production. Under existing law, a permit must be obtained from FWS before undertaking any steps to eradicate or control problem geese. ACTION: AFBF is looking for state Farm Bureaus to forward to us any data or reports of damage that document loss of crops due to Canadian geese. We will share this information with FWS in an effort to facilitate efforts to deal with the problems of Canada geese. Contact: Paul Schlegel, 202-406-3687, pauls@fb.org; Arielle Brown, 202-406-3663, arielleb@fb.org Top of Document