Goose Lovers Will Rally to Save Park Geese

Brooklynites, activists and local politicians will gather in Prospect Park this spring to prevent the future carnage of park geese.

On March 26 fans of the birds will gather for “Hands Around the Lake,” an event that aims to peacefully implore the city to end its contract with the United States Department of Agriculture for the extermination of Canada Geese.

Last summer, the agency killed hundreds of park geese, after they were deemed a threat to airline safety in the wake of US Airways Flight 1549’s crash landing in the Hudson River. Many local residents and wildlife lovers were horrified.

“I grew up in Park Slope. Prospect Park was always my backyard and the geese were my friends. And I want to keep them safe for future generations and for other children to enjoy their beauty and their grace,” said Councilmember Letitia James, who will attend the event and join hands around the lakeside.

The event will encourage the city to implement humane alternatives to gassing. Though Prospect Park has said it would implement humane alternatives, the USDA’s contract with the city for goose eradication runs through this summer.

“I am hoping that this event will raise awareness of the difficulties facing urban wildlife and let the city and state know that we want our voices heard as they develop humane plans for dealing with our precious natural resources,” said Sarah Wenk, a local goose lover.

Eugene Patron, a spokesman for the Prospect Park Alliance said the park worked with the event’s organizers to arrange the permit.

“Park staff, many who have been working here for years, are dedicated to caring for and enhancing the environment – to the benefit of both wildlife and park users,” said Patron.

 He said the Prospect Park Alliance “doesn’t have a position directly on the city’s contract with USDA.” However, the alliance is working with the Humane Society, Brooklyn College and other groups to find alternative ways to keep the geese population to a manageable size including by “oiling” the eggs to prevent them from hatching, making a rule against feeding the geese and bringing in border collies to scare geese away.

Some, however, have questioned whether these initiatives will be successful.  

“We need to find ways to balance the needs of both humans and wildlife so that we can peacefully co-exist,” said event organizer Mary Beth Artz in a statement. “By joining together we are letting the powers that be know that the citizens of New York have a vision for our city parks and greenspaces, and that we want our voices to be heard as the city and state develop policies that will protect and nurture urban wildlife, not destroy it. ”

Hands Around the Lake will meet at the Prospect Park well house, just inside the entrance at Vanderbilt Street and Prospect Park Southwest in Windsor Terrace on March 26 at 12:30 p.m. Call (646) 354-9040 for more information.

Amy Sara Clark contributed to this article.