Green, weedy and dirtied by goose poop, those aren't the qualities you like to see in a lake. But most often that's how Minnesota Lakes are described. Sure lakes other places have many other more serious problems, but that does not discount the problems with the geese. So what is the state going to do about this pollution problem? Many people propose that the cities relocate or reduce the size of the flocks of geese that use the lake area, or possibly treat the lakes with chemicals. Are these the best solutions?.
There are a few reasons why there is a large population of geese using Minnesota Lakes. First of all, Minnesota is located directly under a main flight path. The Mississippi flyaway passes over the Dakotas and Minnesota, making the lakes below great stopping points for the summer or possibly all year. Secondly, geese like to feed in short grass, with water nearby. There are many athletic fields and parks in Minnesota that provide exactly this. Minnesota lakes offer all of these qualities and throughout the state, lakes are having a problem with geese. .
How do geese pollute local lakes? Geese poop in the lake and on the ground and beaches around it, and when it rains the droppings are washed into the water. Geese droppings contain bacteria, when high amounts of bacteria enter the water it can be harmful to people, fish, and plants that are in the lake. And much like the problems discussed in the news with e-coli, any high levels of bacteria can cause water borne diseases. Because of the bacteria, the cities have to monitor the levels of bacteria in the water throughout the summer. These tests can cost the city a great deal of money every summer. The state does not stop it's efforts here, they have began to perform much more in depth tests on area lakes.
The state has begun assessing many lakes known to be heavily populated with geese, and those with high runoff. Each of these reports cost the tax payers a lot of money.