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1.

City of Eugene Parks and Open Space

• Alton Baker Park-

History• Reflecting Pool

2

Primary Issues:

• Waterfowl –

Domestic and Wild• Angel Wing• Human Health• Park Conditions

2

Project Goals:

• Integrated Pest Management• Phase I: Public Outreach• Phase II: Site Re-development

4. Conclusion

The community of Eugene Oregon has a long history of supporting parks and open space.

• Today the City of Eugene manages 2900 acres of land in 130 parks, natural areas and recreational areas.

• A key goal found in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive plan

is to provide opportunities

for the community to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

History

Alton Baker Park is Eugene’s largest developed park at over 400 acres. The park has multiple natural areas and recreational features and facilities.

The park is made up of two major areas, the more developed West Alton Baker Park, and the 237-acre Whilamut Natural Area of East Alton Baker Park.

Initially owned by Lane County the City of Eugene took over the west end of the park in 1987.

Located within the western portion of the park is the Reflecting Pool…aka “Duck Pond”. The pond discharges at the confluence of the Willamette River.

The pond was built by Lane County in the 1970’s and at that time was meant to be a wading pool for human use.

In the end, the easy access, gradual slopes and plentiful food source associated with the pond made this area more attractive to waterfowl then people.

Waterfowl Population: Domestic and Wild

Angel Wing Disease: Public Feeding Birds

Human Health- Bacteria

Park Conditions: Concrete Pathway/Turf

Domestic Geese Population: These birds were likely dropped off by the public and the population has exploded. These birds do not fly so are permanent residents.

Wild Geese Population: Wild geese are attracted by the domestic white goose. The population varies, however more have been staying year around.

Wild Ducks and other avian species: There are some native ducks that utilize the area, including wood ducks and mallards.

Feeding the ducks and geese is a very popular activity at the ponds edge. The food of choice is white bread which is the main cause of Angle Wing Disease.

The condition is acquired by young birds and is believed to be the result of a diet high in carbohydrates from food sources such as bread.

The last joint of the wing becomes twisted and the wing points out. This renders the bird unable to fly and quite often it dies early particularly in wild birds.

The domestic geese are particularly aggressive and have at times attacked park patrons.

Bacteria from droppings can be a potential health issue for visitors.

The surrounding area of the pond can become slippery with droppings and cause falls.

Park ConditionPark Condition

•• Concrete PathwaysConcrete Pathways•• Turf and grounds Turf and grounds •• Water QualityWater Quality

Event Preparation July 2009

24 Hours Later

Restore the reflecting pool area into a more natural yet less habitable setting for wildlife.

Significantly reduced number of domestic and Canada geese and other water fowl utilizing the area.

Improve in the overall health of the waterfowl that are using the area.

Protect the turf areas of the park from degradation.

Increase the general public’s awareness of the negative impacts of feeding water fowl.

Create an area that the general public will enjoy. Place emphasis on the scenic atmosphere of this portion of Alton Baker Park while at the same time reduce the desire to feed the birds.

Integrated Pest Management Document

Outreach and Education

Site Restoration

Evaluate and Monitor

The Integrated Pest Management document contains language regarding action thresholds for waterfowl populations throughout the city.

The decision was made to base action items on the environmental condition of the surrounding landscape and waterway and wildlife and human health.

The 2008 Integrated Management Document calls for the following actions for Alton Baker Park management of waterfowl:

Husbandry - Educate public on the negative impacts caused by feeding the birds. This can be accomplished with park staff, interpretive signage, and news releases through the media.

Relocation- Remove domestic geese from the park. They attract wild geese.

Exclusion - Install temporary or permanent barriers at the water’s edge.

Landscape modification - Alter the environment by planting natives along the water’s edge and by planting non-palatable ground covers as an alternate to lawn

Harassment/hazing - Use trained dogs to chase waterfowl from the site. Use non-injurious lasers in the morning and evening hours to frighten away waterfowl. Install grids on the water’s surface to prevent birds from landing.

Newly created interpretive signage was installed in three locations near reflecting pond at Alton Baker Park.

1.Preconstruction signs installed explaining the changes taking place in the park and why.

2.Three interpretive signs installed around the pond, explaining why feeding the birds is bad.

1.Small do not feed the bird signs were installed around the pond –some discussion about making some signs in Spanish

The city launched a pilot adoption program that allowed community members residing in areas legally able to possess geese to adopt up to a certain number.

Advertised the adoption program in the Eugene Recreation/Outdoors Newsletter and local papers.

Work with Lane County Animal Shelter to humanely euthanize some of the birds suffering from Angel Wing.

* PETA, the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Division, the United States Department of the Interior/Fish and Wildlife Services and the Humane Society of the United States have all endorsed the use of hazing nuisance Canada Geese with properly trained herding Border Collie.

The current configuration of the site had created an ideal setting for water fowl and feeding of the animals by park visitors is contribution to the problem.

Gentle side slopes allowing birds to enter and exit the pond easily.

Geese prefer a clear landing strip of open water and open areas without vegetation due to fear of predators within or on other side of vegetation.

Eugene Stream Team and Volunteers planted banks

Staff installed a 3 foot fence around the south side of the pond to inhibit birds from walking to and from the water.

The fence contract was a total of $13,740

Soil replacement with jute matting was $5,000

Concrete removal was done in-house with a Grade-all/backhoes and dump trucks.

Replanting of slope completed by Stream Team $850

Total cost was approximately $20,000

The waterfowl population has remained low.

The concrete pathways are free of bird waste and the turf areas are healthy and intact.

Feeding of the birds continues elsewhere in park, however near the pond feeding has been reduced.

The work completed at the Reflecting Pool has been considered a success.

Based on this experience the city is considering implementing a pilot program throughout the park system.

Eugene Parks and Open Space: Rachel Burr / Rob Hallett (541) 682-4800