BETHEL - A large number of residents spoke out about the effects of geese on the ecology of White Lake on July 26 at the Bethel Town Board meeting. 

Town Supervisor Daniel Sturm read a letter from the board, dated July 17, to a FOIA officer outlining a need for communication with them about what really was done with the geese that disappeared from the lakefront. The items included a request for copies of the application by the Lake Association of White Lake, USDA permits, any other documents, data used to substantiate the geese were a health hazard, permits, contract, and fees.

The President of the Lake Association, Andrew Klebinow, read a letter addressing concerns. The letter recognized the recent United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services geese roundup and the sensitivity of using lethal means for wildlife management.

The cited facts included a deposit of 50,000 pounds of excrement into the lake that would have accumulated in the lake between June and October this year, affecting “water quality, aquatic life, and human safety,” causing damage to waterfront properties, docks, lawns, boats, walkways, and swim areas. It was tracked into homes and areas where children play.

The letter cited the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advocating for a goose population reduction by hunting, but this was ruled out since hunting isn’t allowed on White Lake. Reportedly 50,000 to 100,000 geese are killed per year by hunters in the State of New York.

It mentioned a desire towards long-term collaboration to minimize future roundups, aiming to reduce population during nesting season with a plan to be shaped by DEC, USDA and the town.

He submitted a copy of the petition and said “We recognize the sensitivity of the removal of geese...there was unmanaged growth.”

“Last year the number of geese, excrement, and weeds reached a tipping point”, resident Mary-Ellen Seitelman stated. “Choices such as dogs or noise makers only moved the geese from one property to another.” 

As the relocation option was dispelled as it is now illegal to relocate Canada geese, non-lethal control had been discussed with the USDA, such as egg-oiling, fencing at the waterfront, nest treatment, and decoys. 

“I don’t understand how we went from non-lethal methods to slaughter. I don’t think this process was open,” Councilwoman Vicki Simpson said. 

According to Simpson, the USDA did not respond to the town’s request for a phone call before their actions. 

“Everyone was not aware that 144 would be killed. There are 10 percent remaining…I do have a problem with the way this was handled.”