Scott Gilmore refuses to state that there will be no "culling" in 2021. That's because, in part, only 1,200 eggs were oiled in 2020, leaving thousands of eggs that likely hatched within the Parks' system. Here's their "official" statement, which is a crock.

"Update Summary of 2020 Goose Management Efforts   

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) uses a multi-strategy approach for managing the goose population in Denver parks. This includes egg oiling in the spring, hazing in the fall and winter, the use of eco-friendly wildlife repellents, and most recently, culling. Additionally, work is being done to restore natural habitats along lake edges by planting native vegetation and creating visual barriers that discourage geese from nesting, while also improving water quality.  It is not the desire or goal to eliminate all geese in an area. DPR’s Canada Goose management program strives to maintain a population or a reduction in goose numbers and related problems to a level that the park habitat can tolerate and is sustainable.   DPR consulted with US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), USDA-Wildlife Services (USDA-WS) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) federal and state agencies and engaged with various groups including the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, neighborhood communities, wildlife advocacy organizations, the First Gentleman of Colorado, media and others to discuss DPR’s Goose Management Program. DPR remains committed to engage the public in various forums through education and outreach on wildlife issues.    The USDA-Wildlife Services final report of Denver Parks & Recreation 2020 goose management efforts will be provided in September.  Although we do not have final data from this year’s culling efforts, preliminary numbers are indicating that our population management goals have been met, and culling will not be necessary in 2021. The multi-strategy approach will continue to be a part of DPR’s resident Canada goose management program as it has proven to be an effective strategy for the management of resident Canada goose populations in urban settings. 
 
As part of DPR’s goose management efforts to continue its use of multiple strategies through community engagement, DPR will focus their efforts on the utilization of volunteers that assist with ongoing strategies for managing the resident Canada goose population in Denver Parks:  • Egg Oiling in the spring • Hazing geese in the fall and winter months • Creating and installing visual deterrents such as coyote silhouettes in various parks • Conversion of traditional bluegrass turf to native vegetation where appropriate  • Potential research/goose banding project in 2021 • Utilizing dogs to haze geese in appropriate locations (City of Denver owned golf courses) – not a volunteer opportunity
 
USDA-WS addressed 4 of the 6 parks scheduled for management. After careful analysis of population data from each park, it was determined that two of the locations had a sustainable resident goose population and therefore, culling would not be necessary. Below are the preliminary 2020 resident goose population reduction efforts:   

• Sloan’s Lake – 227 geese*

• Harvey Park – 55 geese*

• Garfield Lake – 125 geese*

• Garland Lake – 110 geese*

• Barnum Park – Did not need to cull as numbers are sustainable

• City Park Golf Course – Did not need to cull as numbers are sustainable  

*A sustainable number of geese were left at each of these parks.

The geese were transported by USDA-WS to a licensed Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) processor inspected by CDA that must follow all state laws and requirements for euthanasia and processing.  DPR’s contract agreement with USDA-WS states that the meat be utilized for consumption if it is deemed safe. The meat will be tested by random samples of each batch, separated by each park location. No meat will be donated before test results confirm the safety of the meat. USDA-WS will inform us of their findings. The process follows strict guidelines by CDA and the ethics of the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) for euthanasia of wild animals.  Information regarding the process can be requested from USDA-WS.     Population reduction of wild animals is always a last resort in wildlife management. The intentional killing of healthy animals is recognized by AVMA, wildlife researchers and managers as an acceptable practice for the protection of public health, wild animal population control, biomedical research, and food production.   

Scott Gilmore | Deputy Executive Director Parks & Recreation | City and  County of Denver 720.913.0665 Phone | 720.837.0489 Cell Scott.Gilmore@denvergov.org