Decisions made state resting place for Canadian geese

Tourism is a major economic factor in Colorado that pumps considerable dollars into Colorado’s economy. One visitor, I would submit, that is neglected in the Front Range Colorado’s state tourism census is the thousands of graceful and resourceful migrating Canada geese.
    Somewhere in the range of a half million Canada geese travel into and through Colorado in their migration cycles. However, some spend the winter here in Colorado and a growing number have even taken up permanent residency in the Mile High State.
    It was not always this way.
    Colorado, over eons of time, has been a temporary stop over for large flocks of migrating waterfowl. But for the most part geese, ducks, shorebirds, songbirds and other bird species that summer in Canada and regions of Alaska follow their natural instincts and migrate to warmer southern regions of the United States and many in Mexico.
    But man challenged the natural pattern and a major change took place around 1970. A state Division of Wildlife biologist advanced the thesis that it would be possible to establish both a larger wintering population of Canada geese in Colorado, as well as increase the state’s permanent resident Canada goose population. The basis for that concept was simply that Front Range Colorado between Denver and Greeley and Fort Collins has one of the riches most productive agricultural areas in the nation, producing corn and wheat, major preferred food sources for the Canada geese. And equally important, this vast rural setting has an abundance of water both in the form of rivers and streams, large ponds and lakes and numerous massive reservoirs.
    Knowing Canada geese require safe haven or “sanctuary” conditions for day and night time non-feeding resting periods, DOW embarked on a series of meetings and negotiations with owners of the large lakes and reservoirs’ explaining the valuable role water plays in the life of the Canada goose. The irrigation companies and DOW reached a cooperative consensus. The cooperation resulted the large sanctuary reservoirs and lakes that the geese were seeking out during the day would be off limits to waterfowl hunting. Signage was posted, elevated nesting platforms were installed and legislation enacted to assure the Canada geese had safe havens to rest and roost when not feeding. Landowners, hunters, hunting outfitters, sporting goods outlets, bird watchers and local businesses have benefited significantly over the past four decades.
    The geese soon learned they could find protection and solace during daytime rests periods on the reservoirs. Many farmers and rural landowners established day rental blind hunting businesses, local cafes greeted goose hunters. All the while the number of wintering geese grew year after year.
    The DOW census reports found each year more resident geese were counted and more nesting pairs hatched. As the number of new goslings multiplied in this natural process, many of the locally hatched geese soon made Colorado their migrating home. Similarly it was found that a growing number of the locally reared geese stayed in Colorado, increasing the year around population that we have today.
    Interestingly Canada geese have comfortably adapted to human activity and environments. They are seen in the parks, golf courses and open spaces and small ponds. Some see this as a good outcome, others as a nuisance. The permanent Front Range Canada goose population is now estimated around 150,000. More than 500,000 migrate through Colorado during the fall and spring. The Canada goose is now a familiar resident. A wildlife species families, classrooms, photographers and adults can observe and enjoy.
    Contact the author at Ron-Hellbusch@comcast.net