Too Much of a Good Thing: What Can Be Done About the Number of Snow Geese?

Too much of a good thing - this expression certainly applies to what is happening to the number of Snow Geese. North Dakotans enjoy watching and listening as waves of geese pass overhead in the Fall and Spring. For some, hunting geese is an exciting activity. Often, when we enjoy wildlife, we wish the birds and animals we value were more abundant. However, the balance of nature does not work in this fashion and too many of anything can cause problems.

Image from North Dakota Outdoors -Used with permission.

The number of Snow Geese has increased at a very rapid rate and the number of geese is beginning to create a serious problem. The Snow Geese that migrate through North Dakota nest in the Arctic during the summer. So many geese are now present that they destroy the plants they must feed on to survive. The picture shows how they feed - note the bare dirt outside the fenced areas. If the population continues to grow, they will actually "eat themselves out of their home." The population of Snow Geese and other animals that spend time in the Arctic will starve in large numbers.

The basic question is what should be done. As harsh as it may sound, some people believe nature should be allowed to take its course. Others suggest that the problem can be "managed." Perhaps steps can be taken to adjust the number of geese and prevent a serious population crash.

The Task

There are many opinions on what should be done about the number of Snow Geese. Each solution seems to have both advantages and disadvantages. This is your opportunity to offer the suggestion that makes the most sense to you.

1) Visit the web sites that are listed below and learn more about the Snow Goose crisis and about proposals to respond to this problem. Think carefully about the problem and the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solutions.

2) Write a proposal in which you present and justify the course of action you recommend.

Your proposal should provide evidence that you understand the reasons for the population problem and recognize that different experts have suggested different solutions. Your proposal should then carefully outline the action or actions you recommend and justify your plan in contrast with other possible solutions.

Consider:

Should nature take its course or should the problem be "managed"?

If you decide on a managed solution, what specific action or actions do you recommend.

What factors were involved in your solution and which of these factors were most important? The factors you consider might include ethical considerations, scientific findings, economic benefits, and others. Just make sure your plan identifies the factors you feel are important.

The Resources

Essential

North Dakota Outdoors 1 - General introduction; Description of the problem; Possible explanation of the problem; Importance of North Dakota

New York Times - General description of the problem

North Dakota Outdoors 2 - Some possible solutions; Map of flyway.

North Dakota Outdoors 3 - Recommendations from International Group