||| FROM LILI HEIN |||

The Land Bank is proposing hunting of Canada geese at the Coffelt Farm Preserve in order to limit crop damage on the property. Deer hunting is also included. See link for details in the Stewardship and Management Plan (giving only a two-week comment period that started Thanksgiving week). The plan will be considered for approval this Friday, December 18:

http://sjclandbank.org/coffelt-farm-preserve-stewardship-and-management-plan/

[Editor’s note: Pertinent text from Page 26 of 33 page document:

In addition to requesting permission to hunt deer within the Preserve, the Coffelt Farm interim lessee sought permission to hunt non-migratory (resident) Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Populations of resident Canada geese have increased dramatically over the past 25 years due to the lack of predators, prohibitions on hunting, and a dependable year-round supply of food and water. Canada geese are particularly attracted to mowed fields and lawns around homes, golf courses, parks, and similar areas next to open water. The Land Bank recognizes that many species of birds use the Preserve’s wetlands and has identified wetland habitat protection and enhancement as key conservation objectives. However, there is wide recognition that Canada geese cause crop damage and this appears to be the case at Coffelt Farm Preserve. To limit such damage and to protect other desirable species, the Land Bank proposes to limit bird hunting by the interim and long-term lessee(s) to legal hunting of non-migratory Canada geese found within the pastures and the developed farm area. Such hunting shall be in accordance with WDFW regulations. Bird Coffelt Farm Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan Page 27 of 33 hunting will not be open to the public nor will it be allowed within the fenced herbaceous wetland.]

Perhaps the geese are eating too much grass, which competes with the sheep and hay making. However, there are safer ways than guns to deter geese. Also, there could be greater community engagement by offering other public access, such as bird watching, with the wetlands attracting many birds on migration between the US, Canada, and beyond. Let’s encourage the Land Bank to have more public process and listen to comments from the community requesting other ways to provide public access to Coffelt Farm Preserve to enjoy the beauty of the islands!


**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**