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Objectives: <br />i. To assist with development of population objectives, i. e., the acceptable <br />number of geese at specific sites within the city. <br />2. To model populations and estimate removal levels needed to attain and <br />maintain desired population levels, <br />3. Provide technical expertise and participate in public hearings and assist <br />with public relations. <br />4. To coordinate and do goose removal in 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 as <br />population control procedures. <br />5. To monitor population levels from 1992 to 1995 to ascertain population <br />reduction effectiveness. <br />Methods: <br />Model- -Much of the data necessary to construct a model have been <br />gathered from 1 973 to 1987 for the Metropolitan Twin Cities Canada Goose <br />populations .(Sayler 1977, Cooper unpubl. data). Parameters that have <br />been measured include participation in breeding by sex and age class, age <br />related productivity, effect of re- pairing, emigration and immigration, <br />gosling, subadult, and adult survival. Additional data are needed on the <br />effect of density reduction on breeding participation, dispersal, and <br />survival. These data are being obtained by capturing and neckbanding <br />(Sherwood 1966) flightless, immature geese, and subsequently capturing <br />and removing the breeding segment of the population the next summer. <br />Because Canada .geese do not breed until 2 years of age, or older, by <br />monitoring the breeding participation rate of the marked geese in the <br />following 2 years and comparing the rate of participation with existing <br />data (Cooper, unpubl. ), the effect of the lowering the density can be <br />determined. Survival and dispersal of will be ascertained from neckband <br />reobservation (Cormack 1964;. Cooper 1975). the model will be based on <br />the Jolly method as modified Barry (1977) except that neckband <br />observations will be employed instead of legband recaptures. <br />- Removal- -The effectiveness of goose removal will be predicted using the <br />model and evaluated by monitoring population growth. Population level <br />objectives will be established in consultation with cooperating city and <br />