Program to kill Canada geese in Michigan is paused, a letter to lawmakers shows
DNR Director M. Scott Bowen addressed the letter to Polehanki and other lawmakers on May 9, saying the DNR has been working with the public to resolve human-goose conflicts for over 40 years and implementing this pilot program was an effort to further that goal.
The response comes a week before the May 16 deadline to apply for permits for the program.
"After further consideration with our wildlife staff, we have decided to pause the program for this year and will not be issuing any permits or conducting this work on any sites," the letter said.
The change follows public outcry when DNR announced earlier this year that it would no longer round up large swaths of birds in urban areas and take them to a state natural area. They would kill them instead.
"They are going to be killing them all, and it's not fair," Karen Stamper said to the Free Press earlier this year.
Stamper, who lives in Oakland County's Commerce Township, an area filled with small inland lakes that attract the geese, volunteers with the nonprofit animal protection advocacy organization In Defense of Animals based in San Rafael, California.
The DNR said it will continue to research alternative options for managing human-goose conflicts and safety concerns regarding overabundant Canada goose populations.
"It is important for the health and safety of our citizens and the management of our natural resources that we continue to use the goose management tools at our disposal," the letter said.
Officials said they will continue to prioritize non-lethal techniques including habitat modification, elimination of feeding, scare tactics, repellents and nest/egg destruction.
Goose numbers have soared above 300,000 in recent years, reporting from the Free Press shows.
State wildlife managers seek to keep the bird's population in Michigan in the 175,000 to 225,000 range and regulate that number through annual hunts.
Detroit Free Press contributed reporting.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan DNR halts plan to lethally gas overpopulated Canada geese
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Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin issued a statement last Thursday claiming Hernandez-Martinez's vehicle "came within feet of striking other vehicles and erratically changed lanes." Authorities said Hernandez-Martinez produced a Mexican identification card when asked for a driver's license, prompting federal immigration agents to arrive at the scene and take her into custody. Newsweek reached out Irwin and the department via email for comment. Irwin's recounting of events has been disputed by Hernandez-Martinez's family members, as well as Facebook users who commented on the police department's post and attached dash cam footage. "On the dash cam it was obvious that wasn't the case at all," her brother, Dilan Hernandez, told "My sister was speeding a little bit, but we feel that, under the circumstances, it wasn't fair at all." Facebook user Emily Barfield commented the following under the video: "This is exactly the video I was expecting. Where's the erratic driving? 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Deporting her would be a grave injustice not just to her, but to all of us who believe in fairness, opportunity, and human dignity." A GoFundMe was started six days ago by Dilan Hernandez, raising nearly $33,500 as of Wednesday afternoon. A post in a "Class of 2017" Facebook group includes former high school colleagues of hers coming to her defense. Shelby Luna, who said in the post she graduated one year before Hernandez-Martinez, said she graduated twice from Jacksonville State University—"both times with an exceptional GPA." She also served as a campus ambassador, resident assistant, and active participant in Delight Ministries, El Latido, and many other campus organizations and events. What People Are Saying Gina Martinez, the mother of Giovanna Hernandez Martinez, on Sunday to and aided by a translator: "I worry, if the judge does not set the bond hearing and up until the court date, and, obviously, she does get sent back to Mexico. All of our family is here, all of her siblings, she has built her education here, she has all of her friends here." Dilan Hernandez on his sister's GoFundMe page: "Not only is she an impeccable woman with a strong moral character, but she is also a distinguished professional. ... She takes pride in advocating for her community, and those without a voice. Now, its our turn to use our voices to fight for her and defend her." Carlos E. Alemán, CEO of ¡HICA!, in an August 7 statement calling for Hernandez-Martinez's release: "Giovanna is not only a trusted community partner, she is a role model. She brings purpose and heart to everything she does. Her contributions have touched families and young people throughout Alabama, and her detention is a painful loss for the entire community." What Happens Next Hernandez-Martinez is scheduled to appear in court on August 20, when her legal team and family are expected to seek bond. ICE custody and detention decisions and the court process will determine whether she remains detained or is released pending proceedings.
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