1. Create a no-mow area around the ponds of approximately 20 feet in width to allow growth of higher grasses. Also install monofilament line around the ponds. $1800.

2. Agreement yearly with Department of Agriculture to oil or otherwise make sure eggs do not hatch in nesting season. $3400 per year.

3. Apply Flight Control product to about two acres around the Veterans Memorial as a test to see if it keeps the birds away. $500.

Given the low cost and the emotionally charged nature of the issue for a few folks around Ocean Pines, this non-lethal approach to controlling the population is probably worth a try. However, chances of any major success is slim, and the no-mow, high grass area and monofilament fence are going to present other issues for human activity around the pond. It should also be noted there are some areas of the ponds where there is essentially no space for a no-mow area.

Topping all this off is we are told that any signs of success for any of the control measures may take 10 to 20 years.

My guess -- OPA will go about this process and little, if anything, will change.

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FlightControl^® PLUS will deter geese by removal of their food source. Geese feed on FlightControl^® PLUS treated turfgrass and experience a temporary yet effective digestive irritation minutes to hours after feeding. The geese will not hesitate to eat treated turf if they have not encountered treated turf before. However, after eating treated turf, the learned memory association to treated turf and a post-ingestional irritation occurs. After one or several encounters with FlightControl^® PLUS treated turfgrass, geese associate the UV absorbing material on grass leaves with the digestive irritation.  Research has proven that after several encounters with FlightControl^® PLUS, birds, including Canada geese, will not eat a treated food source and will seek out non-treated food.

This stuff will probably cost more if the test is done properly and the material applied with each mowing. Pe4rhaps $500 per mowing??? The board information is not clear on this.

Areas to be treated with FlightControl^® PLUS should be relatively clear of debris and leaves to ensure product will adhere to the target surface (the grass blade). During the summer months, grass should be mowed 1-2 days prior to a FlightControl^® PLUS application. This will allow maximum time between mowings and lengthen goose repellency. Clippings and other debris should be collected, mulched, or raked, if possible. Excessively frequent mowing will reduce the amount of product available. Applying a plant growth regulator (PGR) will reduce mowing frequency, thereby lengthening the goose repellency period of FlightControl^® PLUS treated turf.

20-foot no-mow area:

Native warm season grasses are stiff-stemmed grasses that remain tall and erect, even throughout the winter.

Several strands of heavy fishing line or wire strung 4 inches, 8 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches and 24 inches above the ground.