In an arrangement with the United States Department of Agriculture, the Ocean Pines Association had nearly 300 resident Canada geese rounded up and killed. This was the culmination of several years of trying other methods to control the population and reduce the associated risks to human health and water quality, particularly in the area of the Veterans Memorial Pond at the South Gate.

Association members owe the Board of Directors a vote of thanks. However, not all association members agree. Some apparently prefer the slimy mounds of goose poop blanketing the area around the pond. Conditions were disgusting at a recent Teach-A-Kid-to-Fish Day. It was impossible to be in the area without coming in contact with the poop. Some were suggesting children should not even be in the area.

A part of the community believes the geese take priority, despite the obvious overpopulation problems. One outraged goose advocate wrote: "This is an unspeakable evil perpetrated by viscious (sic) serial killers." It is impossible to rationally deal with such emotional sentiments. Not all opponents are so irrational. Some just believe OPA should have issued a public news release prior to the capture of the birds. Would that have been a reasonable thing to do? Probably not. Most seem satisfied to see the population and the poop reduced.

Three hundred geese can produce up to around 700 pounds of poop every day, or 21,000 pounds a month. The gooey mess builds up on the grassy area and paths; rainfall eventually washes much of it into the Veterans Memorial Pond. A year or so ago the state posted the pond as unhealthy.

There is little point in discussing the differences between resident Canada geese and migratory Canadas and the need to reduce resident populations in some areas. The issue is an emotional one for a few.

For several years, this now reduced population will alleviate the problems. However, the population will most likely increase again and require another population reduction.

The sight of migratory Canada geese in flight every fall is synonymous with Maryland's Eastern Shore. They are beautiful creatures. However, when the resident, non-migratory birds overpopulate an area, good environmental management, such as that employed by OPA and approved by the federal government, prevents Canada geese from turning from fowl to foul.