During the Alpena City Council meeting on August 4, 2025, city officials discussed the ongoing management of the Canada goose population, a topic that has garnered significant attention from residents due to the associated health and environmental concerns. City Manager Rachel Smolinski presented an overview of the current situation, highlighting the challenges posed by the geese in urban areas, particularly in parks where their droppings can create health hazards.

The council has been proactive in addressing these issues through various management strategies. Over the past nine years, the city has conducted goose hunts during Michigan's regular hunting season, with the most recent hunt yielding 41 geese, a notable decrease from the previous year's harvest of 118. This reduction in numbers reflects the city's ongoing efforts to manage the population without aiming for complete eradication.

In addition to hunting, the city employs egg oiling as a method to control the goose population. This technique, which involves applying a vegetable-based oil to goose eggs to prevent them from hatching, was implemented this spring, resulting in the oiling of 122 eggs from 15 nests. The city’s Department of Public Works is authorized to carry out this procedure as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of geese in the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary.

To further refine their approach, a Goose Management Committee (GMC) was established in 2022, comprising city staff, council members, and community representatives. This committee is tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of various control methods and considering the feasibility and costs associated with them. As the local goose population is projected to increase with the arrival of migrating geese, the GMC is focused on reducing the nesting population to achieve long-term management goals.

During the meeting, council members expressed differing opinions on the necessity of the annual goose hunt. Some advocated for its continuation as a vital tool in population control, while others suggested taking a year off from hunting to assess the impact of other management strategies, such as egg oiling and habitat modifications. The discussion highlighted the complexity of wildlife management, with factors such as environmental conditions and disease affecting goose populations.

As the council prepares to vote on the proposed goose hunt for September 2025, the outcome will reflect the community's ongoing efforts to balance wildlife management with public health and environmental considerations. The council's decision will be crucial in shaping the future of goose management in Alpena, as they seek to establish a sustainable approach that addresses both resident concerns and ecological balance.