Netting, Paracord, Canada Geese and Coots

From Fred Holland, President on 12/9/2024

Hello All.  It appears necessary to provide clarification once again, regarding the netting and paracord that was installed to discourage the infestation of Canada Geese and Coots earlier this year.  After failed attempts to discourage the birds, an experiment was tried using netting and paracord.  This proved successful and is surprisingly almost invisible. 

The decision to install the netting was made by a unanimous decision by the Board.  Our CC&R’s clearly state that the “Common Grounds” which is any property outside your homes footprint is the responsibility of the Condo Association.  This is the same as the responsibility of the sprinkler system.  As such, the netting should not be adjusted or removed from the lakeside, as it is not the property of the homeowner. 

As you may or may not know, Canada Geese, on average, drop between 1 to 1.5 pounds of feces every day! 20 birds would be the same as having someone spread 20-30 lbs of bacteria-contaminated biohazard on your lawn every day!  If this weren’t enough, dangerous diseases and bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Histoplasmosis, Campylobacter, Coccidia, and Giardia have been found in their feces.  It has also been noted that the fencing has been helpful in keeping the Coots off our lawns.  Their poop is no better than the Geese and can in fact, be even more toxic.  Coot feces can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that may pose health risks to humans and pets, including Avian Flu. Droppings from either species can be extremely harmful to pets.  In addition, as the feces decomposes, it can create dust which can infect your sinuses and lungs in the air you breathe.

As a member of the Association, you can make a formal complaint in writing to the Board with your particular circumstances as to why the netting should be removed.  Until that time, the netting stays.

Thanks for your understanding.