KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather SportsCommission to determine fate of duck and geese overcrowding Pittsburg park
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PITTSBURG, KAN. - Pittsburg's Parks and Recreation Cepartment says the duck and geese population is overwealming in Lakeside Park.
They say there are over 200 birds in the park.
The department is asking commissioners to allow the Kansas Wildlife and Parks to capture and relocate part of the population, trimming it down to 30 or 40 birds.
Parks and Rec is also considering banning the feeding of birds at the park.
"We need to remove the duck house and we need to put up signs that say it's unlawful to feed the ducks and the geese," says Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Wilbert. "Now will that stop that 100%? I doubt it."
If the commission approves the relocation it will take place Thursday.
We'll post the commission's decision when it comes in.
Waste an issue
"It has become a health issue," Jeff Wilbert says. "There's just too much fecal matter in the park, in the water - which has turned the pond to a greenish color. So there's a lot of things that it's affected and we just hope realize that we're doing this for the betterment of the park and for the better of those people that live around the park."
Some complaints about wandering birds; others enjoy it
Some ducks leave the over crowded park for homes right across the street. We found one nesting in a woman's garden.
Jeff Wilbert says many neighbors have complained about the birds wandering into their yards.
Other's say the ducks and geese are what makes lake side unique.
"I actually chose this spot because there was so many," says Grace Rievel. "So I thought it's kind of like having company, someone to watch while I eat, since I'm alone."
Rievel says her friends often come to feed the birds and worries it would be hard to stop and people would miss it.
"It's kind of therapeutic almost to feed them and take a little time off."
Making a friendlier park
Parks and Rec hopes people understand why they say they need to take action.
"We'd like for the lake to become a friendlier lake for people to fish," Wilbert says. "We would like people to be able to come with their kids for picnics."
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