Existing Water Quality: Bacteria
-- Total coliform bacteria levels are indicative of decaying organic matter,
while fecal coliform bacteria levels are indicative of animal waste in the
water... The large numbers of domestic, cross-breed, and wild
waterfowl using the lake for foraging and resting through most of the year
results in substantial input of waste material to the lake. Some of
this waste material ["goose poop"] is deposited directly into the
lake, and the waterfowl waste deposited on the adjacent lands is washed into
the lake during storm events. This waterfowl waste not only raises
bacteria concentrations to levels unsafe for water contact recreation, but
it is also a source of nutrients that allow excessive growth of algae and
rooted aquatic plants. (p. 32)
Management Action 10: Waterfowl and Turf Fertilizer
Waste Management: ... To reduce nutrient and bacterial input from
waterfowl waste, a program could be initiated to discourage waterfowl from
their primary foraging and resting area on the mowed picnic area along the
eastern shore, west of the paved park road. This program would entail
a combination of runoff management and treatment, educating the public,
enforcement and the trapping and removal of domestic waterfowl, as follows:
Landscaping and Runoff Treatment -- The
eastern shoreline area, north of the boat ramp, could be re-graded in a
manner to provide a vegetative buffer to diver and detain sheet runoff
into the lower tributaries and lake... The basis could be vegetated with
herbaceous wetland vegetation that could further detain runoff and allow
nutrient uptake. A biofilter could also be used. These basin
areas could be periodically cleaned, as needed.
Educating the Public and Enforcement --
Large and clearly visible signs should be posted in English and Spanish
advising that the feeding of waterfowl causes lake pollution, is harmful
to the waterfowl and is illegal. Park rangers should periodically
issue warning notices, in both languages, to persons who violate this
rule, and the possibility of issuing violation notices with associated
monetary fines should be considered.
Trapping and Removal Program -- Domesticated
waterfowl should be trapped and removed from the eastern shoreline area on
a twice-annual basis. The goal of the program should be to greatly
reduce or eliminate resident waterfowl in the area. (p. 64)
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(Lagoon Valley Lake Management Plan, LSA
Associates, Inc., 1999)
