Fair or fowl? Port Washington North considers goose-feeding ban

Shirley Parker is among those who enjoy feeding the geese as a way of being close to nature -- and also as a method of getting rid of leftovers.

News 12 Staff

Mar 3, 2020, 12:03 AM

Updated 1,741 days ago

Share:

Port Washington North is considering a ban on feeding geese on public property, but the proposal is not sitting well with some people.
Shirley Parker is among those who enjoy feeding the geese as a way of being close to nature -- and also as a method of getting rid of leftovers.
"I don't see anything wrong with it. That's my opinion," says Parker.
But village officials say feeding water fowl can lead to malnutrition for the geese and can also pollute the waterways.
"It's not good for the geese. Things like bread and potato chips, etc. are low in nutrition," says Port Washington North Mayor Bob Weitzner. "Secondly, the more waste that's produced, the more nitrogen that gets on the ground. That in turn goes into our storm system or directly into our waterways."
Jared Hirschfield lives across from Mill Pond, where geese flock daily. He thinks the ban will help the environment.
"I think it's a good idea, I'm against the feeding of any wildlife," he says. "I mean the geese are not underpopulated or need assistance from us."
Residents will get a chance to weigh in on the proposed ban at a public hearing at Village Hall March 25 at 7:30 p.m.