United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. 10305
ENREPLYREFaTO:

N22 (GATE-NEM)
May24, 2014
Mr. Martin Lowney

USDAj~4ypJ5 Wildlife Services

1930 Route 9
Castleton, NY 12061
Dear Martin:
We are pleased to enclose the renewed Scientific Research and Collecting Permit that you
requested for yous wildlife management activities Round-up ofresident Canada Goose (Branta
Canadensis) on Rulers Bar Hassock shoreline andponds, and at Pennsylvania and Fountain
Avenue landfills. The permit number is GATE-2014-5Cp005 1. The permit remains valid
through July 25, 2014. Please note that your National Park Service (NPS) study number is
GATE-296. The study number is the umbrella identification of all NPS permits issued in
Gateway NRA for your round-ups of Canada Goose. Please refer to this study number when
referencing your permit.
Please read your pennit carefully to ensure that you are familiar with all the general conditions
listed in the enclosed blue pages, as well as specific conditions listed in the permit. In addition,
we request that you sign the last page of the permit prior to initiating any fieldwork. Please be
aware that your signature indicates agreement with all the mentioned conditions and restrictions
of the permit. You are requested to send a photocopy, e-mail attachment, or fax of the one
signature page to:
Research and Collecting Permit Coordinator
Natural Resource Management Division
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10305-5019
[fax 718-354-4548; e-mail g~ge frame(~nps.pov]
Keep the entire original signed permit with you, to show to conservation law enforcement
officers and other park staff whenever requested.
An Investigators Aminal Report should be completed at the end of the calendar year by going to
the National Park Service web site [https:/Iizma.nps.govipyg~ You will receive a

usemame and password in December of each year. At this website, you will find a short form to
complete a brief summary of the years results from your project. If you have any questions
regarding the website, please contact us.
Dave Avrin already contacted the Unit Coordinator, to announce the start of your fieldwork.
This was one of the conditions explained in the Specific Conditions section of your permit.
We look forward to reviewing your findings and appreciate your cooperation. If you have anjr
questions, please contact me at 718-354-4510. A park brochure and a boundary map of the
Jamaica Bay Unit are enclosed.
Sincerely,

/N:/:

Dougla A. Adamo
Chief, Natural Resource Management Division
Enclosures
cc: Permit Coordinator, NRMD

ND

Study#: GATE-00296

Permit#: GATE-2014_SCIOOSI
Start Date: Jun 24,2014
Expiration Date: Jul 25, 2014
Coop Agreement-#:

)tdance with the attached

ondittois
the Interior

Optional Park Code: JBU, DNR

Name of principal investigator:
Name:Mr Martin Lowney

Plzone:5 I 84774537

Email:martin.sJowI~ey@aphjs.usdagov

Name of Institution represented:

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services
Co-Investigators:
Nam~~%~tewclaer ___f~one: 718-553-35 lj. ,Eniajl: Andrew.T.clappeI.@aphjs.~dagov
Study Title:
____________________________________________
Round-up of resident Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) on Rulers Bar Hassock shoreline and ponds, and at Pennsylvania and
Fountain Avenue landfills
Purpose of study:
The resident Canada Goose is part of an overabundant native species that is recogated as a potential hazard to aircraft in the vicinity
of New York City; Canada Goose (migratory and resident popuiations) ranks as one of the top ten bird hazards. This species also
causes damage in Jamaica Bay saltm~hes by digging out cordgrass and causing erosion, by contributing to water pollution in
freshwater ponds, and by competing with other birds for submerged aquatic vegetation. Gateway NRA rangers monitored Canada
Goose numbers since 2003 and earlier particularly during the molt (approximately mid-June to mid-July) when resident geese are
flightless and congregate around the brackish ponds. Also, USDA Wildlife Services staff monitored resident geese at the landfills
during the past decade, and at Rulers Bar Hassock more recently. The migratory Canada Goose is not present in Gateway NRA during
the summer months, thereby making it possible to reduce only the resident population by rounding up geese in summer.
The round-up is part of the multi-agency program to reduce the resident Canada Goose population at New YorkCity. As an action of
that program, in summer 2010, ~ Services requested permission from NPS to capture and euthanize resident
geese from the landfills, but due to the lateness of the request no capture was possible, In 2011, 2012, and 2013 there were successful
captures on the landfills, In 2012 and 2013, round-ups also were accomplished on the bay shoreline of Rulers Bar Hassock and from
the vicinity of East Pond and West Pond. The round-up is on behalf of John F. Kennedy International Airport and the City of New
York. This action is consistent with the USEWS Environmental Impact Statement for the management of resident Canada Goose in
response to their overabundance, and with SO CFR 21.49 for the management of resident Canada Goose, In New York State, APHIS
Wildjife Services preparesj an Environmenmi Assessment and issued a FONSI for the management of resident Canada Goose. The
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation established a General Depredation Permit for Take of Canada Goose that
eliminates the need for individual permits, but there are reporting requirements to the State before and after any actions (the reporting
is done by Wildlife Services),
In 1994, an Environmental Impact Statement was written to address gull hazards and other wildlife problems at John F. Kennedy
Intemational Airport. Since then, various hazards changed in importance; also, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Circular
that required airports to manage wildlife hazards to a distance of 5 miles from airports. Consequently, APFIIS/Wi]diife Services
prepared a Supplemental EIS to update the original 1994 EIS; collaborating agencies include the National Park Service.
APHJSfWildljfe Services signed a Record of Decision by June 29, 2012. Gateway National Recreation Area concurred with this
ROD, and accepted itto address NEPA compliance for the July 2012 resident Canada Goose round-up at the bay shoreline of Rulers
Bar Hassock and in East Pond and West Pond. The Preferred Alternative (Alternative 6) includes four Alternatives combined; among
these is Alternative 4 which says the maximum number of resident Canada Goose that will be taken per year in Gateway NRA. is 1,000
individuals, To comply with this limit, the number of resident geese rounded up on PAL and PAL (see permit GATE-20 I 2-SCI-0025)
was subtracted from the 1,000 authorized by the Rulers Bar Hassock permit so that the total round-up in Gateway NRA in 2012 did
not exceed 1,000.
The 2012 ROD (Alternative 4, included in Alternative 6) authorizes the round-ups at Pennsylvania Avenue Landfill, Fountain Avenue
Landfill, Rulers Bar Hassock (bay shoreline, East Pond, and West Pond). Consequently all these sites are now combined in one NPS
collecting permit for the proposed round-ups in 2013 and 2014.
Snbjectlfliscipliue:
Exotic/Invasive Animals

Penal,: GATE-2034.scr4os]

Page I

of

Before commencing fieldwork at the start of the season, Dave Avrin (Chief of Resource Management) will inform the local Gateway
NRA Coordinator:
Jamaica Bay Unit Coordinator Dave Taft (telephone 7l8-338~3338 ext 238) or Rita Mullally (telephone 718-338-3338, ext 234).
Other helpfid local site contacts are the following:

mu Jamaica Bay Wildlife Rthge: acting reffige manager (telephone 718-318-3486) or Edgardo Castillo (718-3184340);
mu Breezy Point beaches: Hanem Abouelea (office phone 718-338-3338 x 222) or Tony Lusconibe (,private cell phone 917-861-

4775).
Researchers, includi~ig Wildlife Services staff; are restricted from entering heronzy islands, and demarcated Threatened or Endangered
bird nesting areas. All authoriz~ boat access to national park islan~ will be done in coordination with other researchers to minimize
disturbance to nesting birds,
Researchers who expect to approach near the lOO-yard secuiity perimeter of JFK International Airport should telephone the Port
Authority Police a day in advance; their telephone numbers are 718-244-4321 (Tour Commander), 718-244-4335 (Police Desk), or
718-244.8 125 (for a live person to tallcto),
The Principal Investigator must complete an Investigator Annual Report (IAR) on the NPS website, At the end of each calendar year a
reminder will be sent, along with the usernarne and password, Please sumjp e the research results in a few paragraphs, report the
number of person_days spent at each site, and quanti~ the items collected at each site.
The Principaj Investigator is responsible for providing at least two copies of all unpublished and publish~~J reports that result from this
research. Please mail the reports to:
Scientific Research & Collecting Permits Coordinator
Natural Resource Management Division
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
Digital copies may be e-maile.rJ to the following [georgefl-ame~npsg0~j
The Permits Coordinator will distribute the copies within Gateway NRA.
Quertions about Scientific Research and Collecting Permits may be directed to:
Doug Adamo
Chief, Natural Resource Management Division
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
[tel. 718-354_4s10, fax 718-354-4543 email dougadnt~o~npsgoyj

Recommended by park staff(name and flue):

Reviewed by Colleeflons Manager:

Approved

Yes,
Date Approved:

ark official:

~/2.

No

~/s4

Chief; Resource Manit. Division

I Agree To All Conditions And Restrictions Of this Permit As Specified

(Not valid unless signed and dated by the principal investigator)

(Principal mvestagato?s signature)

(Date)

THIS PERMIT AND ATTACIP2D C0N011IONS AND RESTPJCTIONS MUST BE CARmEn AT ALL TIMES WHILE
CONDUCTING RESE4&J~C*I ACTnqTh~S IN THE DESIGNAThD PARK(S)

Pennit: GATE-2oi4..sCr~osJ

Page 3 of S

- -

N LflRJrc viaii - r-~e: cequestto Nound-up Canada Goose on NI-S and

Re: Request to Round-up Canada Goose on NPS land

Frame, George <georgeframe~npsgo~>
To: Lowney, Martins -APHIS ~

Wed, May 28, 2014 at 4:59 PM

Hi Martin,
Thanks lbr confirming ws intentions.
Dave A~rin will retire at the end of June.
George
George W. Frame, Ph.D.
Biologist in the Natural Resources Management DMsion
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York A~enue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-3544546
office ft~x 718-354-4548
e-mail george frame~nps.gov

On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 4:48 PM, Lowney, Martin S APR15 <Martin.S.Lowney~apnis usdago~ wrote:
-

George:

Thanks forthe email about the permit. The new procedures had me wondering and now I know the
next steps. I will submit the letter to Dave Avrin afterthe site visit is conducted. We have had some
personal turn over with formerstaff taking promotions and other opportunities. This year our leaders
on the Canada Goose work will be District Supervisor Andy Clapper and Wildlife Specialist Chrystie
Vernola. We will be in touch. Have a good day.

Martin

Front Frame, George [mailto:georgeframenps.gov]

Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 4:03 PM
To: Lowney, Martin S APR15
Subject: Re: Request to Round-up Canada Goose on NPS land
-

htIr&qllnw~J WVV,IA

fl/fl

IJcrnn

I MON I

1Mb TN I tRIUR Mall - Xe: Request to Round-up Ca,acla Goose on NF-S land

Hello Martin,

I received your Application for an NPS Scientific Research and Collecting Permit to do a round-up of resident
Canada Goose at PAL & FAL and in the ~4cinity of Rulers Bar Hassock. Before a cull can be authorized,
Wildlife Services will have to inlbrm Gateway NRA that there is a hazard that needs to be addressed. In
previous years you sent a letter to Dave Aviin describing the problem and the proposed solution. You also
sent a Wildlife Services permit review form that described and quantified the hazard at each site. If you
believe a cull of resident Canada Goose is necessary in 2014, please send Dave A~iin the same kind of
documentation that you sent him last year. Dave then will discuss the request with the Superintendent.

I believe it also is appropriate to clarify who is expected to pay Wildlife Services for their work in rounding up
geese within Gateway NRA. So far as I know, the national park does not have any finds budgeted fir that
act[~ity this year.

Thank you.

George

* ******************** ** ** *** ******** * ******* *** * **** *** *** ***** * *

George W. Frame, Ph.D.

Biologist in the Natural Resources Management Division
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-354-4546
office fax 718-354-4548
e-mail george_frame~nps.gov

hItriw//rr~iT nrw,nlc

- - .

..

,,.

- ~ c~oose Kound-up for 2014 Season

4~1iE-7 9c
-

Canada Goose Round-up for 2014 Season

Adamo, Doug <doug_adamo~np5g0~
Fri, Jun 6, 2014 at 9:52 AM
To: Lowney, Martins -APHIS <Martin.S.Lowney~aphisu5dago~
Cc: Dave Awin ~ George Frame <georgeframenpsgo~,> Daphne Yun
<Daphne Yun@nps go~>
Hi Martin
I wanted to touch base with you on the subject since we hate not recei~ed a formal request from your office to
perform Canada goose culling in GATE thus far, and molting season will soon be upon us. As you are well
aware, NPS authorization by letter follows a re~few of your request that includes the target number of birds to be
culled, location of trapping, field procedures, and coordination with GATE biologists as field monitors/obser~rs.
Please inform as to whether a request will be submitted this year, and if so, we ask that you pro~de it at your
earliest con~enience so that appropriate re~ew can take place leading to authorization in a timely manner.
Please let me know if you would like to discuss this matter or if you hae any questions.
Thanks much
Doug
Doug Adamo
Chief, Natural Resource Management Division
Gateway National Recreation Area
718-354-4510

ttps:/Imailgooo
1/1

USDA
United States
Department of
gn U U
Anini& and
n:~ect:
Service
Wildlife Services
1930 Route 9
Castleton, NY 12033
518-477-4637
518-477-4899 fax

Dave Avrin
Assistant Superintendent
Gatewaj, National Recreation Area
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10305
June 12, 2014

Dear Dave:
Wildlife Services has been requested by the City of New York, LaGuardia Airport, and
John F. Kennedy International Airport to reduce the risk resident Canada Geese pose to
aviation safety within 7 miles of both airports. I am requesting a Special Use Permit
from the National Park Service on behalf of Join F. Kennedy International Airport and
the City of New York to capture and euthanize resident Canada Geese at Rulers Bar
Hassock. We are operating under the science based work plan developed by the New
York City Wildlife Hazard Management Steering Committee to which the National Park
Service is a member.
In 2012, The National Park Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Services, U.S.D.A. Wildlife
Services and others discussed a process that would lead to the issuance of Special Use
Permit(s) to capture and remove resident Canada Geese from Gateway National
Recreation Area to protect aviation safety at Join F. Kennedy International Airport. The
proposed removal of resident Canada Geese from Gateway National Recreation Area was
analyzed in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) Bird
Hazard Reduction Program: Join F. Kennedy International Airport, Supplement to the
Environmental Impact Statement Gull Hazard Reduction Program, April 2012. The
National Park Service is a cooperating agency to the SETS. We understand the National
Park Service will make the appropriate environmental review before issuance of a Special
Use Permit to capture the resident Canada Geese.
Resident Canada Geese are a valuable public resource with numerous values. There are
multiple environmental and human safety benefits for the removal of resident Canada
Geese from Rulers Bar Hassock. About 950 resident Canada Geese were removed from
Rulers Bar Hassock in 2012 and 2013. The capture and removal of resident Canada
Geese has resulted in a 50% reduction in the Canada Goose strike rate at Join. F.
Kennedy International Airport. While the benefits to aviation safety are the most obvious
benefits to the airport, the other benefits are less environmental damage to the marsh at
Gateway National Recreation Area from grazing the spartina marsh and other emergent
vegetation. Aiso, wintering brant will have additional food resources to eat in the marsh
which may reduce the need to shoot so many brant at the airport each winter. We expect
our Canada Goose capture activities will be on the beaches, parking lots and paths, thus
our impact on vegetation should be minimal.
Wildlife Services proposes to use standard wildlife management methods to catch
molting Canada Geese on the hassock. The molting period is about June 15 to July 15

each year. The methodology is published in the scientific literature and described in the
SEIS. These methods will allow for the humane capture of molting resident Canada
Geese. The geese will be captured in a corral trap constructed of panels. The panels may
be of a PVC or electrical wire conduit metal frame with netting stretched between the
frame. Staff will herd the geese with kayaks and on foot to keep the geese ashore. The
geese will then be walked into the corral trap. Captured geese will be loaded into turkey
crates and transported off-site alive and unharmed. Using this panel trap methodology
thpre are no impacts on non-target wildlife. Geese usually are captured as early in the
day as feasible to minimize stress on the birds from heat and human observers.
There were an estimated 200 resident Canada Geese using Rulers Bar Hassock on June
10, 2014. To account for fluctuations in goose numbers between the day of observation
and capture, I am requesting permission to remove 300 resident Canada Geese from
Rulers Bar Hassock. Wildlife Services observed 788 resident Canada Geese in 2009, 901
geese in 2010, 987 geese in 2011, 750 geese in 2012 and 211 geese in 2013 on Rulers Bar
Hassock. The resident Canada Geese are most abundant in the parking lots due to the
public feeding the birds in view ofdo not feed the birds signs. Geese are also observed
on East and West Ponds. If any feral ducks, feral geese, brant or swans are captured with
the resident Canada Geese they will be immediately released unharmed. I have provided
documentation for a site visit to Rulers Bar Hassock in 2014 for your information.
Safety of our employees is paramount. Unfortunately, our employees have been
threatened, intimidated, and harassed in past years by a small segment of the public who
opposes modem wildlife management of resident Canada Geese. Because of these types
of threats we do not broadly share the day and time Canada Geese will be captured. We
will work with a key National Park Service employee prior to the capture of the geese to
coordinate our activities.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,

~
Martin S. Lowney,
State Director, New York
Attachments; Migratory Bird Damage Project Report: Rulers Bar Hassock

6fl2r2014

DEF~AK I MEN I Cii- I HE IN I ERIOR Mail - i-wi: Request to capture geese at Rulers Bar Hassock

Fwd: Request to capture geese at Rulers Bar Hassock

Avrin, Dave <da~e_a~Mn~nps.go~c.
mu, Jun 12, 2014 at 12:37 PM
To: Doug Adamo <doug_adamo~nps.go~*, George Frame <george_frame~nps.gow
Doug, George,
FYI Does Lowneys request seem appropriate to you?
-

If so, we should move on getting the usual letter prepared for Supts signature and put the Collection Permit in
place.
Lets talk later today if possible.

Da~g Asin
Gateway NRA
Chief DMsion of Resources Management
718-354-4625 (office)
917-295-1771 (cell)
-

Forwarded message
From: Lowney, Martin S -APR18 <Martin.S.Lowney~aphis.usda.go~.c
Date: Thu, Jun 12, 2014 at 10:15 AM
Subject: Request to capture geese at Rulers Bar Hassock
To: Date A~rin (Da~_Awin~nps.gov) <Da~e_Avrin~nps.gov>
Cc: Doug Adamo (Doug_Adamo~nps .gov) <Doug_Adamo@nps .go~>

Dave,

Good morning. I hope you are doing well and big plans are being made for the near Thture. I ha~e enjoyed
working with you.

This year I am making a request to remo~e resident Canada Geese from Rulers Bar Hassock to protect aviation
safety. There will be other collateral en~ironmentaI benefits to wetlands from this action. The request and site
visit report are attached for evaluation to issue a Special Use Permit. I was able to complete an analysis of the
effecti~eness of remoAng resident Canada Geese on impraving the risk of an aircraft strike. The remo~al of a
number of geese from Rulers Bar Hassock in 2012 and 2013 seems to ha~ contributed to a 50% reduction in
actual aircraft strikes at JFK Intemational Airport. This information is in the attached report sent to New York
City earlier in the year. At this time we are planning to make no request to remove geese from Fountain and
Pennsy[~ania Avenue Landfills. If you have questions then please call. Thanks and have a great day.
hHnqIIrr.~dl ncn,le ~

I P~

nfl ,iv,cn I

nc ir~ I t~~IUR Mail

I-wi: Request to capture geese at Rulers t3ar Hassock

Martin

Martin Lowney
Certified Wildlife Biologist
State Director, New York
USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services
1930 Route 9
Castleton, NY 12033
(518) 477-4837
Martin.S.Lowney@aphis.usda.gov
http://w~.aphis. usda.gov
http://www.aphis ~

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any
unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the
law and subject the. violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you belie~e you have recei~ed this message in error,
please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

3 attachments
~ Request to capture CAGO on NPS lands Rulers Bar 6.12.14 signed.pdf
28K
Rulers Bar Hassock Form 37 signed 6.11.14.pdf
75K
NYC Canada Goose Report 2009-2013 Final .pdf
244K

hltrq//rr~qil nrinnln ~

9/,

nt IN I hRIOR Mall - i-tscl: Request to capture geese at Rulers 13a1 Hassock

Fwd: Request to capture geese at Rulers Bar Hassock

Avrin, Dave <da~ea~ijn~npsgo~.
mu, Jun 12, 2014 at 4:22 PM
To: Martin Lowney (martin.s.Iowneyaphis usdagovy ~
Cc: Doug Adamo <dougadamo~np~g0~> George Frame <georgeframe~npsgo~> Jennifer Nersesian
cjen_nersesian@nps .go~, Suzanne McCarthy <suzannemccarthy~np~g0~> Dave Taft <da~e_taft~nps.go~p
Hi Martin,
Thanks for the kind words about my impending retirement at the end of June.
We have reviewed your request for this years CAGO culling on Rulers Bar Hassock. We belie~e that remo~l of
150 CAGO this year is more appropriate than your actual request to remove up to 300 birds. This smaller
number is based on the USDA recent count (approx 200 birds) and our general observations that CAGO number
in RBH have come down significantly oter the past few years.
Let me know if you agree with this reduction in numbers to be culled, or if you would like to discuss this further
on Monday.
Thanks and hope to talk soon.
Dave A~1n
Gateway NRA
Chief DMsion of Resources Management
718-354-4625 (office)
917-295-1771 (cell)
-

On Thu, Jun 12, 2014 at 10:15 AM, Lowney, Martin S APHIS <Martin.S.Lowney@aphis.usda.go~ wrote:
-

Dave,

Good moming. I hope you are doing well and big plans are being made hr the near future. I have enjoyed
working with you.

This year I am making a request to remote resident Canada Geese from Rulers Bar Hassock to protect
&ation safety. There will be other collateral environmental benefits to wetlands from this action. The request
and site t4sit report are attached hr evaluation to issue a Special Use Permit. I was able to complete an
analysis of the eflbctiteness of removing resident Canada Geese on in1pro~ing the risk of an aircraft strike. The
removal of a number of geese from Rulers Bar Hassock in 2012 and 2013 seems to hate contributed to a 50%
reduction in actual aircraft strikes at JFK International Airport. This information is in the attached report sent to
New York City earlier in the year. At this time we are planning to make no request to remote geese from
Fountain and Pennsylvania Atenue Landfills. If you hate questions then please call. Thanks and hate a great
day.

fr~./f~fl nrry,Ip rnnrrnjlfri/flfli ~

1.17

I MEN I Cii- I Hh IN I bRICK Mail

b~ci: Request to capture geese at Rulers LIar HaSSOCK

Martin

Martin Lowney
Certified Wildlife Biologist
State Director, New York
USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Sen4ces
1930 Route 9
Castleton, NY 12033
(518) 477-4837
Martin.S.Lowney@aphisusdagov
http://~ww.aphis .usdago~1
http://www. aphis. ~

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any
unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may tiolate the
law and subject the ~oIator to cMl or criminal penalties. If you belie~e you have receNed this message in error,
please noti& the sender and delete the email immediately.

hffriq4/rn~il nriry,Ip ~

212

~Ii~

-r

f~,t IN I bKIUI< Mail - Re: Request to capturegeese at Rulers Bar HaSSOCK

Re: Request to capture geese at Rulers Bar Hassock

Frame, George <georgeframenpsgov>
To: AMIn, Da~e <da~eaMin@nps.gow.
Cc: Doug Adamo <dougadamo~npsgo~

Fri Jun 13, 2014 at 7:07 AM

Hello Date,
One of the lessons from the round-ups throughout NYC during the last few years is that Resident Canada Goose
are slow to repopulate specific sites. More than se~eral NYC parks didnt need a round-up in the second year,
because all Canada geese were taken in the first year and no new individuals filled the ~cancy by the second
year. Similarly, after several consecuti~ partial round-ups at PAL and FAL, there now are so few Resident
Canada Goose that WS did not suggest a round-up this year. I think the same would likely happen at Rulers Bar
Hassockif they take all the Resident Canada Goose this year, it could be se~eral years before others replace
them. This would look like NPS colluded with WS for extirpation of the geese in JBWR. Obviously there still are
plenty of geese elsewhere in GATE, but the JBWR visitors wouldnt see them.
George

**

* * ** * ****** **************** ***** ******** *

George W. Frame, Ph.D.

Biologist in the Natural Resources Management Division
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
oflice phone 718-354-4546
office l~x 718-354-4548
e-mail georgeframe~npsgov
** * * * *** ******** ************ ************ * ** ***** * ** ***** *

On mu, Jun 12, 2014 at 4:22 PM, Avrin, Dave <dave_awinnps.gov> wmte:
Hi Martin,
Thanks for the kind words about my impending retirement at the end of June.
We have reviewed your request for this years CAGO culling on Rulers Bar Hassock. We believe that removal
of 150 CAGO this year is more appropriate than your actual request to remove up to 300 birds. This smaller
number is based on the USDA recent count (approx 200 birds) and our general obser~tions that CAGO
number in RBH have come down significantly over the past few years.
Let me know if you agree with this reduction in numbers to be culled, or if you would like to discuss this further
on Monday.
Thanks and hope to talk soon.
Dave Avrin
ftn~I/rriaiI nrww,lc~ rnmJrn,Jl/,,Jopi
In

LJcrv,n

I Pd]tN I UI- I H~ IN I bRIOR Mail

Re: Request to oapturegeeseatRU~-s Sar Hassock

Gateway NRA
Chief D[~ision of Resources Management
718-3544625 (office)
-

&

917-295-1771 (cell)
On Thu, Jun 12, 2014 at 10:15AM, Lowney, Martins -APHIS <Martin.S.Lowney~aphis.usda gov> wrote:
Dave,

Good morning. I hope you are doing well and big plans are being made for the near future. I have enjoyed
working with you.

This year I am making a request to remove resident Canada Geese from Rulers Bar Hassock to protect
aviation safety. There will be other collateral environmental benefits to wetlands from this action. The
request and site visit report are attached for evaluation t issue a Special Use Permit. I was able to
complete an analysis of the effectiveness of removing resident Canada Geese on improving the risk of an
aircraft strike. The removal of a number of geese from Rulers Bar Hassock in 2012 and 2013 seems to have
contributed to a 50% reduction in actual aircraft strikes at JFK Intemational Airport. This information is in
the attached report sent to New York City earlier in the year. At this time we are planning to make no
request to remove geese from Fountain and Pennsylvania Avenue Landfills. If you have questions then
please call. Thanks and have a great day.

Martin

Martin Lowney
Certified Wildlife Biologist
State Director, New York
USDA, API-US, Wildlife Services
1930 Route 9
Castleton, NY 12033
(518) 477-4837
Martin.S.Lowney~aphis.usda.gov

http://vntw.aphis ~
.

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely forthe intended recipients. Any
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Fwd: From DRM Scanner

Adamo, Doug <doug_adamo~nps.go~>
Mon, Jun 23, 2014 at 12:30 PM
To: Lowney, Martins ~APHlSK <Martin.S.Lowney~aphis.usda.go~>
Cc: George Frame <george_frame~nps.g~~, Date Avrin cda~e_at1in@nps.go~, Jennifer Nersesian
<Jen....Nersesian@nps.go~>
Hi Martin
Please see the attached letter from our Superintendent authorizing the 2014 CAGO culling. George Frame is
working on your NPS Scientific Research and Collection permit and has already been coordinating with WS staff
regarding details. George will also be present ftr the round up.
Thanks
Doug
Forwarded message
From: <MAILER-DAEMON>
Date: 2014-06-23 12:05 GMT-04:00
Subject: From DRM Scanner
To: da~_a~fin@nps .gov, doug_adamo~nps .gov, george_framenps .gov

Doug Adamo
Chief, Natural Resource Management DMsion
Gateway National Recreation Area
718-354-4510
image2Ol4-06-23-1 10552.pdf
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United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Gateway National Recreation Area

210 New York Ave., Staten Island. N.Y. 10305

a
IN REPLY REFEJ{ TO:

Nl615 (GATE-S)
June 20, 2014

Mr. Martin S. Lowney. CWB

State Director

USDA, APHIS Wildlife Services

1930 Route 9
Castleton, New York 12033
Dear Mr. Lowney:
This letter serves to: 1) to provide a response to your request for authorization to cull resident
Canada geese (Ercinta canadensis) from Rulers Bar Hassock within the Jamaica Bay Wildlife
Refuge (JBWR) of Gateway National Recreation Area (GNRA); and 2) to authorize your request
to cull resident Canada geese from the aforementioned JBWR. As you are aware, the
aforementioned property is within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the interior,
National Park Service (NPS) as part of GNRA.
Based on the completion ofNEPA compliance via the Record of Decision (ROD) signed on June
27, 2012, as coordinated between NPS and USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Wildlife Services (WS), and tiered from the draft Supplement to the 1994 Final Environmental
Impact Statement for JFK International Airport (SETS), we are in general agreement regarding
the benefits of resident Canada goose removal, as well as the harvest method demonstrated by
previous WS efforts. The completed NEPA review, analysis, and selected alternative now
provide for a programmatic authorization that allows for a reasonable level of resident Canada
goose culling in specified areas on a case-by-case basis.
Our intent at this time is to continue to work with WS and the other cooperating agencies in
implementing the selected alternative (alternative 6) as summarized in the ROD and detailed in
the SETS. Requests to the NPS for resident Canada goose culling will be considered and
evaluated with respect to alternative 6 as defined in the final SETS, as well as the best available
scientific information and demonstration of need.
Based on the aforementioned, 1 am authorizing WS staff to enter onto the NPS lands at Rulers
Bar Hassock for the purposes of rounding up, capturing, and removing up to 175 resident Canada
geese. Approval for this action is granted for the 2014 Canada goose molting season only,
pursuant to the conditions described below.

1. Upon receipt of a NPS Scientifid Research and Collection Permit, a maximum of 175 resident
Canada geese may be harvested on, and in proximity to designated JBWR sites within Rulers Bar
Hassock. including East Pond and West Pond areas. No other species may be harvested.
2. Small watercraft may be used to access the designated goose removal sites in addition to
landside access points. The use of small watercraft may be used to round-up (drive) geese that
are in Jamaica Bay to adjacent uplands and/or shorelines. Removal of geese will be
accomplished by humane capture in a corral trap.
3. A National Park Service biologist, biological techniciam or other NPS desi2nee shall be on
site during the round-up and capture of the geese. The biologist / bio-tech will record the number
of birds captured in addition to any observations and information pertinent to the field activity.
Records obtained by WS staff shall be provided to NPS staff following completion of capture.
4. All captured resident Canada geese will be removed and humanely euthanized outside of
National Park Service jurisdiction. The geese will then be taken to a meat processing facility and
prepared for free distribution to food banks.
5. This approval expires on July 25,2014.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding regarding this approval. We look forward to
continued cooperation in fulfilling our responsibilities to the nation in terms of our respective
missions, if you have any questions, please contact me at (718) 354-4665.
Sincerely,

Jennifer T. Nersesian
Superintendent

I MI,~4 I Ut- I [-lb IN I bRIOR M~I - Re: NHS Canada Goose Rern~Is

Re: NPS Canada Goose Removals

Frame, George <georgeframe~nps.go~>
Thu, Jun 19, 2014 at 12:07 PM
To: Clapper, Andrew T APHIS <Andrew.T.Clapper@aphjsusdagow.
Cc: Doug Adamo <doug_adamo~nps.go~>, Dave A~iin <da~e_aiin~nps.go~, Da~e Taft <daetaft@nps.gov>
-

Andy,
Yes, Ill see you at the JBWR visitor center at 5am Wednesday.
George
George W. Frame, Ph.D.
Biologist in the Natural Resources Management D~vision
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York A~enue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-3544546
office fax 718-354-4548
e-mail george frame~nps.gov

On mu, Jun 19, 2014 at 12:04 PM, Clapper, Andrew T-APHIS <Andrew.T.clapper@aphis usdago~ wrote:
George,

We will meet you at the nature center. Will that work?

AndrewT. Clapper
District Supervisor
USDA-APHIS-ws, NY
Office: (718) 553- 3514
Cell: (347) 986- 6379
andrew.tclapper@aphis.usda.gov

USDA APR15 Wildlife Services

do JFK Plant Inspection Station
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,.,,

DbFAH I MbN I OF-

~ ,..

HE IN I ERKJX Mail

He: NHS Canada Goose Kenm~ls

230-59 International Airport Centers Boulevard

~uildingC,Sufte 100, Room 109
~Springfield Gardens, New York 11413

front Frame, George [mailto:george frame@nps.gov]

Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2014 11:36 AM
To: Clapper, Andrew T APHIS
Cc: Francoeur, Laura; Vernola, Chrystie C APHIS; Lowney, Martin S APHIS
Subject; Re: NPS Canada Goose Removals
-

Andy,
Where should we meet at 5:00am?
George

George W. Frame, Ph.D.

Biologist in the Natural Resources Management DiAsion
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Menue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-354-4546
office fax 718-354-4548
e-mail george_frame~nps .gov

On mu, Jun 19, 2014 at 10:24 AM, Clapper, Andr~w T APHIS <Andrew.T.Clapperaphis.uscia.gov> wrote:
-

George,

I appreciate you and your staff working to get the permit issued by early next week. We discussed the
timeline lbr the removals at Gateway to be Wednesday June 25th or Thursday June 26th, I haw confirmed that
it will take place on Wednesday June 25th at 5:00 am. If you have any questions, concerns or you need
additional information please let me know. Thanks!

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Andrew T. Clapper
District Supeftisor
USDA-Apj-fIS-W5 NY
Office: (718) 553 -3514
Cell: (347) 986 6379
-

andrew.t. clapper@aphis.usda.gov

USDA APHIS Wildlife Serxices

do JFK Plant Inspection Station
230-59 International Airport Centers Boulevard
Building C, Suite 100, Room 109
Springfield Gardens, New York 11413

This electronic message contains inhrmation generated by the USDA solely ~r the intended recipients. Any
unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may ~olate the
law and subject the ~4olator to cMl or criminal penalties. If you believe you ha~e receked this message in error,
please not[fy the sender and delete the email immediately.

ftrw/frnqjl n,w,Ip ~

LJcrtmnI IVI~D4 I

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IN tt<TuI< Mail

He: NHS Canada C~oose Renmels

Re: NPS Canada Goose Removals

Frame, George <george_frame~nps.go~>
To: Clapper Andrew T APHIS <Andrew.T.CIapper@aphis.usdago~>

Thu, Jun 19, 2014 at 4:29 PM

Hi Andy,
Dave AMin is considering your request for a USPP presence during the goose roundup.
I dont believe we can be sure of pre~enting an incident like the one that happened last year, when a Goose
Watch indMdual was taking close-up in-your-face pictures of Martin Lowney. The indMdual did leave when I told
him that it is unlawftjl to interfere with a go~emment employee who is doing his job. In years past, the NPS
instructions were to allow the public to watch from a distance sufficient to ensure that they didnt scare the geese
away. Also, there is a designated Freedom-of-Speech area in the northeast corner of the parking lot.
What is your plan? Can you predict where the geese will be at 5:00am? Or, will you just start at West Pond and
work northward and then eastward?
George
***

**

** * ****** ****** * ****** **** * *

George W. Frame, Ph.D.

Biologist in the Natural Resources Management D[~ision
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York A~enue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-354-4546
office fax 718-354-4548
e-mail george frame~nps .gov

On mu, Jun 19, 2014 at 12:16 PM, Clapper, Andrew T-APHIS <Andrew.T.Clapper@aphis usdago~ wrote:
George,

I forgot to ask one thing. Will there be any kind of law enforcement available in order to keep a
situation like last yearfrom developing?

AndrewT. Clapper
District Supervisor
USDA-APHIS-W5, NY

ftaci1m~il nrnnla ~

115

UEPAH I MEN I OF

HE IN I ERIOR MaH - RE: NIS Canada Goose Renmels

-.

RE: NPS Canada Goose Removals

Clapper, Andrew T APHIS <Andrew.T.Clapper@aphis.usdagov>
To: Frame, George <georgeframe~nps.go~>
-

Fri, Jun 20, 2014 at 9:38 AM

I understand, and I appreciate you providing me the information. My intention is to have my people be
able to do their jobs without being harassed, and we have found it helpful at other locations to have law
enforcement present in case they have to intervene. I guess we will hope for the best.

The geese should be in the water that early in the morning, as far as the exact location, that will have to
wait until we get there. Where ever the geese are we will form a plan and then execute the plan to the
best of our ability. It may take a few tries to get them all, but that is how it goes sometimes.

Thanks again!

Andrew T. Clapper
District Supervisor
USDA-APHIS-ws, NY
Office: (718) 553- 3514
Cell: (347) 986- 6379
andrew.tciapper@aphis.usda.gov

USDA APHIS Wildlife Services

c/0JFK Plant Inspection Station
230-59 International Airport Centers Boulevard
Building C, Suite

100,

Room 109

Springfield Gardens, New York 11413

Front Frame, George [mailto: george_frame@nps.gov]

Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2014 4:29 PM
To: Clapper, Andrew T APHIS
-

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i MEN I (ii- I HE IN! ERIO[< Mail

Rb: NFS Canada Goose Rerm~ajs

Subjet Re: NPS Canada Goose Removals

Hi Andy,

Da~e A~rin is considering your request for a

USPP presence during the goose roundup.

I dont believe we can be sure of presenting an incident like the one that happened last year, when a Goose
Watch indMdual was taking close-up in-your-face pictures of Martin Lowney. The individual did lea~e when I told
him that it is unlawftjl to interfere with a go~emment employee who is doing his job. In years past, the NPS
instructions were to allow the public to watch from a distance sufficient to ensure that they didnt scare the geese
away. Also, there is a designated Freedom-of-Speech area in the northeast corner of the parking lot.

What is your plan? Can you predict where the geese will be at 5:00am? Or, will you just start at West Pond and
work northward and then eastward?

George

George W. Frame, Ph.D.

Biologist in the Natural Resources Management DMsion
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York A~enue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-354-4546
office fax 718-354-4548
e-mail george_frame~nps.gov
**

**

***

** ** * ** * ********************* *

On mu, Jun 19, 2014 at 12:16 PM, Clapper, Andrew T-APHIS cAndrewT.Clapper@aphis.usda.go~ wrote:
George,

I forgot to ask one thing. Will there be any kind of law enforcement available in order to keep a situation
like last year from developing?
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LJtVRJ% I MtP4 I

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Ke: More details tOf tIie round-up

Re: More details for the round-up

Clapper, Andrew T APHIS <Andrew.T.Clapper~aphis.usda.go~>
To: Frame, George <george_frame~nps.gow
-

Tue, Jun 24, 2014 at 4:46 PM

Thats great! Thanks.

Andrew T. Clapper
District Supervisor
USDA-APHIS-WS, NY
Cell: 347-986-6379
andrew.t.clapper~usda.gov
On Jun 24, 2014, at 2:31 PM, Frame, George <george_frame~nps.go~~ wrote:
Hello Andy,
Da~e A~tin will notit USPP today that a round-up is scheduled, and that USPP should be prepared
to respond to calls for assistance if anyone tries to disrupt the work of Federal Employees. You
all might want to program the USPP 24-hr dispatch number (718-338-3988) into your cell phones.
I will close off the trails while we are working there. I ha~e area closed signs with CFR number,
which I will hang on a string and ribbon across each trail.
Please alert all drKers to be careful to a~vid Diamond-back Terrapins that might be walking or
nesting on the trails.
Thank you.
George
**

**

* *******-k*********** * * ******** *

George W. Frame, Ph.D.

Biologist in the Natural Resources Management DMsion
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York A~enue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-354-4546
office fax 718-354-4548
e-mail george_frame~nps .gov

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any
unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may ~iolate the
law and subject the ~Aolator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you hate received this message in error,
https://rriail .goog Ie.oonVmiI/u!Oflu~=2&~442aa4199c&t~eA=pt&search=inbo~th=14&fb1953512ae7&sin1=146olb1953512ae7

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Re: Resident Canada Goose round-up is completed

Avrin, Dave <da~e_a~iin@nps.gov
Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 12:32 PM
To: Frame, George cgeorge_frame~nps.go~>
Cc: Doug Adamo <doug_adamonps.gav>, Dave Taft <da~e_taft~nps.gov>, Suzanne McCarthy
<suzanne_mccarthynps.gav>, Jennifer Nersesian <jen_nersesian~nps.gop
Thanks George,
You always make it look way too easy.

Da%e Avrin
Gateway NRA
Chief- DMsion of Resources Management
718-354-4625 (office)
917-295-1771 (cell)
On Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 11:42 AM, Frame, George <george_frame~nps.go~e wrote:
Hello Dave,
This morning (Wednesday, 25 June 2014) the 2014 round-up of Canada Goose at Rulers Bar Hassock was
carried out without incident. Nobody from the public came.
In total, 73 geese were captured, crated, and taken to a meat processing plant in NY State. The meat will be
distributed to food banks.
The.round-up occurred between 5:00am to 8:30am. Most indMduals were captured in the bay, north of the
East Pond drainage outfall. And a few were captured in East Pond. After the round-up, at least two dozen
indMduals were still ~isibIe along the shores of Rulers Bar Hassock, and many more resident Canada Goose
are elsewhere in Jamaica Bay.
This year there was no round-up at PAL and FAL because of the low numbers of resident Canada Goose at
those sites.
George

George W. Frame, Ph.D.

Biologist in the Natural Resources Management D[Asion
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-354-4546
office fax 718-3544548
e-mail georgejrame~nps .gov
httpsi/n~iI.goog le.co

9MO/?ui=2&ik=442aa4199c&a=pt&search=inbox&th= 14241953d32&sini=146d3dt241953d32

112

...np...n vi~o nr~ ot~ n~waIurI C. isOH6Qflfl9 PWrYIE (t~AI :-~e; ReSIdecIt Cnda Goose roundup

NPS Sd Research & Collecting Permit (GATE-296) Resident Canada Goose

roundup
Frame, George <georgeframe~nps.go~
Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 8:30 PM
To: Date Taft <date_taft~nps.go~p, Rita Mullally <rita mullally~nps.go~t, Jessica Browning
<jessica_browning~nps.go~, Hanem Abouelezz <hanem_abouelezz~nps.go~., Edgardo Castillo
<edgardo_castillo~nps .gow
Hello all, for your information:
Tuesday e~ening I sent this permit (see attachment) to Principal ln~estigator Martin Lowney at Wildlife Sentices.
On Wednesday (25 June 2014), early morning, the resident Canada Goose round-ups were done at Rulers Bar
Hassock. The capture sites were in East Pond and in the bay just north of North Dike Road (= Paterson Road).
The total round-up was 73 indMduals in molt.
No round-ups were done at PAL and FAL this year.
The goose cull for 2014 is completed. The reduction in resident Canada Goose numbers impro~es airport safety,
reduces food competition with other bird species, and lessens the destruction of saltmarsh ~egetation.
George
**

**

**

* **** *** * **** *

George W. Frame, Ph.D.

Biologist in the Natural Resources Management Di~4sion
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York A~enue
Staten Island, NY 10305-5019
office phone 718-354-4546
office fax 718-354.4548
e-mail george_frame~nps .gov

Permit&Letter GATE-296 MLowney WS goose roundup.pdf

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