SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE RESOLUTION No. 40

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: OCTOBER 7, 1996

 

      The Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee favorably reports Senate Resolution No. 40.

      This resolution would memorialize the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to take all necessary action as soon as possible to authorize additional hunting opportunities for resident Canada geese in New Jersey, by increasing the number of hunting days allowed in September and in February, increasing the area in which winter season hunting is allowed in the State, or increasing bag limits, or by such other methods as may be deemed appropriate.

      The large resident Canada goose population in New Jersey causes millions of dollars worth of damage to farm crops every year, contributes to nonpoint pollution through the great amount of fecal droppings deposited by the geese either directly or indirectly into waterways, and generally causes significant lawn maintenance, sanitation, and nuisance problems for public parks, playgrounds, golf courses, schoolyards, and corporate parks. This resolution would urge the appropriate federal authorities to take the action necessary to curb this significant and growing problem.