[Peace] My letter to the local news:

[Susan Parenti]

Hello Jan and other friends and acquaintances—

What Karen and other letter-writers are pointing out is NOT an argument that there is no over-population of the geese—yes, we completely join you in seeing one of the problems as over-population. What we are pointing out is the means by which the overpopulation is addressed by UPD—culling, or killing—when there are new, humane and successful ways to influence the overpopulation. Viktoria Ford spent considerable time with Derek Liebert, and with the organization GeesePeace, describing the humane and effective way they (Geese Peace) control overpopulation. Our group of ’save the geese urbana’ has found numerous examples of communities about our size, who have used effective and humane means to control overpopulation. 

Secondly,UPD gave us 11 days April 27 to May 9th, to participate in  ‘public dialogue’ (via a 6 question survey), then had a vote, and that was it. They, the UPD, have been working on this culling step for three years. We had11 days—they’ve had 1,095 days. 

I applaud Karen for making connections in ways many of us wouldn’t. 

Please join us in a rally around the geese this Tuesday, May26, 12 noon to 1pm, at the corner of park and Broadway. (People must wear masks, keep 6 feet away). We hope to have a mike or megaphone, and will welcome all the varieties of opinions that people may have. We’re not looking for agreement—we’re looking for time and space for Community dialogue. Which our hardworking and thoughtful park personnel do not offer. We’re also inviting the park District personnel to attend and to speak with us, answer questions. 

Warmly, also without malice—
Susan Parenti

> On May 24, 2020, at 2:32 PM, Predmore, Janice C via Peace <peace at lists.chambana.net> wrote:
> 
> Your letter is wide ranging, drawing in several topics that seem off topic.  We’re contemplating a burgeoning flock of geese in our park.
> 
> That the suggestion of removing a part of the flock has you thinking about recent wars (which I agree are awful & disgusting) is unfair to press on our park board as their responsibility to somehow ameliorate. 
> 
> My reaction to your claim that draconian measures to control population has never been effective ... just think back to your years in this area and count how many black bear, bobcat, common rat snake, and for that matter how many Native American families are you aware of ?   
> 
> In my opinion the numbers of Canada Goose in Crystal Lake park must be reduced.  There will remain enough so that we can enjoy both them and the park. I support our hard working & thoughtful park personnel in the decision to reduce the flock numbers . 
> 
> Without malice,
> Jan 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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