The second site was a corporation in Herndon were two grids were erected in May 1992 using parallel and perpendicular 12-gauge polypropylene lines spaced at 8.3 m intervals. Three-foot light-duty steel fence posts supported the grid. The polypropylene line was wrapped around the post and secured with a self-stripping electrical tap connector. The maximum span over the pond was approximately 83 m. A two-stand polypropylene line fence was erected around the perimeter as at the site in Fairfax.

       In April 1993 at the Herndon site a polypropylene line grid was replaced with 0.05 inch kevlar line (United Rope Works, Montgomeryville, PA) over one pond. The kevlar line was connected to heavy-duty five-foot steel fence posts by inserting a four-inch eyebolt through pre-drilled holes, sliding a 3/64 - 3/32 inch stainless steel thimble through the eye of the eye-bolt, and threading the kevlar line through the thimble and a B4 cooper sleeve which was then crushed with a Nicopress No. 17-B4 hand tool (National Telephone Supply Co.). The eye-bolts were used to adjust the tautness on the kevlar lines; l.5-2.0 kilos for spans less than 33 m and 3.25-3.75 kilos for 66-53 m spans. The kevlar line was rated at 85.6 kilos break strength. The two-strand perimeter fence was connected to the fence posts by passing the 12-gauge polypropylene line through one and one-half inch eye-bolts placed in pre-drilled holes about 20 and 35 cm above the ground. Self-stripping electrical tap connectors were used to connect the ends of the polypropylene wires.

       The third site was a golf course in Alexandria were parallel overhead kevlar lines spaced at 8.3 m intervals were installed over a 0.l ha pond by the golf course following my instructions in the fall of 1992. A two-strand perimeter fence was not erected.

       The mention of products and corporations does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

RESULTS

       Overhead wire grids were successful at substantially reducing the number of Canada geese

Fairfax Site

       Approximately 100 non-migratory Canada geese were aggressively harassed from the 0.8 ha. pond so that the grid could be installed. Upon completion of the grid that day, the geese returned and attempted to land on the pond but aborted their landings. The golf course reported the geese continued to try to land on the pond over the next four months but always aborted the landing. I witnessed approximately 12 geese fly over and abort a landing on the pond four months after installation. Since erection of the grid, only two geese continued to use the golf course for feeding, nesting, and loafing. No geese used the pond.

       The 12-gauge polypropylene wire stretched and the fiberglass posts fatigued over four months. The wire had to be tightened to keep it from sagging into the water. The fiberglass posts initially were erect but over time bent inward towards the pond due to the weight and wind resistance of the polypropylene wire.

Herndon Site, polypropylene line

       Two 0.8 ha ponds were enclosed in a 12-gauge polypropylene line grid over three days. Approximately 75 Canada geese abandoned the two ponds moving to a third pond a short distance (300 meters) away. Goose feeding and loafing activity stayed concentrated around the third pond. The corporation was satisfied to keep the goose activity at the third pond and away from the building, walkways, driveway, and outdoor cafeteria.

       The polypropylene line began sagging within one month and many of the longer spans laid in the water. The perimeter fence line was broken in numerous locations due to carelessness by the landscaper. Geese (N=8) started using the gridded ponds as isolated pairs. Geese would scramble over sagging and floating grid lines. The three foot-tall steel fence posts were leaning inward towards the pond due to the weight and wind stress upon the polypropylene line.

Herndon Site, kevlar line

       Approximately, 75 geese were using the corporate property at initiation of the study. Less than six geese were using each gridded pond ten months later. All polypropylene lines over 33 meters had sagged and