Plans to gas hundreds of geese brings out protesters in north Alabama: ‘They’re part of the lake’
An HOA voted to cull the large waterfowl population.
Mason Reed 
Tensions are rising in a north Alabama community as residents launch a vocal campaign to stop plans to cull the hundreds of Canada Geese inhabiting a local lake in Madison.
The Battle for Lady Ann Lake
The Edgewater community is currently the site of intense debate following an Edgewater Home Owners Association vote on June 8 to euthanize more than 225 geese. The HOA cites concerns over public health, water quality, and the maintenance of walking trails and common areas as the primary drivers behind the decision.
The proposed removal plan, outlined in a recent news report, involves capturing the waterfowl and transporting them to be gassed. Critics of the plan emphasize that this process is lengthy and inhumane, noting that geese are capable of holding their breath for extended periods.
Community Pushback
In just a matter of days, the opposition has gained significant momentum. A petition started by 15-year-old neighbor David Field has already garnered over 3,500 signatures. Residents like Preston Hilsop and September Knowles argue that the geese are a vital, beautiful part of the neighborhood that drew them to the area in the first place.
"They’re a part of the lake," Hilsop said. "It honestly wouldn’t be the same without them."
A History of Conflict
This is not the first time the HOA has pursued such measures. A similar operation took place in 2020 via the U.S. Department of Agriculture, though a new flock repopulated the area only two weeks later. Since that time, the HOA reports it has utilized various non-lethal management tactics, including predator silhouettes, specialized plantings, and deterrent sprays.
While the USDA confirmed it has not yet signed a new Cooperative Service Agreement to assist with a second cull, the HOA is set to meet again on Monday to discuss the situation further. For residents like Louis Hubert, the hope remains that the lake can continue to serve as a shared space for families and the local wildlife alike.
