Goose Management

In 2024 Cedar Lake had as many as 300 geese swimming in the lake.  During the summer, several beaches were closed multiple times due to high e-coli readings largely attributed to geese droppings in the lake.  In 2025, a small group of volunteers worked to discourage such large goose populations.  The result was a significant reduction of geese on the lake, and only a few beach closings that year.  In 2026, the efforts continue and the goose population is now at manageable levels.  

Canadian geese are attracted to our island.  It affords safe harbor from predators, and is the primary location of nest building from March thru May.  This year nearly 50 nests and 300 goose eggs were found on the island.  Under an Illinois Department of Natural Resources permit, the eggs were addled by the village.  This resulted in maintaining a reasonable goose population, and eliminated the potential need for a more aggressive culling that some other communities have had to pursue.