We are fortunate to have several ponds in our neighborhood along with more green space per capita than almost any other neighborhood in the area.   The geese who visit our ponds are normally welcome guests.  However, some residents are upsetting the balance of nature by feeding the geese on a regular basis.  This has resulted in an unsustainable overpopulation of geese who have now altered their behavior and are flocking here in large numbers rather than seeking natural sources of food. 

The result has been damage to FPOA and resident’s property, erosion of pathways and damage to the ponds, not to mention unpleasant and unhealthy waste.  These problems can be irreversible if not addressed quickly.   Geese overpopulation is a problem in many cities and neighborhoods.  The solutions can be costly and very detrimental to the animals. 

Most Wildlife experts agree that humans feeding these fowl on a regular basis is a primary cause of the problem.  This must stop in order to try to return the geese population to a natural and sustainable level.      As a result, a policy has been put in place to prohibit feeding of these fowl and there are fines for violation of the policy.     This has become a serious and intolerable problem.  Thank you for adhering to this policy and keeping our neighborhood a safe and healthy place to live.

From the experts:

“Feeding of geese will definitely attract more geese and lead to overpopulation.  In addition to the unsightly and unpleasant droppings and destruction to yards, geese  can carry  disease and will ruin the water quality of the ponds, so much so that dogs should not even swim in it.   The number one solution is to stop feeding the geese, immediately.”   David Curtiss, local agent for USDA Wildlife Services.

“Stop feeding the geese.  Geese will congregate where food is easy to find.  So more geese will stay more persistently where people offer handouts.  Canada geese do not need food from humans.  Even in severe weather, these birds move considerable distance to better forage when necessary.  Canada geese find nutritionally appropriate food for themselves.

If fed an inappropriate diet, such as human foods and commercial poultry feeds, young waterfowl are prone to develop a wing deformity called angel wing, slipped wing or dropped wing.  This permanent deformity prevents or limits flight – a very severe handicap for a wild bird.  Inappropriate food can cause other, less obvious problems by replacing nutritious food with “empty calories” much like chips and candy for people.”      Humane Society

 

With the start of a new year, it is a good time to refresh, restore and refurbish our properties. The appearance and aesthetic quality of each home is vital in the protection, preservation and promotion of our property values. In order to best ensure this quality, enforcement of existing covenants and regulations is necessary. Our local realtors support this mission as they understand the importance to property value enhancement. However, violations do occur and applicable fines have been updated.    

 

Please be  aware that ALL exterior property modifications/changes/replacements must be approved by the FPOA Architectural Control Committee. This includes, but is not limited to, tree cutting, painting, fences, sheds, major landscaping changes, driveway extensions, roofing (even replacements), etc.

Property modifications made without FACC approval are subject to significant fines. Modification Request Applications  should be  submitted to GNO Property Management and approved in a very timely manner by the FACC. Modification work should not be scheduled until FACC approval is received. 

 

While most homeowners adhere to the covenants and regulations, there have been numerous violations recently.   Please see the updated FPOA violation fine schedule here; this is more in line with other similar neighborhoods. 

 

Continuing to live in a beautiful, safe neighborhood where property values are protected and increased is the goal. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to Fontainebleau. 

 

Thank you.

FPOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS