Week of Dec. 12th

Looking over a snow coated 9th hole

We received the first snowfall of the year along with some frigid conditions over the last week. Most of our week was spent indoors finishing end of year reports and updating our records. We have also already begun making preparations for alleviating a problem from last season, the geese.

The application for a federal depredation permit through the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service was recently completed and submitted for approval. This permit would allow for the removal of the geese causing damage across the golf course. A potential method of removal allowed by this permit would be the direct culling of the local goose population to a specified amount designated by the USFWS. In addition, to the depredation permit we have applied for a goose egg addling permit through the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Goose egg addling is a method of population control through which a goose egg is made not viable. This is usually done by coating the egg with corn oil. Addling is a humane way to limit flock growth and stabilize goose populations. It also frees adult geese from tending flightless goslings, so they can be encouraged to move elsewhere before summer conflicts are greatest. These permits would hopefully greatly reduce the number of geese on the course if they are awarded. We will also continue to look into other harassment techniques for controlling the goose population and providing long-term relief from nuisance bird damage.

Despite the unpleasant outside conditions we were able to start on another brush removal project that we have planned for this off season. The buildup of brush in the creek to the right of the 10th purple tee leading down to the fairway will be cut down and later chipped. This area is being cleared at the request of the HOA, but will significantly improve the aesthetics of the tee complex once completed. Below are some before pictures of the area.

The four new range poles for the back of the driving range were also installed this week. The new poles measure 60 ft. out of the ground in comparison to 30 ft. for the previous poles. The old poles were left in place and used to anchor the new poles. Measurements for new netting to fit the rear section of the range were taken and will be installed later. These measurements could not be done until the poles were in place to ensure a proper net fit. The increased height at the rear of the range will prevent errant range balls from striking houses behind the range field. We will continue to work with Invited on further range improvements in the future.