ODFW is keeping some of its areas on Sauvie Island closed to the public for an extra two weeks. The opening of the Eastside units will be delayed until May 1st, while Westside, Oak Island and North units will open as normal on April 16.
The Department says the reason for the extended closure is that wintering Cackling Geese are staying longer than expected. If the areas were opened too soon to people, the disruption might cause the geese to move into neighboring farm lands where they could seriously damage crops.
Cackling Geese look like smaller versions of the Canada Goose and were once considered a sub-species.
A flock of Cackling Geese on Sauvie Island. Courtesy ODFW.
