The purpose of this article is to protect the health, safety, general welfare of citizens and landowners in the Town of Rome and preserve the natural environment that supports a diversity of wildlife on public property, through the regulation of activities related to the direct feeding of geese and other waterfowl. The Town's resident goose and waterfowl population appears to be growing prolifically, which can become an impediment to the public's use and enjoyment of the lakes. Excessive numbers of geese can damage shorelines, pollute the water via defecation, spread diseases, displace other wildlife and introduce parasites that affect the health and safety of the public. By reducing the elements of attraction for geese and other waterfowl, the intensity of a concentrated waterfowl population, especially along shorelines, should be reduced.
[Adopted 12-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-18]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
To give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any edible material by any person with the intent of attracting or enticing waterfowl.
Any wild bird that frequents the water, or lives about rivers, lakes, ponds, etc., including but not limited to ducks, geese, and gulls.
No person may feed, provide or give any food or edible item to any waterfowl within any area of the Town-zoned LD (Lake District), in public parks or on public property, including streets, or public lands within the Town of Rome.
This article shall not prohibit the feeding of waterfowl in an area or areas specifically designated and posted to allow for waterfowl feeding.
Any person convicted of violating this article shall be fined not less than $30 nor more than $100 for each such violation.