NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 8, 1999

TOWN PLACES SIGNS TO PROTECT GEESE

CARY, NC – A group of Canadian Geese will be a little safer crossing one Cary street when the Town installs "Waterfowl Crossing" warning signs near a popular nesting site today. Town staff has prepared two crossing signs that warn oncoming motorists from both directions of one section of West Chatham Street of the likelihood of encountering the feathered family of 10. Early next week, these signs will be replaced by the more common sign featuring silhouettes of the feathered friends. The Town will spend about $100 in total to protect the geese with signs.

The Town became aware of the goose issue when several hand-made warning signs were discovered by Zoning Code Enforcement officers in the area late Friday. Since State law prohibits the placement of any unofficial signs on State-maintained rights-of-way, Cary officials contacted NC DOT on Monday and agreed to produce and maintain official waterfowl signs if the State would allow them in the right-of-way. DOT agreed to the proposal.

"While we appreciate the good intentions of those who placed their personal signs along the road to protect the geese, it’s always better for citizens to come to us with sign requests or traffic issues," said Assistant Town Manager Ben Shivar. "This particular area needed official signs properly placed and of proper size and materials to ensure the safety of motorists and of the wildlife." Shivar also noted that roadside work can be hazardous, citizens should not risk personal injury by taking such actions upon themselves.

In the case of the West Chatham Street geese, the Town had not received contact from citizens regarding waterfowl crossing problems in the area. In March, however, the Town handled a similar issue in Coronado Village on Warren Avenue when a citizen letter brought to staff’s attention the frequent crossing of ducks in that area. Since the street involved was Town-maintained, Town staff were able to produce and place official signs without delay.

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