Photo from Explore Great Bend’s Facebook page
The swan population at Veterans Memorial Lake doubled in June when two stationed swans added two babies (cygnets).
The swan number is going up and so far the geese number is staying down. This is good news for Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler and his staff that have worked to keep the lake open to the public and off the blue-green algae warning list. Keeler says the geese numbers are at a safe level.
Scott Keeler Audio
The City of Great Bend took numerous steps to remedy the problem of too much phosphorus entering the lake from geese feces and unwanted water runoff. City staff tackled the over-populated geese numbers with noise makers, deterrents, chemical inserts, and the addition of two large swans. The swans came from Omaha, Nebraska a few years ago to help scare off migratory geese. With clipped wings, the swan family, now up to four, are permanent features at Vet’s Lake.
City staff will insert another small dose of alum into the lake soon to assist with phosphorus removal.
After years of being unable to use or come in contact with the lake water and a massive fish kill in 2014, Great Bend has been able to restock the lake with fish and keep it open to the public.