We know you know this. We know the people at the Bend Park & Recreation District know this. We are going to say it anyway: Geese can fly.

That fact is not the end of the debate about the fence the park district wants to put up in Drake Park. It’s where some arguments land.

The Bend Park & Recreation District has submitted a planning application for a new set of 46-inch high cedar — or juniper — fencing with wire mesh along the Deschutes River in Drake Park as geese control.

“Geese congregating in Drake Park and the waste they deposit on the asphalt path and within the park create potential dangers for park users and the environment, especially with the recent increase in avian flu outbreaks,” the district writes.

Humans can contract avian flu, through the saliva, the mucus and feces of birds. It’s rare. It happens. And in some places, it can be harder to step in a place in Drake Park without goose poop than in a place with goose poop.

“The installation of a cedar split rail fence will ensure the safety of individuals enjoying the park and recreating along the Deschutes River Trail,” the district’s argument continues.

No, actually a fence does not ensure anyone’s safety, as the district is certainly aware. It may reduce risks. A fence may stop geese from waddling in some places. It will interfere with ease of access. As the district does correctly point out, the fence will “discourage” geese.

Our fine feathered friends can produce pounds of poop. We have helped make Drake Park a sweet spot for them. Food is plentiful. Humans keep other predators away. It has clear sight lines. The geese can make it home and don’t have to expend the energy to migrate. Some people even feed them. Don’t do that.

Geese like easy access to water. The district’s proposed fence will make it less easy. And from what we understand and have observed, geese prefer to land in the water.

One unintended consequence is the new fencing may impel geese to make more use of the places along the river that will not be fenced, such as the takeout spot/river access point in Drake Park for human floaters. The fencing will end there. That could mean more concentrated human/geese interaction, but we are sure the park district will be ready to make changes to deal with that, if necessary.

The district told us an important thing the new fencing will also do is help protect new vegetation planted along the river. And the fencing will be designed with a gap so other animals can wriggle through, just not geese.

What else will the fence do? The downer is a fence with wire mesh will also disrupt river/Mirror Pond views for humans. It is introducing more unnatural along the river to protect some of the natural — and hamper some of the haven humans have created for geese. We accept that trade, if it works. What do you think?

The city says it is aiming for this issue to go before the city’s planning commission on Oct. 28. Public comments are accepted. You can email spyott@bendoregon.gov and reference the application PLDR20240393. Go here for more information: tinyurl.com/geese-fence.