Town Trustees defend burial of Canada geese after mass die-off at Georgica Pond

East Hampton Town Trustees issued a statement this week defending their response to a recent mass die-off of Canada geese at Georgica Pond and addressing social-media criticism over how carcasses were handled.

The Trustees said they followed guidance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation when they counted, collected and disposed of many of the birds. According to the Trustees’ release, carcasses were buried at least 3 feet deep and topped with an additional 3 feet of new sand, and workers were provided sterile protective equipment while performing the task.

The Trustees’ statement also said the areas where geese carcasses were found fell under Trustee jurisdiction and private Georgica property, and that the Georgica Association did not request Trustee assistance during the incident as some social-media posts alleged. The statement further acknowledged that a Trustee staff member gave out incorrect information in response to public inquiries; the Trustees said that matter is being addressed internally with the Human Resources Department.

The Town Trustees did not provide a timeline for any additional follow-up or public meetings in the broadcast. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was cited in the Trustees’ explanation of methods and safety protocols.