The Canadian Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and local farmers have cooperated on a comprehensive Trumpeter Swan Management Project in the Comox Valley, BC since 1991. Management Activities Monitoring swan behaviour is an important aspect of developing successful swan management programs. Government agencies and local Natural History Clubs conduct swan surveys to monitor the distribution of wintering swans. Winter cover crops are planted on harvested vegetable fields to reduce damage to nearby grass fields. These crops can lure swans away from vulnerable grass crops that farmers wish to protect.
Cover crops are short rotation winter crops such as rye grasses.
Hazing programs which include placing obstructions in fields and chasing swans with dogs and noisemakers can deter swans from using grass fields. These preventative measures can reduce the level of swan damage to fields. It is important that hazing programs accommodate each farmer's field management practices. Pro-active communication between wildlife agencies, local farmers and the general public is required to improve the understanding of all concerns. All of these activities are required to develop workable solutions that effectively manage Trumpeter Swans.