06-20-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Keis and Members of City Council FROM: Joel Hanson, City Administrator DATE: June 10, 2016 RE: 2016 Deer Management Plan In 2014, there was some discussion about not having a deer control hunt given the population numbers as documented by the aerial survey had been reduced to more acceptable levels. In authorizing the 2014 program, we set a limit of no more than 10 deer to be taken. Actual results yielded only six deer taken in Little Canada (two does and four bucks). In 2015, the lack of snow cover prevented an aerial count of the deer population. Given 2014’s numbers and the limited results from that year, we did not authorize our total program in 2015. We did issue a permit to allow Frank & Tony Frattalone to hunt on the Frattalone excavating property. No deer were taken there. The aerial population survey for 2016 did not show a dramatic uptick in the number of deer in the City. Therefore, we are recommending the same approach was we took in 2015; i.e. no hunt with the possible exception of the Frattalone Property. As you know, not everyone has agreed with the deer control program. However, in my opinion, it was necessary to reduce population levels to more acceptable numbers. (In 2011, the aerial survey counted 109 in our immediate area!) Therefore, we have been successful in achieving our objective. Attached is the proposed 2016 Deer Management Plan. Staff is proposing no hunt for 2016 with the possible exception of the Frattalone Property. We will continue, conditions permitting, to monitor the population going forward. At some point in the future, control efforts will likely be needed again. Staff would recommend approval of the 2016 Deer Management Plan.