06-20-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 In 2011, the survey area was expanded to include more areas of the City. In 2012, no count was taken due to the lack of snow cover. For 2014, the aerial survey conducted by Ramsey County Parks & Recreation indicated 24 deer were counted within the City limits. This is down from 109 counted in the same areas in 2011. (The 2014 Aerial Count Map is attached as Exhibit A.) In 2015, the survey did not occur due to lack of snow cover. In 2016, there were the 21 deer in the NE area of the city noted above, 6 by St. John’s Cemetery, and 5 by St. Jude Medical’s corporate campus for a total of 32. This is 8 more than were counted in 2014 with all of them being located in the NE quadrant. Based upon the research conducted by City Staff, biologists indicate a square mile of land in a “natural area” can support about 20 deer. Little Canada is about four (4) square miles in size. Factoring out the developed land, roadways, and lake areas, it becomes reasonable to assume that Little Canada has less than one square mile of “natural area”. As a result, a population of 20 deer or less would be considered sustainable. In 2010, the City also reviewed literature and consulted with other experienced professionals regarding population control options. They were as follows: 1. Fertility Control Drugs - Still new and experimental. Very expensive. Estimated cost is $200 to $500 per deer. Very labor intensive - average 8 man-hours per deer. Must be administered to high percentage of female segment to produce any results. Does not reduce current population. Future doses may be necessary. Research has not shown this to be a viable solution for urban deer issues. 2. Sharpshooters - This option is expensive. Pricing is likely in the range of $200 to $300 per deer. While this technique has proved effective in other Ramsey County areas, it was felt other options should be initially pursued. 3. Urban Bowhunting Through Metro Bowhunters Resource Base (MBRB) - Most cost efficient and safe method for reducing urban deer populations. Bowhunters can apply and are required to pass education and proficiency tests before approved to hunt. The City, in conjunction with MBRB, can decide on hunting details to best fit specific situations. Hunting takes place during the State archery season. 4. Allow Private Hunting Through a Permitting Process and Utilizing the Bow and Arrow Deer Hunting Season – This method is used by the City of Vadnais Heights pursuant to set criteria. Given the lack of large, privately owned sites and the concerns about controlling hunter activity, this option has been employed on a very limited basis for large parcel areas (25 acres or greater). In 2010, a permit was granted for the Sculley property at 3000 LaBore Road and one parcel immediately adjoining the Sculley property. The Sculley permit requires all hunters to be pre-identified before the hunt and to provide evidence of “sharp shooter” status with a bow and arrow. The size of this parcel and its critical location relative to deer herd management has been the basis for including this parcel on a “private hunt” basis. In 2011, a private hunt permit was also granted to Frank Frattalone for his property located at 3204 Rice Street and 3205 Spruce Street given the large size of these two adjoining parcels and their relative isolation from residential areas. Similar hunter qualification requirements were in place. Options 3 & 4 have been the methods employed by the City of Little Canada. Control Results In the fall of 2009, the City contracted with Metro Bowhunters Resource Base (MBRB), a non-profit organization of bowhunters to conduct a controlled hunt in the area of St. John’s Cemetery and other adjoining lands. 13 deer were removed from that area over three, two-day hunt periods that were spaced three weeks apart. The first hunt resulted in 10 deer being taken. The second yielded three deer and no deer were taken during the last hunt.