City Commission commits $4,000 for management of deer removal
The Mount Pleasant City Commission is taking action over damaged property in city neighborhoods.
The culprits -: deer.
At Monday night's meeting, the commission voted to commit up to $4,000 to cover the cost of deer management in early 2010 and agreed to further consult the USDA Wildlife Services department to decide how many deer to remove.
The USDA Wildlife Services department will charge approximately $1,800 per visit for lethal or non-lethal deer removal.
The commission also called on neighborhood residents to provide up to $1,500 for the problem. The neighborhood may apply for city mini-grants in order to help cover the costs, the commission said.
Harvested deer would be taken to a local meat processor and given to a charitable organization, such as an area soup kitchen.
More than six residents attended to voice concerns at the meeting, including property damage and the possibility of exposure to Lyme disease, and gain more information about the excess deer population.
Tim Wilson, the wildlife biologist from the USDA Wildlife Services office in Okemos, explained options during the June 22 work session.
Three problem areas with deer overpopulation are vehicle/deer accidents, the possible spread of disease and damage to residential landscaping and vegetation, he said.
The USDA runs deer removal and harvesting procedures with a "safe, humane and effective" method. The method minimizes harm to both the species and the environment, Wilson said.
"One of the challenges with this situation is that while the habitat may be able to temporarily support a high density of deer, the social tolerance for these animals appears to be declining," he said.
Lethal and non-lethal methods of removal were also discussed. Wilson recommended the removal of 10 to 15 dear annually for the next three to five years.
An initial deer count of specific areas in Mount Pleasant was performed with Central Michigan University's Wildlife Society. The groups counted deer in four locations over four consecutive nights.
Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer said that because of health hazards, vehicle hazards and public safety issues, the city needs to act.
"This is beyond a neighborhood problem," Kilmer said. "I think we need to give this a try."
Rebecca Allen, a Mount Pleasant resident, has Lyme disease and attended Monday's meeting to address the importance of awareness.
"I just want the public to be aware how serious it is," she said. "Please take this seriously."
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