Title
Resolution Directing City Administrator to Evaluate Deer Management Options for Council Consideration
Body
Whereas, Deer populations are elevated and increasing, with the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission estimating that the deer population in Washtenaw County has been steadily increasing over the last 15 years;
Whereas, The City Natural Area Preservation Program participated in an aerial deer survey of the Marshall Nature Area in northeast Ann Arbor in the winter of 2013 which indicated a deer density of 76 per square mile for that specific area;
Whereas, Scientific studies indicate deer densities of 15 - 20 per square mile or less are considered a more optimal level for public health (e.g., tick population), safety (e.g., traffic collisions) and landscape management purposes;
Whereas, Ann Arbor residents have requested the City's assistance with deer management and have provided helpful information about deer numbers, travel patterns, and landscape damage, providing an increasing sense of urgency for the City to explore and propose options to address public health, traffic safety and landscape destruction;
Whereas, Deer management options are costly and often elicit strong emotions, requiring the presentation of accurate, unbiased information based on sound science regarding effectiveness as well as strategies/solutions that are accompanied by a high level of community acceptance and support;
Whereas, Land use in the City and County provides plentiful food and habitat for the deer, requiring a regional approach to deer management; and
Whereas, The City Administrator is authorized, under City Ordinance 9:53, to approve and permit the control and management of wildlife that causes property damage or creates a nuisance or health hazard, and the permitting for such actions must be coordinated with and issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources;
Resolved, That the City partner with the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department and Commission, the University of Michigan, the Humane Society of Huron Valley and other interested parties to develop information and strategies needed for deer management, including conducting deer counts; researching damage caused by deer to wildlife, native vegetation, and forest regeneration; and obtaining assistance from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division;
Resolved, That the City Administrator shall report to City Council by July 31, 2014 on the status of the partnership, including budget and timelines; and
Resolved, That the desired outcome from the partnership is a community-endorsed deer management plan.
Sponsored by Councilmembers Lumm, Briere, Kailasapathy and Petersen