ADMINISTRATION - Chris Olson, Safety Services Director/Police Chief
Title
ADOPTING THE CITY OF BLAINE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Background
At the December 15, 2016, Council workshop, staff presented information regarding the need for a City Wildlife Management Plan. As property development and the human population increase, the number of incidents involving Blaine residents and deer are becoming more frequent, the most concerning being the high rate of deer-vehicle collisions. These traffic incidents are dangerous and costly to the City and its residents. In addition, staff has received a growing number of resident complaints of deer causing damage to native and ornamental vegetation as well as an increase in the incidence of Lyme disease.
The purpose of the Wildlife Management Plan is to develop strategies for managing deer in the City of Blaine that addresses damage associated with deer while acknowledging and respecting the non-consumptive benefits and appreciation of wildlife presence within the City.
The deer management goals identified in the plan will be revisited annually and are subject to approval by City Council. Based on current carrying capacity, staff is striving to limit the number of deer to 12 per square mile through multiple management tools to maintain the deer population at a sustainable level. Controlled archery hunts may be conducted when deemed both safe and appropriate. Sharpshooting and/or trapping may also be used in areas where recreational hunting or other control measures are not considered safe or appropriate. The City will continue to track the number of deer-vehicle collisions and citizen complaints concerning deer and will conduct winter deer aerial population surveys contingent on snow cover as we are relying upon a partnership with the Three Rivers Park District for the aerial survey.
Recommendation
Adopt the proposed resolution approving the City of Blaine’s Wildlife Management Plan.
Body
WHEREAS, as property development and the human population increase, the number of incidents involving City residents and deer are becoming more frequent; and
WHEREAS, due to the danger and cost to the City and residents the most concerning of these incidents is the high rate of deer-vehicle collisions; and
WHEREAS, there is a growing concern regarding damage by deer to native and ornamental vegetation as well as an increase in the incidence of Lyme disease; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Wildlife Management Plan is to develop strategies for managing deer in the City of Blaine that addresses damage associated with deer while acknowledging and respecting the non-consumptive benefits and appreciation of wildlife presence within the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council hereby adopts the attached Wildlife Management Plan.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 2nd day of March, 2017.