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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes MINUTES Urban Wildlife Advisory Committee Meeting July 25, 2011 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLLCALL The meeting was called to order at 4:45 P.M. Present: LorRae Crubaugh, Steve Cummings, Loren Dieck, Michael Nigl, Cecil Streeter Absent: Michael Beeth, Nikki Hronis, Steve Voss Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Parks Operations Manager; Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary Others: Chris Jacques and Ellen Barth of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER Mr. Maurer introduced the new Committee member, Loren Dieck, who replaces Ms. Suzuki, who recently resigned. Mr. Dieck is the Operations Supervisor for the Winnebago County Parks Department. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Streeter for approval of the May 23, 2011 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Crubaugh. Motion carried 5-0. CITIZEN’S STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. BUSINESS 1)Review monthly car accident reports from Police Department Mr. Streeter pointed out that the most car/deer accidents appear to be on county roads than within the City limits. 2)Presentation by Chris Jacques of the WI DNR – Discussion on deer management options Mr. Jacques gave a brief PowerPoint™ relative to the clover/box traps. Ms. Crubaugh inquired about the transfer of captive deer. Her understanding is that it is against DRN regulations to transfer captive deer. Mr. Jacques stated that is correct. Ellen Barth, Area Wildlife Supervisor of the WDNR stated that it is against the DNR regulations for the captive deer to be transferred. URBAN WILDLIFE ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEE MINUTES PAGE TWO JULY 25, 2011 Mr. Streeter inquired if there is a magic number of feet that a deer can jump over a fence? Mr. Jacques stated that he had previously done a jump study and found that 8 ft appears to be a good height. Discussion ensued relative to the various methods of repellents that could be used. It was noted that repellents are costly and not always the solution as there are a lot of variables. Reproductive controls are difficult to manage, not cost effective as well as questionable since it may be necessary to resterilize an animal. The DNR has had limited field trial success in this endeavor and it is currently not allowed by the DNR. Mr. Jacques gave brief descriptions of deer traps such as the net caged traps that have steel frames with nets that are stretched out either 76-inches or 90-inches. These traps are available in collapsible and non collapsible types. The DNR uses these types of traps as they are moveable and work well in very cold weather. The down-side is that the animals are visible by the public. The cost is $600-700 per trap. These traps can be modified to minimize the mortality. He noted that the DNR was able to capture 176 animals in the 12 weeks that they used these traps with an 8% mortality (13 died). With respect to box traps, they range from $350-450 a trap. The DNR works with a labor union that builds these for us with no labor included, only materials. The Stevenson box traps have been used with great success, He noted they are massive at 8’ ft long and 4’ tall, weighing 51 lbs. They are collapsible and very heavy. The “pro” side is that they are very safe with minimal injury and out of the public eye. The DNR trapped 220 animals and only 3 died. Heavily baiting the site will really help with capturing using the box trap. Mr. Nigl inquired if whatever type of trap that they City may use, would there be a need to euthanize? Do you see that continuing in the long range? Ms. Barth stated yes, euthanize would need to take place due to chronic wasting. Mr. Jacques stated that he uses the dropped nets frequently. He uses a flag pole with 40” x 60” net as this type of trap is very effective and quick. There is a need for a 2-man crew (3 or 4 men is better) to erect these traps easily and noted that baiting is minimal. His crew trapped 54 deer in 2-3 weeks. Costs are: trigger-$30; net $500-$600; flag pole $100 so the total cost is about $800-$1,000. A question arose about the potential to contract Mr. Jacques for his services. Mr. Jacques stated he could be hired on his personal time, but not on state time. He stated his crews utilize trail cameras which provide information such as the number of deer that are in the area which maximizes efficiency. With respect to controlled hunts, sharpshooters are controversial with respect to safety concerns and are difficult to administer. He noted that chemical immobilization is not a good avenue to follow if it is the intent for the animals go to food pantries. Discussion ensued relative the Vulcan Quarry property and the surrounding fence. Mr. Nigl inquired if the Quarry owners encompass the area with an 8-ft fence instead of a 6-ft. fence, do the deer then become their problem and/or does the Quarry property then become a sanctuary? Ms. Barth stated that the gates have to be shut when the trucks leave or the deer can exit the gates also. She suggested that Mr. Maurer contact the DNR legal counsel to discuss the sanctuary question. Mr. Streeter stated there are two issues with respect to the Quarry, to-wit: what is the certain life expectancy of the quarry? And, if they put up an 8 ft fence, then do they quality as a game farm? URBAN WILDLIFE ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEE MINUTES PAGE THREE JULY 25, 2011 Mr. Cummings inquired if the deer that are now within the boundary of the Quarry are the property of the State, then does that mean it is the State’s responsibility for paying to get them out. Ms. Barth stated that would need to be determined by legal counsel on both parties. 3)Discussion on public education opportunities on wildlife management Mr. Streeter stated he has not had the opportunity to discuss this opportunity with the school district to date. He stated he will attempt to set up a meeting in the very near future as he would like the urban wildlife management plan as part of their education. 4)Discussion on future meeting schedule/dates Discussion ensued relative to changing the future meetings to every other month. Mr. Nigl suggested that until staff talks to the Quarry owners, there is no reason not to meet every other month. After considerable discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee to continue with monthly meetings unless there is a lack of a quorum or insufficient agenda items. 5)Topics for next meeting The Committee would like discussion on fences at the Quarry and educational opportunities for the public on the next agenda. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items not on agenda) There were no citizen statements. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Streeter for adjournment; seconded by Crubaugh. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:03 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf Trish Wendorf Recording Secretary