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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes MINUTES Urban Wildlife Advisory Committee Meeting August 27, 2012 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLLCALL The meeting was called to order at 4:46 P.M. Present: Michael Beeth, LorRae Crubaugh, Steve Cummings, Michael Nigl, Steve Voss Absent: Doris Dehn, Loren Dieck, Cecil Streeter Staff: Chad Dallman, Parks Operations Manager; Trish Marks, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Crubaugh for approval of the April 23, 2012 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Nigl. Motion carried 5-0. CITIZEN’S STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) Jerry Burke, 1733 Northpoint Street, expressed concern with the crows/ravens in his neighborhood. He gave a brief synopsis of the various conversations he had with the DNR, Fish and Wildlife Department and the Oshkosh Police Department. He stated that the birds are present year round and are not migratory. Mr. Voss inquired if there were neighbors feeding birds. Mr. Burke stated he did not know, but noted that someone had dumped out a bag of French fries and the crows/ravens had a field day. The birds scare the hawks away – they are so large. He thanked the Committee in advance for any help they may be able to contribute. BUSINESS 1)Review monthly car accident reports from Police Department There was no discussion on this item, although Mr. Voss did suggest that a map be designed with push pins distinguishing the various areas for the accidents. 2)Discussion on public education opportunities on wildlife management Mr. Streeter was not present for the meeting, so this item will be put on the next regularly scheduled meeting agenda for discussion. URBAN WILDLIFE ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEE MINUTES PAGE TWO AUGUST 27, 2012 3)Update on deer management projects Mr. Dallman stated this project is on hold at this time. He stated that he had just sent out the information for the goose/geese grant work. He reported that approximately 68-69 geese were taken from different park properties. Parks crews also did egg oiling of 38 eggs in 9 nests. 4)Discussion on turkeys/wood chucks/nuisance crows in neighborhoods This item was earlier discussed in the Citizen’s Statements. Mr. Cummings noted that the Middle Neighborhood District has an infestation of raccoons. Mr. Beeth stated while he did have a lot of turkeys in his neighborhood, he hasn’t seen any of them for a while; he thinks since his neighborhood now has some foxes, that the foxes may have had an effect on the turkeys. Mr. Dallman stated that while he needs to do some research on the City’s ordinances relative to nuisance control, the citizens are able to do things on their own to control the pests. He stated that garbage is a big attraction (food source) and the public could make sure their garbage is well contained. 5) Discuss pilot study information regarding contraception in free roaming deer With respect to contraceptives, he recently called Bryan Woodbury at the DNR who stated the DNR is not issuing any grants/licenses for contraceptives as they are cost prohibited. Mr. Woodbury gave a reference to a Brad Coley from the State DNR office to see what can be done, but Mr. Dallman has not received any formal information to date. Ms. Crubaugh stated she would like to obtain a cost estimate from the pilot program before the Committee closes the door on the idea of contraceptives. Chairman Voss inquired if funding was available for another aerial survey to be done in the winter months. Mr. Dallman stated he would have to check the City’s budget to make that determination. Mr. Cummings stated that he had NOT received any feedback (phone calls or emails) from the public regarding the latest culling. Mr. Voss inquired if the DNR would keep the Committee updated with contraceptive information. Mr. Dallman stated he would check to see if there was a website or blog available for updates and possible permit process information. Discussion ensued relative to possible bow-hunting options/funding in case funding became available, there would be a plan in place. Mr. Nigl inquired if the proposed bow-hunting would be carried out in the Quarry property. Mr. Dallman did not think that would be possible. URBAN WILDLIFE ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEE MINUTES PAGE THREE AUGUST 27, 2012 5)Topics for next meeting Update on educational purposes and schools worksheets  Updated car and deer accident reports  Update on turkeys, wood chucks, and crows/ravens  Discussion on bow hunting options and funding  CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items not on agenda) There were no citizen statements. OTHER BUSINES & ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Crubaugh for adjournment; seconded by Cummings. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 5:36 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks Recording Secretary