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HomeMy WebLinkAbout97-13 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 1997/02/03RESOLUTION NO.9 7 - 1 3' RESOLUTION AMENDING ST. LOUIS PARK'S DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (ADOPTED FEBRUARY 22, 1994) AND RESCINDING A MORATORIUM ON REQUESTS FOR THE REMOVAL OF DEER FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY (ADOPTED OCTOBER 17,1994) WHEREAS, on February 22, 1994 the St. Louis Park City Council adopted Resolution Number 94-22 establishing a Deer Management Policy in St. Louis Park and authorizing implementation of a Deer Management Program; and WHEREAS, the stated objectives of that Policy and Program have been clearly and thoroughly identified and recorded in the official City records; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is necessary to make minor alterations in the language of the Program in order to accurately reflect the intent of the Council as it relates to implementation of the Policy; and WHEREAS, on October 17, 1994 the St. Louis Park City Council adopted Resolution Number 94-155 enacting a moratorium on requests for the removal of deer from private property; and WHEREAS, it was determined at that time that issues pertaining to public health, safety and welfare required that deer removal methods originally recommended for use on private property needed further study and consideration; and WHEREAS, the City Council and City staff have duly studied, considered and evaluated deer removal methods in accordance with regulations and requirements of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and have explored deer management techniques used by other municipalities on private property; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of St. Louis Park does hereby revise and update the City provisions for an ongoing Deer Management Program; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of St. Louis Park has determined that the use of DNR -approved methods for the removal of deer from private property in conformance with the City's revised Deer Management Program will benefit the public health, safety and welfare and does hereby rescind Resolution Number 94-155, thereby lifting the moratorium on requests for the removal of deer from private property within City limits. Adopted this 3rd ay of F • . , 7 1 d ATTEST: Reviewed for Administration: City lVlanager Resolution No. :7-13 ADOPTED PROVISIONS FOR AN ON-GOING DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (As revised by City Council on ebEaa:F r 22, 1 994 February 3, 1997) L Population Reduction of Main Herd: The size of the deer herd in and around the Nature Center needs to be reduced to a level not less than the DNR recommended standard of 15-25 per square mile as soon as possible. A. Since the City is unable to get a DNR permit to transfer the deer elsewhere, the use of trained and experienced St. Louis Park Police Officers as sharpshooters at baited sites which are isolated and secured within the boundaries of the Nature Center is the safest and most humane means to achieve herd reduction. B. The Nature Center will be secured and signs will be posted to ensure the highest possible level of public safety. C. City Maintenance staff will field dress the animals and transport them to a location designated by the area's State DNR Conservation Officer. D. The animals will be professionally processed and all meat will be distributed to food shelves or other charitable organizations which serve needy families, whenever possible. II. Population Maintenance of Main Herd: The herd size is to be maintained at the DNR recommended standard. A. The City will contract with Hennepin Parks and/or the DNR on an annual basis to conduct a mid -winter aerial survey of the deer population throughout St. Louis Park. B. A viable method of immuno -contraception will be used to retard herd growth once such technology is approved and available. C. If viable contraceptive technology is not available, by -November -15-1.1;9-57 then the sharpshooting method as described above will be utilized and will continue on an annual basis until such contraceptive technology is available. D. In order to discourage movement of the deer from the Nature Center into adjoining neighborhoods and to reduce over -browsing there, a supplemental feeding program is to be established, preferably in areas where the deer are most likely to be seen by Nature Center visitors. E. To reduce predation on other public and private properties in and around the Nature Center, an ordinance banning residential feeding throughout the City i5-te be has been adopted. Resolution No. 97-13 III. Deer Management in other Locations: Problems associated with excessive deer populations must be addressed in other locations throughout the community. A. The City will use data produced from the annual mid -winter aerial survey to determine the size of the deer population in other areas. B. On other public properties, the City is to implement the -same population reduction and maintenance methods described -above which have been approved by the DNR and are deemed to be both safe and efficient in order to achieve population levels not less than the DNR recommendation of 15-25 per square mile, contingent upon adequate notification procedures and Council approval. C. On private properties throughout the community, the City willwith full knowledge and consent of the owner, make arrangements ' expense to implement the same population reduction and maintenance methods as described in section 30?) above to achieve population levels not less than the DNR recommendation of 15-25 per square mile, contingent upon adequate notification procedures and Council approval. IV. Other On-going Programs: Concerns about funding, public education and program continuity must also be addressed. A. In order to help pay the additional costs that an on-going deer management program entails, the City will create a "Deer Fund" which will enable interested residents and citizens to contribute toward keeping the City's deer population controlled and well managed. Deer Fund contributors will be allowed to "earmark' their donation for specific programs if so desired. B. In the event that individual property owners need financial help to implement recommended procedures for reducing predation on their property, a request can be made to use Deer Fund monies. C. A comprehensive educational program will -be has been developed by Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Community Education to keep the public informed on wildlife issues, with specific emphasis in the area of protecting private property from wildlife predation. D. The City staff will initiate contact continue to work with the DNR and neighboring municipalities in an attempt to develop a unified strategy for dealing with this regional issue, and to ensure that the wildlife management efforts of St. Louis Park are not in conflict with the policies and programs of surrounding communities.