The Ad Hoc Tick Borne Disease Action Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the C.H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT
PRESENT: Mark Alexander, Kirk Blanchard, David Delia, Robert Grossman, Kim Harrison, Mary Gaudet-Wilson, Maggie Shaw, Peter Licht, Michelle McLeod, Neil Chaudhary, George Miller.
ALSO PRESENT: David Shugarts, Pat Boily, Kendra Bobowick from the Newtown Bee and five members of the general public.
CALL TO ORDER: Dr. Grossman called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Dr. Grossman moved to accept the minutes of January 6, 13, and 20, 2010. Seconded by Dr. McLeod. The vote was unanimous.
SPEAKERS PAT SESTO AND TOM BELOTE
Ms. Sesto is member of the Wilton Deer Committee and Co-Chair of the Fairfield Deer Alliance. Their action followed New Canaan because of the number of incidents of Lyme Disease. In 2002 they published a report that hunting was deemed their only option. They have since controlled hunting, using Connecticut State laws along with town regulations. They held public information meetings. This is their eighth year of controlled hunting. There are myriad options and research available. There is a need for public acceptance. Marking and closing of open space was required. They have a website advising where hunting was going to occur as well as orange signs around the area. After eight years things appear to be going well and they are noticing recovery of forests. The purpose of the Alliance is to study, educate and inform. They rely on state and local experts, working as one unit rather than individual towns. Since 2004 they have tried to get professional butchers to cut and
distribute meat to food banks. They have an abundance of information and statistics that were made readily available to the Committee. They have eliminated approximately 400 deer but there are no statistics available on the changes in the number of cases of Lyme Disease. There is no comparison mark till they reach eight per square mile. Greenwich enlisted sharpshooters, which are expensive. She said her priority is conservation and retrieving nesting birds. Hunters IDs and backgrounds are checked. They are encouraged to harvest does.
Dave Shugarts noted an 8’ cedar post enclosure allowed to grow without the influence of deer. Certain species are coming back that could not be found outside the enclosure.
Dr. Grossman thanked Ms. Sesto for her presentation.
Tom Belote, First Chair of the Fairfield Deer Alliance since 2005. said that hunting ordinances need revision and change. The vote to allow controlled hunting was 18-1. Overpopulation of deer causes auto accidents and affects the quality of life. The Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 in favor of sending the matter to town hearing. The public was overwhelmingly in favor without any means of persuasion. Safety is a priority. They do not allow local permits alone. The hunter has to be qualified by the State as a sharpshooter for both firearms and bow. They do not encourage recreational hunters. Every hunter has to devote at least three days a week, Monday through Friday. No weekends, holidays or school closures. Does can produce 2-3 fawn a year with a
ten year reproductive span. Last year 48 were killed which technically saved 209 potential deer. Current methodology will not bring the numbers down to their goal of 8-12 deer per square mile. Therefore they are seeking sharpshooting authorization in late season. They also want the State to grant extra hours.
Dr. Grossman thanked Mr. Belote for his presentation.
DVA PRESENTATION
Dr. Chaudhary distributed a draft report showing vehicle accident figures in town. 2008-2009 the figures were stable with a slight downward slope (which could be attributable to the spike in gas prices and other economic variables). There were more reported on high volume roads. There is no way to identify where the deer population is high. They would need to request small impact crashes from the town to determine if any existing trends were specific to DVA versa general crash trends.
REPORT ON PRESENTATION BY DR. RUTBERG
Mr. Alexander presented a report on Dr. Rutberg’s address to the Committee at the last meeting. Contraception treatment for does lasts two years. They are looking for a test site of about ½ - 3 square miles. Fairfield Hills could be a good place. Dr. McLeod said that sterilization could be good in an area with a specific herd and limited movement. Mr. Shugarts noted that the cost was $230 a deer, but the real costs could end up substantially higher. Treated deer live longer and the treatment has to be given every two years.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Lynn Garfinkle without deer management numbers will rebound. Last week’s presentations were very pragmatic. Nothing will change without spending money.
FINAL COMMENTS
Dr. Chaudhary questioned whether anyone on the committee doubted whether the overabundance of deer is having a negative effect on forests in general (i.e., not necessarily Newtown forests). Ms. Shaw said that if the deer damage to residential arborvitae is any indicator, one wonders what damage is being done to the forests. Dr. Licht emphasized the need for definitive proof of damage. The Selectmen should detail what they require. They have one meeting dealing with categories and subcategories. If more information is needed an expert should be brought in to fill in details.
First Selectman Pat Llodra will address the selectmen. She said that the Committee seems to be making headway, stating that she felt it appropriate that Drs. Grossman and McLeod address the Board at their February 16, 2010 meeting. Although this was initially a Tick Borne Committee, all facets of deer impact come under their charge. During the general discussion the First Selectman reiterated that the health and welfare of the citizens is the prime concern. Other information is ancillary. However, it would be beneficial to hear all of the findings. The selectmen will decide what they want to do with the information.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None
ADJOURNMENT: Dr. Grossman motioned to adjourn at 10:50 p.m. Dr. McLeod seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Margaret R. Wilkin, Clerk
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