The Ad Hoc Tick Borne Disease Action Committee held a meeting on Wednesday,
June 2, 2010 at the C. H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT
Present: Maggie Shaw, Mark Alexander, Neil Chaudhary, Peter Licht, George Miller, Kirk Blanchard
Also Present: David Shugarts, Pat Boily and one member of the public.
Call to Order: Mr. Chaudhary called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: Dr. Licht motioned to approve the minutes of May 26, 2010. Motion seconded by Mr. Alexander. Minutes approved unanimously as amended.
Discussion of Deer Vehicle Accidents
Mr. Chaudhary opened a discussion regarding the report “Impact of Deer Beyond Tick Borne Disease”, which includes information on deer vehicle accidents, (Newtown crash data, Newtown deer crash costs and injuries, deer vehicle accident countermeasures, and recommendations regarding deer vehicle accidents). The committee discussed variables in the dollar values and the possible reasons for the apparent decrease in crash percentages. It was noted that the data comes from several sources and the report should capture the concept of estimations. The committee also discussed countermeasures, including the effectiveness of reflectors, deer whistles, installing fencing, and cutting foliage alongside the roadways. Also discussed were the benefits of placing more eye-catching warning signs up on
the roads during the deer rut season. It was noted that there should be data gathered to find out what roads/intersections have a higher number of crashes, which would help target precautionary measures. It was also noted that deer in other parts of the country are more migratory, whereas the white tailed deer in Connecticut remain within a certain area.
Final Comments
Mr. Blanchard said the subcommittee for Deer Impact for Forest have changed their tactic and will be submitting one report, which will not be completed for the next meeting.
Public Comments – No public comments.
The committee adjourned at 9:04 pm.
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