Seeking Opinion on Deer

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has invited public comment on a draft environmental assessment called White-tailed Deer Damage Management in New York, prepared by the Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. 

The D.E.C. issues permits to landowners, municipalities, and resource management agencies to deal with deer damage. Dense deer populations in many parts of the state damage agriculture, forests, and other plants, according to the D.E.C., adversely impacting biodiversity and native plant communities and threatening human health and safety. 

Deer populations are primarily managed in most parts of the state through regulated recreational hunting, but there is typically little land accessible to hunters in developed areas. Actions proposed in the environmental assessment could be conducted on public and private property when the property owner or manager requests assistance, a need for action is confirmed, and agreements specifying the nature and duration of the activities are completed. Wildlife Services would conduct most projects in urban or suburban environments and properties where access to the general public is limited due to safety or security.

Those interested can obtain a copy of the environmental assessment and submit comments by entering “APHIS-2015-0093” in the search box at regulations.gov. Comments can also be sent to USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, 1930 Route 9, Castleton, N.Y. 12033-9653. Comments must be received by Jan. 15 to receive full consideration. All comments, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record