Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-2026 - Agenda Packet City Council - Work SessionAgenda City Council Work Session Monday, May 11, 2026, 5:00 PM City Council Chambers 12780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 952-249-4600 /oronomn.gov Roll Call Work Session Item Deer Management Discussion Adjournment Sign up for email notifications at oronomn.gov AGENDA ITEM Date: May 11, 2026 Title: Deer Management Discussion Presenter: Correy Famiok, Police Chief Section: Work Session Item Item: Purpose: The purpose of this item is to discuss current deer management due to concerns from residents and the increase in deer population. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED Discuss and direct staff concerning possible changes to current deer management policies. Exhibits A. City of Orono Deer Survey 2026 B. Deer Management Talking Points 2026 C. Hogg - Aerial Surveys and collision data D. Moriarty - MBRB E. Nelson - Urban Deer Damage F. Noland - Urban Deer Management and DNR rules G. Deer Survey Orono 2026 2 City of Orono Aerial Deer Survey N Surveyed: 2/5/2026 Total Deer Below: 287 Total Deer within City Survey Area Limits: 274 NRM Department Revised Date: 3/6/2026 ThreeRivers PARK DISTRICT Three Rivers Parks, Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community This map is for general refer a only. This is not a legal document and it is provided without warranty. Data represented in this map is from a variety of sources, and is dynamic. The user acknowledges and accepts these terms. Deer Management Talking Points Over the last several years staff has looked into the deer populations concerns in and around Orono. We routinely get 2-3 concerns a year related to damage to vegetation and car/deer collisions and occasionally related to large amount of deer grouped together. First of all, this is a very difficult issue to address in a suburban/rural area with large areas of wetlands, woods and other natural areas that attract and hold deer. There are also very limited predators in the area. Orono currently allows bow hunting on 5 acres+ lots (adjoining properties can be combined to get the 5-acre minimum). In 2024 the city issued 37 permits; however, we do not follow up with the permit holders to see if they took a deer. Currently we charge $25.00 for the application. We have discussed to raising this to a higher amount ($225-$250) per application, but refund the permit holder all but $25 if they take a doe. Generally speaking, most bow hunters in the area are hunting for bucks and generally pass on the does. We have allowed Three River to expand their bow hunting into the area of Orono that is a part of Baker Park. However, it was disappointing to hear that on average only 5 deer are taken during the bow hunt in ALL of Baker Park. We also discussed allowing a bow hunt in Noerenberg Gardens, however the recommended number of hunters allowed would be less than 5 in the park. The city did approve Three Rivers to conduct a deer survey for the City of Orono, a small area was able to be completed in 2026 which resulted in a count of 30 deer in the surveyed area. The areas surveyed was in the North east part of Orono. Here is the link to this year's Aerial Deer Survev Public Dashboard and Aerial Deer Public Viewing for Citv Review data. Some other option that can be discussed is bring in sharpshooter, but this program has many negative concerns that the city and council would need to address with the public. Program would also need funding to set up the program for the shooting, disposal (processing deer and delivery to butchers). Deer can't be shot and left, they need to be disposed of. Another option would be to allow bow hunting in city park property. In 2023 city staff meet with Three Rivers Park District staff to review their deer management plans. The bottom line is that there are not many options for deer management in a suburban/rural area. 4 Deer Survey and Deer Car/Collision Data Steven Hogg - Wildlife Supervisor 51 0 -141 \e<e a r Jrised i slrYis cenle+� � 7 '� ���� / �' f ►� � 7 10 f .' i. ' �. - „!' - `f I_ A � �. fig i I I � I' � `' ' + N '� I :t t v. _ i i 1 11 � � - - + f - `��,, �, `''tip _ t - y - - � •- � - J � i.: �r � 14 k.,� + r � � : f .� .1 'rr I f e - - 5 12 2022/2023 Winter Aerial Survey Data 128 434 f 154 196 0 108 oft 131 67 MCI- a iK4WARA F35E2 M 12 Carver Park Deer Herd - 35 Years of Aerial Surveys 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 0 13 2021 Hennepin County Reported Car/Deer Collision Data M State Hwy Collisions - 170 G ❑ ■ O I • Ciaunty Road Collisions - 17B ❑ Hennepin_County_8ndry ❑ H 14 Hennepin County Reported Deer/Car Collision County and State Data Combined 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 15 8 3 5'F V ;R 4hL q v. fYi lk �f4' ems; ►. �-� �;fe�� �. 4 04/25/2022 12:OOPM _1 I LR25 Metro Bowhunters Resource Base "Specializing in Low -Cost Urban Deep Management" 17 MBRB Hunt Locations and status HAS3AN �1L � * Active in 2022 * not active CitiesfTownships Regional Parks a V -Ti FISH LAKE k t i THNlOOUS PAR 'ENVMCN TAL PARK I S- G TEWAY POPLAR BALD EAGLE LAKE REEK RAIRPORT ARAC ER tI rPILS ERWO S VAEM [ j SNAIL RAS¢S - F B1 ODD VILLAG ff o 9 CAW ■ R@RY KE O - A M _ t - kG FISH CREEDS Al 4TAH IGHTB F PORT SLAM �N L MEADOW LAKE UlUT BLOO TON FERRY UN'rr IIIT ROV - ST CRDIX BLUFFS l 1 1 I+ I I k \ ` IL Ll ® — 18 Hunt Location Total Harvest A M A FF FM Baker 5 1 4 0 0 Cleary 5 1 3 1 Crow -Hassan Eagle 4 3 0 0 1 Fish 0 4 0 0 French - - - - Gale Woods 1 g 1 0 Lake Rebecca 12 4 5 1 2 Mississippi Gateway - - - - - urphy-Hanrehan 43 17 14 5 Spring Lake Park 5 1 3 1 0 Total 98 36 39 11 12 19 1 _Y '-rtrrt� tae DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Eric Nelson, Wildlife Damage Program Supervisor 21 Reported Damage Aninrnls l avoid plants f befarc they bile \ u r —aol offer ! ht,skyd x, PM'ANIMAL REPELLENT EFFECTIVE 100". RAIN FAST UP TO . IN 6 MONTHS 24 HOURS • s Plantskydde SOLUBLE POWDER Formulation contains no synthetic additives, is non -toxic, and not harmful to the environment or animals. Made in Sweden of specially processed, edible -(" animal protein - 877•, vegetable fats - 3`%, salt - 59• .g and water - S%. *Active ingredient —blood meal. v +� • Use on flowers, shrubs & trees • Lasts up to 100 days • Rain resistant • Ready -to -use Wildlife Damage Program RFA DY T4 USE FOLLM SPRAT B+QBBBX is a PMW nutritional *MY appked 44Vttly to the •wrfacht of fONW, itifula#ryy plant gr,vwA aT d vildRq. mhik eff-6 preosueirtgdo-ooV by the brmuaixg of deer. BOB 6% can bs homed yeas- raw%& STOPS DEER DAMAGE GUARANTEED, DEER•AWAy Big Game Repellent LIQUIDSPRA`'"" rnub =3qq c•ni}K �•a0linge :.' .. - COnOMTIEOM, Thl� YVr m�Ye� 5 GA.'. KEEP bu! Of -1- bf �niL'Jii i' CAUTION 23 IF a Noise/Water Deterrents • 1 s pow :l r k. f � E�!.I ~��� �': fir•'• � s � � Visual Deterrents rr, Energized Fences 'k"l&''r 4' p1 i Exclusion AW 4t I!,jj 11 Via .10M ; C� ter' F i 3 .,.�d,..ta ! I<� S R 4 ors:,ss .,f•{ - M�- - = y Exclusion/ Poly Fence ' FU I!F9' DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Eric Nelson Eric.nelson@state.mn.us (218)203-4336 Wildlife Damage Program 29 ?opulation Control 2811- Three Rivers Park - Urban Deer Meeting 30 Overview Management Options Non -lethal Options Removal Options Hunting Special Removal Permit Requested Steps Prior to Removal Permit Q and A 31 Non -lethal Management Options No deer feeding • City implemented ordinance Deterrents • Sounds • Lights • Plant deterrents - plantskydd, • Electric fencing • Deer resistant plants Exclusion fencing • io ft woven wire 32 Removal Management Options Allow hunting during deer season • The metro area falls within deer permit are poi or 605, which allow for five antlerless deer harvested throughout the season (mid -September -December 311) per hunter • Can be set up as archery only, specified areas of city, special hunts/dates, work with Metro Bowhunter Resource Base (MBRB) • Crossbows now legal for all ages with archery license,2- year exception, up to the City and Partner to decide to allow or not 33 Removal Management Options Removal by special permit from DNR • Removal can be done by trapping, sharpshooters or local PD • Deer removed go to needy individuals or charitable organization (i.e. food shelf) 34 Required Steps Prior to Permit LGU decides to control i. Deer population estimate z. Deer population goal 3. Public involvement: open process for citizen input such as meetings, hearings or committees. 4. Written management plan to achieve goals. 5. Keep and maintain records of deer/car collisions, citizen complaints. 6. Request in writing for DNR deer removal permit annually to remove specific number of deer. 7. Submit and/or update wildlife control application. 35 Population Estimate and Goal Municipality sets their own goal level • Population number • Reduce car deer collision by X percentage • Reduce deer complaint calls by X percentage Recommendation is io-Zo deer per 64o acres (square mile) of suitable habitat; • Contiguous area of general forest cover without significant areas of industrial, retail, or high density housing. In addition, wetland complexes with a woody component i.e. dogwood, willow, alder, ash, bur oak, etc. 36 Permit Requirements Non -toxic shot for a safe food product • A written justification for variance must be submitted with the application to seek Section Manager approval for lead ammunition. Permission received from private property owners Antler Surrender - antlers are removed from carcass and given to Area Wildlife Manager Disposition Plan 1. individuals in need of food in the Metro area with the understanding that the individuals and their families will butcher the deer (or have it processed) and will consume the meat; 2. a charitable organization in the Metro area with the understanding that the meat will go to those seeking assistance from the charity (such as a food shelf or other food assistance charity) following processing by a MN Dept. of Ag licensed processor. 37 Application Timelines Permit requests should be submitted 3o days or more before the implementation start date. All efforts will be made to process permits as fast as possible. Approval time varies • Higher levels of approval maybe needed for variance requests. • DNR Enforcement concerns 38 Reporting Timelines Harvest reports are due to the Regional Wildlife Manager within io days of the expiration of the permit. • Failure to meet this deadline will be documented in permit files and may impact ability to issue future removal permits. 39 Questions? 40 2023 Desires of hunters and landowners for deer population change DPA Established Goals % Decrease 227 13-17 dpsm 25% 236 16-21 dpsm 0% Recommendation: io - Zo deer per square mile of suitable deer habitat 41 �� Utchfleld • St. Cloud ` 224 223 N9 4� 9uNal0 229 • New Ulm K-1.1 227 O k River _J L-1, - �k Anoka Cam 1 Center City 3 236 S Still water Is t, cau l Glencoea ;-�kopee • stlnps 338 / L � d Red wing 605 Le Center Pr1ir Fanbault � 42 Metro Region - Suitable Deer Habitat Definition: Contiguous area of general forest cover without significant areas of industrial, retail, or high density housing. In addition, wetland complexes with a woody component i.e. dogwood, willow, alder, ash, bur oak, etc. 43 URBAN DEER POPULATION CONTROL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1P �partmen Natural Resources February 2, 2007 POLICY 1. Wildlife is owned by the State (MS 97A.025), however the State is not liable for damages caused by wildlife (MS 3.736). 2. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages deer populations primarily through regulated hunting seasons. When a local governmental unit (LGU) precludes hunting through weapons discharge or other ordinances, responsibility for deer population management reverts substantially to the LGU. 3. DNR provides technical assistance and coordination to LGU' s for controlling deer populations. PROCEDURES 1. DNR Area Wildlife Managers maintain a Wildlife Complaint Inquiry Log, detailing locations and nature of deer damage, which is provided to local governments on request. 2. When citizens request deer population control, they are referred to the LGU. 3. When the LGU decides to address deer population control the Area Wildlife Manager provides the following assistance: A. Assist with the development of deer population surveys. B. Provide estimates of probable population growth and deer removal needs to meet desired population density goals. C. Meet with the LGU, citizens and committees/task forces to discuss possible control options and make recommendations. 4. If the LGU decides to pursue deer population control, DNR requires the following: A. Deer population estimate. B. Deer population goal. C. Public involvement: an open process to allow citizen discussion/input, such as public 44 or MN URBAN DEER CONTROL Page 2 D. A written plan to achieve and maintain the population goal, including information on non -lethal damage abatement techniques. E. Keep and maintain accurate records of deer -vehicle collisions. F. Institute and maintain a standardized system to record citizen complaints. 5. DNR strongly recommends that the LGU also do the following, so that results of deer control can be measured. A. Survey public opinion and experiences in the area/community, preferably with a statistically valid mail and/or interview instrument. B. Survey deer damage to vegetation in natural areas. 6. Upon completion of a deer management plan, if deer removal outside of normal hunting is proposed, the LGU must apply in writing for a DNR deer removal permit annually to remove a specific number of deer. Population control methods which may be approved are shooting with firearms or archery equipment, including trapping deer and dispatching them in the trap, and experimental immunocontraception (see Minnesota Rule 6212.1750 PERMITS FOR USE OF CONTRACEPTIVE CHEMICALS). Trap and transfer of deer will not be allowed. 7. The LGU must provide DNR with data on sex, age and location of deer taken, as well as number and sex of fetus'present in females. 8. All deer taken must be field dressed and donated to charitable organizations, conservation organizations or otherwise needy individuals. 45 LANDOWNER APPLICATION FOR A WILDLIFE CONTROL PERMIT Last R_ri _j C 1.7q+13 Permit request for: UDeer UGooseAdult/gosling UCzooseNest}egg Uather INSTRUCTIONS TO LANDOWNERS: The following information isrequiredtomake a derision an any requestforapermittoshoot wildlife doing darr.age. Please fill out the form and return to your Area Wildlife Manager listed below: Name: Address: City. State. Zip: Phone -Work: H Fax: a -mail: Legal Description: County Township Range Sec Qtr. U Additional locations listed on reverse. Description of Damage: LONG-TERM DAMAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN: (CHECK ALLTHATAPPLY) Permanent Fence Portable Energized Fence Hunt Management _Other (Describe) Schedule Schedule Schedule Number of animals requested to take on permit: LIST ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL BE DOING THE SHOOTING (Name. Address. and Phone): U Additional shooters listed on separate page. Agreement: If a permit is granted. I will undertake the abatement actions listed above and will abide by all permit restrictions. Signature Date 46 DeerCarcass Disposition Pri4rtoi&SUanCe of a permR,the DNR requires#hat permittee provide this completed and approved deer disposition plan. The permittee and sh oot e rs can n ot retain deer unless requested and approved by the Region or Wildlife Section Chief from May 1 t o t h e day before opening archery season. All deer must be tagged by the permittee with a unique number including the special permit number, date of removal and sex and age of the deer. Tags will be provided with permit. The applicant must make contact with all individuals or organizations listed below and provide contact information unless otherwise instructed by the Region. Confirm willingness to accept animals by writingthe number of deer the recipient has agreed to accept in the last column. The number of deer on the disposition plan must match the number of deer requested on the permit. Same options available identifying additional recipients are: • donationto a charitable organization. Local churches, Veteran's Homes, the Minnesota Deer Hunter sAssociation or other organizationsmaybe willingto acceptdeer. • aonationto needy individuals. Direct donation to a food shelf. Thefood shelf may require thatthe deer be processed atan inspected meatprocessor, andthe donator paysthe expense ofprocessing. CARCASS DISPOSITION PLAN Name ofindiMual orarganization Address Phone # of Deer Area Manager Approval of Disposition Plan Signature Date 47 / 3.10 FEEDING OF DEER PROHIBITED. 1. Feeding Prohibited. No person shall feed or allow the feeding of any deer or engage in any activity which may reasonably be expected to result in deer feeding, unless such items are screened or protected in a manner that prevents deer from feeding on them. For purposes of this Section, feeding shall mean provision of one-half cubic foot or more of grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, or other edible material including feed for birds, either on the ground or at a height of less than five (5) feet above the ground, or in any other manner that attracts deer on a regular basis. Living food sources such as fruit trees and other live vegetation shall not be considered as deer feeding. 2. Exceptions. This prohibition shall not apply to: A. Veterinarians, Animal Control Officers, park maintenance staff, or county, state or federal game officials who, in the course of their duties, have deer in custody or under their management; B. Persons authorized by the City of Mahtomedi to implement a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Deer Management Program approved by the City Council; or C. Any food placed upon the property for purposes of trapping or otherwise taking deer where such trapping or taking is pursuant to a permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 48 Deer Resistant Plants Maakal Nime Cotumon Nantit• H@I&t Cornmeeno Ankmnhi & 6uruYdah Aek&—d app, YMMM r liar°-3' Dtmaght miczant; Frefiers Imil roa. Ageraft rs dorwwAirtr■w* a ate - ' aeamdfvi blues lolc nr w64oe doweFr, m F— Atiiedm rpF. UOLMMEMal aroma 2-4' 14io rLV farm• � tauo onA m17 rlf-� Alr.iiTim eaw&Aem r mLamhdme 1-3' Shorn-llwmi6 but ■d ice i showy flawcrs. _ 9k7 xrrvpes rtaY+►2 $r Wat beg®fa 8-2' E"odabLe flcr;mrs; : hadc and dreaghr taimaor. horlds binoead err -- maeLMMr 2-3 _ Natbm allmam birch ■oA burreLffika,wre&dnlm�iiq. 3Yr�i �mpi rhiwr�ery km 6orrTe L8-2'4'° LMerry-�]e fr¢�raoce; mi , loog JaGdng Sages% IeAnL friLl Moi inn per arum 4-12' ' Edah2E and coDmiDQ L� scJf-xrtds r6^01a -pi, 6-24' Padmmanu4 to squivaLm and d,rr_r; can. be pla®ed uada tmer. Pd.re 2-31l'°� ]°rtia is r Deed m kLua ; FMfiTv Fv3L ram At eetir Shmwvflamm caa MAF05E and MAdvur. tart.4." rww. g ■mlam 12-19" {lerarter}rpla= ton 6 omd dwmu unintasat.. 1ILI m_aJk d Ramiao olp 3-f D'kmoz ralaami; pmkn fiA aue. ,�%i� fersr'■drxd bhse aahrla 24-" ° Atsrscts batterffim mad ht SeRecio nurrro-raf G-15' Slbrcr-omy or w IL - IUL47 dGva r and CD,A todera at. aft, G .rrrra■� Jamb i ear 6-1}' Edbra Ed Iige goad far edgLD and f - .,I.order; .1—oht pdera Twist- R. mat fld 6'-3' Long-,atLag yd10 ,r, gold adad bdm6ari�' " m pmwr Eam wmid. --- — — � , Shrwrb 8r YL e4 rdrrwi fJdvw gii J.Paome ba�� 2,5' MamE, map acvkLwarr red berdm and rmd fall mar; be doua.lrre. ra Ce&MMU rrrd5 JU blttr®wrrf!t m GW Vnodwrath y nwrire viae atrrTz&h a beerier. CWffaimt zod oaLee dogxand 6-12' + komc km zed atema; mait6mrc wary in bd& amd �. �Gre 'Noah . Sug Ears}rr _ 8-1 IY Fort gwa iF p 3e.ry buds taleramo a wridemzAety aoaUs fiov erar iwn*ir ChJrrer -,per 2-6" Many cnitivars maA farmar, good fa r EdL sua aedw eil-draiwd ■odll. Air=�rra■g■ mugs pLve 12-20' Talera or of allca]i o rac-md or saky soils. Ai.,Ihjm* Scots Fi■e 25-50' Evergreeawrlrh ortmoLhe barJr. Jhdra�idadbw � �-n-d�ir��+� d[ ��' E�,ergFeea a.nd dedr�ava aFedes, a�� �� i�Teetheaz &3ghtw' ox Jea �13e e■ Ole t6!hOMUei F. P 'Q UIC ��rr 8-a5' Show rarer flower8ID-spring;ralemDtofxmwnAtes i�afr■rr�■ea Irr,rlrga nanny1- 12-19' Nodve shruh� fxu In turn From neE to fib.-m; Ancte raleromt. Derr damage m nrrrana ELI plans rs sery f umadng: You = mindrnI3je Lhi darr_- age Lhay cau dr, bv avvalrtp- pLrno `he prefer and Innead ML: thaw Plafla [.Fiat deer o-nid due in midry. fm- graflrE Or Mzfti ., Camplltd by i Add J3aafield. 0Lmared CokLDrp M"tet-Gae deoar. mid■ h-m been gull emlrrg: WI& dea Fri 30-tgmn and hat Irhos At plaou idw d hra are {s.ruallf avolded by dar. LLI"& ID rernonaber ahnr cbe de•r +*ere hoe 6rsn AwM■ a arr 4a ff 1;" '4UMir— NOCA MM SM'iF 0 €J➢Ld MddI 49 ! ' arwf�wirmia■ of e+sid;de R r�■iF ram raMr � �rrr Eggs I I. Nymph SPRING INTIER StjM MAR 1 Ul Fwa •6- FA LL _. - RJsk of Duman ilr eOi On greatest in sur noer -AM -CC)4-1*1O 50 L7eIIN-gad WhIIDBOBr •'_- _ Nlehty. Dell . M1� - 91rov*c4 dVIIM 1h'h 9aa&. 6 "F4LdlA . , Grant Pins M1� ' 07} Lake Efrtw.. Nartr. ialnl Pmhp 4}}��j�g='.x' S�''. Tom- f _4� .CUIiR9btlU� •y's TK�r.�} k. 7' � � a����7 I '�.: e�'�l _ _..s.,�... ;. �' — -_ -- , _. `ry%ti:t I!t�*_ +.{ I _xM1 4$.ti, ti��Ji'_yis�•1 :'.{��.�,� �'�h -R 4 r + [IrtmPine6 Wundb Mew J Shor�'rlew ' City of Orono Aerial Deer Survey LO Surveyed: 2/5/2026 Total Deer Below: 287 Tota I .Door w4th i n City Survey Area Limits: 274 NRM Department 3 Revised Date: 3/6/2026 ThreeRivers Miles This map Is for general reference c..., r,....-c..., cam.,. - pen N-e n i imc This Is not a legal document and It Is provided without wan