Politics & Government

Don't Miss: Southold Deer Management Forum Thursday

The meeting takes place at 6 p.m. on Thursday.

One of the biggest concerns among Southold residents is a burgeoning deer population.

To that end, a Deer Management Forum, to address ramifications and solutions for the overpopulation of deer in town, will be held on Thursday  from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Town of Southold Recreation Center.

Several deer forums in the past have led to the creation of a deer committee, Beltz said. 

The purpose of the new forum is to discuss previous initiatives launched to attempt to manage deer, due to their impact on the local economy and the hazards they pose to public safety, Beltz said.

The evening will focus on developing a multi-pronged approach to address overpopulation and bring together participants to discuss programs and associated costs, Beltz said.

ittee will host a public forum regarding best practices for advancing a multi-pronged approach to address the overpopulation of deer.

A panel representing the Long Island Farm Bureau, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell University, United States Dept. of Agriculture, Eastern Long Island Hospital, Cornell Cooperative Extension, deer hunters and wildlife experts will discuss their programs and associated costs.

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“Developing an integrated deer management plan is essential for rural communities to thrive” said Russell. "And we believe this forum will assist in providing solutions to a complex problem."

"The idea is to take the whole subject of deer and discuss every aspect," Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said.

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Historically, he said, the town has discussed the deer harvesting program and tick borne illnesses. 

A new civic group has also just organized to tackle the deer concerns around town.

The new North Fork Deer Management Alliance, according to a letter sent out describing its mission, is a group of local citizens who hope "to raise public awareness of the scope of the deer problem and to work with public officials to develop effective strategies to return the deer population to a level compatible with the health and safety of the human population and with the environmental and economic integrity of the region."

The group also seeks to partner with other citizen groups to build support for deer management programs.



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