PRESENTER: Presenter
Phillip Quast, Watershed Supervisor
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation on Potential White-Tailed Deer Management within the City Limits of New Braunfels
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works, River and Watershed Division
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
“White-tailed deer populations within the United States have undergone tremendous change within the past two centuries. Unregulated market hunting and extensive habitat modification resulted in the near extirpation of the species by the early 1900’s. However, white-tailed deer numbers have dramatically increased during the past few decades. Natural habitat succession, deer restoration programs, intensive management efforts, predator control programs, public education campaigns, and the deer’s natural adaptive abilities have all contributed to historic high deer densities across the United States. Currently, an estimated 4 million deer reside in Texas, alone. In many areas of the state, deer population densities have exceeded the land’s ability to sustain them. In other areas, deer densities have exceeded society’s ability to tolerate them. These unnaturally high deer densities can present significant ecological, social, and economic problems for a variety of stakeholders.” - TPWD, 2006
New Braunfels City Council has directed staff to prepare a proposal for white-tailed deer population management within the city limits. As staff is beginning to research topics related to urban wildlife management to inform this proposal, we wish to obtain the consideration of the WAC on the topic as it relates to watershed health and water quality concerns.
ISSUE:
Consider appropriateness of white - tail deer population management within the city limits to address property damage, vehicular collisions, and water quality concerns.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Information currently unavailable
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
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