Government » Township Supervisor » Supervisor's Update,February 9, 2009

THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE February 9, 2009

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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ON GROSSE ILE

     Well, the rumors are flying, presumably spread by those who did not attend or watch the 26 January meeting of the Township Board, about reduction of the whitetail deer population on Grosse Ile.  To those of you who called or emailed me for the facts that led to this action, thank you for being part of the solution.  This update is intended to serve as a recap of the reasoning behind the Board’s decision.

     Grosse Ile Township has been aware of an unacceptable deer population since at least 2003, when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued permits to cull the herd on the airport property.  No action was taken, and the herd continued to multiply.  Last February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture took an island-wide deer count and estimated our herd at 375, well above what our habitat should support (assuming a normal reproductive ratio, our herd today is probably approaching 600).  Last October, with a growing number of car–deer crashes, the Police Commission sent a recommendation to the Board of Trustees to begin reducing the Island’s deer population.  Again, no action was taken. 

     Make no mistake, as Supervisor I take responsibility for our course of action, and therefore I will spell out the reasons the entire board supported the resolution.  Our primary concern was the safety of Island residents.  The number of car-deer crashes has increased dramatically over the past few years, from 12 in 2005 to 25 in 2008, with many going unreported.  Several have involved police cars, and a collision left one of our officers seriously injured.  While I wish drivers would slow down (they won’t), often it’s the deer hitting the car, but the result is the same.  Our public safety personnel – fire and police - do not have the option of a slow, cautious response.  I must consider their safety also, their jobs are dangerous enough.  Deer on the runway are a critical issue, with as many as 60 on or near the runways during the morning hours.  The comment from the wildlife biologist who conducted the afore mentioned aerial survey sums up his position, “…the sheer numbers of deer observed on a daily basis at this airport necessitate the immediate need for corrective action.”  Obviously this can no longer go uncontrolled; lives (and our airport license) are at stake.  I cannot pretend these problems will go away, and the entire board agreed.  Your Township Government will not be negligent in this or any other safety concern.

     With these looming safety issues, and the realization that our herd could increase to over 900 if no action was taken, Police Chief William Barron, Airport Manager Derek Thiel, Township Manager Dale Reaume and I came to an agreement on a proposed course of action to present to the Board of Trustees.  We considered the recommendations of the Police Commission, the Commerce Park Commission, the Airport Advisory Committee, the Michigan DNR, and advice from officials in the City of Rochester Hills (whose problems far exceeded ours).  We studied every possible solution to this problem and came to the only workable solution, culling with firearms.  Our policy is extremely restrictive.  Any shooting will be done under tightly regulated circumstances under the control of the Chief of Police.  It will take place only on airport or selected township owned property, well away from private homes, only at times and locations where safety is not compromised, and only from elevated stands.  We have a limited number of permits, after which we will evaluate the impact of the herd reduction.  Here’s what WILL NOT happen.  The herd will not be eradicated.  Deer will not be shot in back yards.  Pets and children will not be shot by accident. 

     The consequences of no action are unacceptable.  The township could be held liable for an injury accident on the roadways or on the airport.  A severe winter (such as this one) could result in a starve-off of hundreds of deer, leaving the survivors susceptible to further suffering due to disease.  Deer congregating at dwindling food sources could lead to a case of Bovine Tuberculosis or, even worse, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).  CWD is ALWAYS FATAL and allowing the conditions for this disease to occur would be criminally inhumane.  Either could result in a mandated eradication of the herd to prevent the diseases from spreading off the island.  This concern is so serious that the DNR has BANNED the feeding of deer within the entire lower peninsula, with criminal penalties for violators.  This is not my opinion, check the DNR website www.michigan.gov/dnr for further information. 

     The DNR is closely monitoring this effort, and we are providing them with data to expand their knowledge of local whitetail deer.  Two organizations are currently processing the venison for distribution to local food banks and ‘soup kitchens,’ Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger and City Light.  Last week City Light delivered over 180 pounds of venison to inner city charities that will help feed some very hungry people.  I sent my donation, I will be glad to provide you with addresses to send yours.

    In closing, your Board of Trustees did its homework, carefully considered the severity of the current situation and the potential ramifications of further delays, and voted unanimously to begin the management of our whitetail deer population.  Our objective is a smaller, healthier herd that can coexist safely with the rest of the Island residents.  To ensure that this long-term goal is achievable, I am considering establishing a Natural Resources Commission, so residents could participate in managing and preserving the natural assets that separate our community from those not so blessed.  The scope would include wildlife (deer, geese, coyotes), waterways (we used to have a waterways commission), and invasive species, among other concerns.  Please let me know what you think, and PLEASE drive carefully.

MICHIGAN TOWNSHIPS ASSOCIATION UPDATE

     Members of the Board and staff employees attended the Michigan Townships Association conference in January.  It was a great source of information and developments in the world of township government.  Expect some minor changes in the way business is done on Grosse Ile (to comply with interpretations of various laws), most will be rather transparent. 

BEST WISHES TO PAT HARTIG

     Mrs. Pat Hartig, former mayor of Trenton, wife of International Wildlife Refuge Manager John Hartig, and a personal friend is leaving her position as manager of Congressman John Conyer’s local office.  Mrs Hartig has been a great ally for both myself and the township, keeping Mr. Conyer’s aware of the concerns of our little community.  I want to thank her for all she has done and wish her and her family all the best in her future endeavors. 

FEBRUARY MEETING FORMAT

    In order to make the best use of your (and our) time at future meetings of the Board of Trustees, we will slightly modify the meeting format.  You will be hearing more from the Trustees, what they and their Commissions are working on, where the township will be heading thanks to the efforts of these and all the volunteers who make this such a great place to live.  Your opportunity to be heard remains unaltered.  Hope to see you at a meeting soon.

Brian Loftus
Supervisor

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