GRAND HAVEN, Mich. \u2014 After three years of studies and deliberations, Grand Haven City Council members have approved a deer management program to address the overpopulation problem damaging the area’s native ecosystems.<\/p>\n
WATCH: Grand Haven approves deer management program to protect native forests<\/p>\n
Grand Haven approves deer management program to protect native forests<\/p>\n
Jean Madden with Save Our Forests led efforts to demonstrate the urgent need for deer management at locations like Mulligan’s Hollow, where overgrazing has severely impacted local vegetation.<\/p>\n
“The deer are eating everything on the forest floor, including trees that would replace trees that are either lost to disease or storms,” Madden said.<\/p>\n
Madden said the combination of invasive species and deer overgrazing has created erosion problems and left forest floors barren. <\/p>\n
“We need to manage invasive species, we need to manage the deer, we need to slow or stop erosion, and then that will make way for reforestation,” Madden said.<\/p>\n
On Monday, city council approved $25,000 that will go towards starting a deer cull and maintain current native landscapes. During the program the city will share information on strategies and results by may of each year. <\/p>\n
“I’ve always said that I’m interested in knowing what the data is and I think we’ve got that now,” Mayor Bob Monetza said before approving the plan Monday. <\/p>\n
Pointing to the urgent need, council member Michael Fritz proposed adding an additional $25,000 to the program, but that proposal was tabled for a later meeting. <\/p>\n
The city has already set aside $160,000 in the current fiscal year to treat trees in Mulligan’s Hollow and Lake Forest Cemetery. Plus, council members also approved a possible $85,000 plan on Monday for the treatment of trees in Duncan Park. In total, the city could end up spending $270,000 to protect native landscapes in the area’s urban forests. <\/p>\n
“The natural beauty of this area is what draws residents and visitors alike, and the forests are a big part of that,” Madden explained.<\/p>\n
The culls will be guided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and will not exceed 40% or 50 deer. Surveys done between 2022 and 2025 determined there are 112 deer within approximately 200 acres. <\/p>\n
The cull could start sometime in February, but officials are still finalizing details. Save Our Forests is also planning on applying for a grant next year to create a sustainable trail system in Mulligan’s Hollow. <\/p>\n
“I’m just grateful and excited to see our forests be restored for the enjoyment of not only us, but future generations,” Madden said.<\/p>\n
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