Reduction of Deer Population Density and Deer-related Damage in Plantations` Managed Grounds.
2007 Impact statement- Rakow, Donald A
abstract
Throughout the northeast, populations of whitetailed deer have increased dramatically, while numbers of deer hunters have steadily declined. This has resulted in ever increasing levels of deer-related damage to landscape ornamentals, agricultural crops, and public gardens and parks. The Cornell Integrated Deer Research and Management Study has as its study goals the reduction of deer damage to both core campus areas and outlying natural and agricultural areas.
submitted by
- Rakow, Donald A. | Associate Professor
issue being addressed
As the living museum of Cornell University, Cornell Plantations manages a collection of over 5,000 accessioned plants. In addition, we manage over 4,000 acres of unique natural areas. Both the ornamentals and native plant populations have been severely damaged by deer browsing, rutting, and trampling. It is hoped that this study will both reduce the levels of damage to plants and habitats under our care, and will also provide valuable data to managers of public gardens and parks on effective ways of managing deer.
response
Several measures have already been implemented:
- a deer management coordinator has been hired, under the auspices of Prof. Paul Curtis;
- the number of deer hunting permits for use in outlying Cornell lands has been significantly increased;
- a deer fertility control study is underway in the core campus area: neutered and spayed deer are being fitted with numbered ear tags that allow for individual identification.
- deer exclosure fencing has been erected around highly sensitive areas, including the Plantations` Wildflower Garden and Plant Production Facilities.
- a deer management coordinator has been hired, under the auspices of Prof. Paul Curtis;
- the number of deer hunting permits for use in outlying Cornell lands has been significantly increased;
- a deer fertility control study is underway in the core campus area: neutered and spayed deer are being fitted with numbered ear tags that allow for individual identification.
- deer exclosure fencing has been erected around highly sensitive areas, including the Plantations` Wildflower Garden and Plant Production Facilities.
impact assessment
This is the first of a five year research project. It is hoped that the study results will reveal more effective methods of both reducing deer populations and reducing their damage to public gardens, agricultural fields, and natural areas. Secondary benefits could be: reduction of deer-automobile accidents; reduction of the occurrence of Lyme Disease; and reduction of deer-caused damage to structures and infrastructure.
academic priority area
- Environmental Sciences | CALS academic priority
has geographic focus
- Pennsylvania | state
- Vermont | state
- New Jersey | state
- Massachusetts | state
- New York State | state
- Ohio | state
- Connecticut | state
funding source description
Support is from the central university administration (deer sterilization research), and from CALS (deer management position and management of hunting program).
collaborators
- Cornell Plantations
- CU Administration
- CALS
- NYSDEC
- NT Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit
- CU Dep`t. of Natural Resources
- NYS College of Veterinary Medicine
key personnel
- Dr. Susan Fubini
- Prof. Paul Curtis
- Mr. Hal Martin
- Dr. Jay Boulanger
- Dr. Milo Richmond
- Dr. Richard Hackett
- Ms. Mary-Lynn Cummings
- Dr. Stephen Golding
- Mr. Michael Ashdown
mission focus
- extension/outreach | project type
From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008