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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 12, 2000 Page 3 . 9.A.2. Mike Nikiolek: Cross Country Runnina Races Ms. McPherson explained that Mike Niziolek of Elk River Senior High School has indicated that two races will be held at Woodland Trails Park as follows: Saturday, July 29th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 :00 p.m., and Thursday, September 28th, from 1 :30 p.m. to sundown. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED THAT THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION SUPPORT THE TWO RACES AT WOODLAND TRAILS, ONE ON JULY 29TH AND ONE ON SEPTEMBER 28TH. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 9.C.l. Dan Block, Tony Mustaov: Bow Huntina in Parks Elk River Police Officers Dan Block and Tony Musatov, both active bow hunters, were present to provide information on bow hunting and to discuss hunting in city parks. Officer Block explained the high incidence of accidents which are occurring in the City due to the high deer population. He stated that they also are experiencing high numbers of complaints from farmers and home owners regarding deer eating up their crops and gardens. Officer Block noted that there were deer in the Target Store parking lot, eating in the boulevards. . The officers discussed where bow and shotgun hunting for deer is currently allowed. Officers Block and Musatov displayed the different types of bows and tree stands which they use. The Commissioners asked how far an arrow can travel. The officers felt 20 - 30 yards is a comfortable distance, and that 35 - 40 yards would be the maximum. Officer Block noted that the shots are directed downward, since they would be shooting from either a tree or top of a hill. The Commissioners asked if hunting were allowed in city parks, should the park be closed down completely. Both officers were in agreement the park should be closed down, for safety and to avoid any conflicts with park users. The Commissioners and police officers discussed what affect allowing hunting in city parks would have on decreasing the deer population. The officers felt that approximately 25 percent of the hunters would actually bag a deer. They also discussed the possibility of deer being driven into the residential areas to escape the hunters. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt the hunting could occur in Woodland Trails without completely closing down the park. The officers felt completely closing down the parks was necessary to prevent any possibility of an altercation with park users, since there are people that are opposed to hunting. Commissioner Westrum felt a policy should be in place by fall for the hunting season. . Discussion followed regarding regulation of hunting in the parks. Officer Musatov explained that a permit would be required and a liability release signed by the hunters. He stated that hunters in Hennepin County Parks are required to carry their permit at all times. Officer Musatov also explained that some areas where special permits are used, the hunters must attend a bow hunting class and if they pass a test, they are issued a card by the DNR. He stated that he preferred hunting to control the deer population, rather than animal control measures. The explained that in Fridley