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<br />Request for Action <br /> <br /> <br />To <br />Parks and Recreation Commission <br />Item Number <br />8.2 <br />Agenda Section <br />Discussion <br />Meeting Date <br />March 13, 2019 <br />Prepared by <br />Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director <br />Item Description <br />Deer Survey <br />Reviewed by <br />Cal Portner, City Administrator <br />Reviewed by <br /> <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Discussion <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />Wayne Becklan presented the Parks and Recreation Deer Hunt Program at the February 13 Commission <br />meeting. Individual park statistics of the deer hunts were presented and it showed overall, a successful year. <br />After the presentation. Chairman Anderson asked if the DNR could do a deer population count. <br /> <br />Staff does not recommend a deer survey as funding was not approved by the City Council in the 2019 <br />budget process. <br /> <br />Since we conduct the hunts within the limits established by the DNR, we are not required to do a survey. <br />Based on the observations of the hunters as presented by Mr. Becklan, it is evident that a sufficient deer <br />population exists parks to justify continued hunts for 2019. <br /> <br />An aerial deer survey requires surveying the designated park area to include adjacent properties which <br />provide habitat that may support deer populations. This is conducted as the deer migrate daily in and out of <br />the parks so simply flying the park boundary may not capture the true population affecting the park. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />Based on the parks currently selected for city hunts, the estimated flight time to conduct a survey is <br />estimated to be 6-8 hours, this includes flight time from either the St. Cloud or Blaine airports where <br />helicopter services are available. Current hourly rates for helicopter services are $675 per hour for a total <br />survey cost of $4,050-$5,400. <br /> <br />Attachments <br /> N/A