This is an open letter to the residents of Dalton Gardens to inform you that the City Council is seriously considering continuing the "trial" trap and transfer program again this year. While many might think this program is humane and results in little or no mortality, that is not true. In fact, many (if not all) studies have shown that as many as 25 percent of translocated deer die within the first two months of trapping/translocation, and more than 65 percent of deer may not survive longer than one year. Last year's program trapped eight does and two bucks. One doe miscarried as a result of the process and "her blood loss, extreme exhaustion and stress made it evident to me (the trapper) her survival was unlikely."

Deer management is a divisive issue and even the question of whether there is a problem sufficient to warrant managing the deer is subjective and most often based on "cultural carrying capacity." Basically, cultural carrying capacity is the public's tolerance of their presence. One thing everyone agrees on, including Fish and Game, is that there will always be deer in Dalton Gardens due to its location against Canfield Mountain and the agricultural environment of the community. Deer that are culled by any means will eventually be replaced - this is well documented in many evaluations of various culling programs, including trap and transfer.

There are other seemingly more effective programs being practiced in other communities that are multi-faceted and seek to address deer populations for the long haul. The City Council has thus far dismissed other alternatives with the exception of trap and euthanasia. (Hunting was rightfully dismissed given hunting is not allowed in residential areas.) Advocates have presented factual information and research on such programs and alternatives but seemingly did not receive serious consideration. A 'deer workshop' was held this week (though no notice was given to Dalton residents) and no discussion took place about options to this 'trial' program. However, they did vote to increase the budget by double to $10,000 and to issue a Request For Proposals for a new trapper, inviting proposals from Washington state as there are currently no trappers available locally.

There remains a group of dedicated people in Dalton Gardens who are willing to donate their time and resources to finding a comprehensive solution to better manage the deer population. However, it requires the will of the City Council to be open-minded and fair. Let's stop wasting taxpayer dollars on a deer management plan that is costly and only a short term solution. There are options that are more effective and would use public funds more responsibly. Let's work together as a community to educate and develop a long-term plan that will effectively address our resident deer population for the long haul and be a model for other communities.

D. Taylor is a resident of Dalton Gardens.