HomeMy WebLinkAboutPifalo, V; Donaghy, K DEIS.pdf K":
Village of Cayuga Heights
DEC 16 2010
To: Cayuga Heights Trustees
From: Victoria Pifalo and Kieran Donaghy
Cayuga Heights Residents
Date: December 15, 2010
Re: Deer Management Plan and DEIS
We are writing to express our grave misgivings about and objection to the proposed deer
management plan with its reliance on lethal means—and particularly cruel ones—that are
inconsistent with current Village and State regulations. We are also concerned about
restrictions that the plan will place on our outdoor activities in the neighborhood and the
threats to public safety from the use of firearms to slaughter the deer in undisclosed
locations at undisclosed times. Our objection is such that we will not give permission to
allow the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of our property.
As relative newcomers to Cayuga Heights, we are struck by the evidence contained in the
DEIS documenting the failure of the community to sensibly address a growing deer
population in a concerted fashion for years. While there are estimates of the size of the
deer population in the DEIS, the report does not detail compelling evidence of a
comparative nature about the incidence of disease and traffic accidents associated with
the increased deer population that would warrant taking a drastic lethal measure before
non-violent options have been exhausted. It is extremely odd that the DEIS does not
provide alternatives between that of no action and that of sterilization/culling. Chief
among non-violent methods should be a fence ordinance commensurate with the
suburban(as indicated in the DEIS)nature of our community. Others are steps to deter
traffic accidents (reflectors, strict enforcement of the speed limit or a lower one, deer
crossing signs) and an education program about health and gardening as related to
wildlife realities.
We strongly urge you to reconsider the decision to implement the divisive, immoral, and
illegal plan proposed in the DEIS. While adverse social and economic consequences are
discounted within the scope of the DEIS, they are weighty considerations in achieving a
rational deer management program that protects the harmony and reputation of the
community.
c: Police Chief Tom Boyce