HomeMy WebLinkAbout75498-Curtis-PROP-P3.pdfCornell University Work Plan for 2016-17:
Deer Research and Management Plan, Village of Cayuga Heights, New York
Paul D. Curtis. Project Lead and Michael L. Ashdown, Senior Person
Department of Natural Resources
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
Background:
The previous capture and tagging of deer in the Village of Cayuga Heights provided a
known, marked population of deer necessary for an abundance estimate using mark-recapture
analyses. Initial deer population estimates were generated by program NOREMARK. A
reasonable estimate of deer abundance in Cayuga Heights based on these two analyses was 225
deer, (approximately 125 deer per square mile) in January 2013, and 160 deer (89 deer per
square mile) in January 2014. The combination of surgical sterilization, removal of tagged deer
by hunters on adjacent Cornell lands, and deer-vehicle accidents is slowly reducing the deer
population in the Village.
We again conducted a camera survey during early January 2015 in order to determine the
number of untagged deer remaining in the community (for estimating immigration rates), and to
estimate deer abundance. The resulting population estimate (n = 137) and 95% confidence
interval (127-148) provided the most reasonable estimate of deer abundance in Cayuga Heights.
It is also very close to the midpoint (138 deer) between the upper and lower possible bounds for
population size based on tagged deer observed. So deer density in January 2015 was
approximately 76 deer per square mile based on the estimate of 137 deer. This is much lower
than the 125 deer per square mile (based on a total of 225 deer) calculated in January 2013.
Sterilization surgery with 98% of female deer treated, and observed mortality rates, resulted in
about a 39% population decline over two years.
The Village then contracted with White Buffalo, Inc., staff to remove deer from the area
under a NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit (DDP) during late winter 2015. The Village police
approved use of crossbows for deer removal at selected sites. A total of 48 deer were removed,
including 26 tagged deer, and 22 untagged deer. Twenty-five of the 26 tagged deer removed
were females, which is not surprising given the low number of bucks initially tagged in the
Village. Consequently, White Buffalo, Inc., staff likely removed 37 (26 tagged and 11 untagged)
deer that may have been present in the Village during the time of the camera survey in January
2015 (plus an 11 additional untagged transient deer). Subtracting these probable 37 resident deer
from the population estimate of 137 deer in January, leaves a residual population of about 100
deer in the Village (56 deer per square mile) by late March 2015. This was a 55.6% reduction in
deer numbers since the original camera survey was conducted in January 2013.
During January 2016, the deer population estimate was 94 deer, or 52 deer per square
mile based (a 58% reduction during 3 years). This is much lower than the total of 225 deer (125
deer per square mile) calculated in January 2013. The Village again contracted with White
Buffalo, Inc., staff to remove deer from the area under a NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit (DDP)
during late winter 2016. The Village police approved use of crossbows for deer removal at
selected sites. Landowner permission was obtained by the Village for each site as required by
the NYSDEC permit. A total of 24 deer were removed, including 13 tagged deer, and 11
untagged deer. All of the 13 tagged deer removed were females, which is not surprising given
the low number of bucks initially tagged in the Village. Also, two tagged deer died (C51, C142)
after the camera survey was completed. Consequently post-removal, the estimated number of
deer remaining in the Village on April 1, 2016, was 68 (38.3 deer per square mile), and 37 of
those were tagged, sterilized deer. During March 2016, White Buffalo staff also captured and
sterilized 5 new female deer. So 42 of the estimated 68 deer (61.8%) remaining in the Village
should now be tagged and sterilized females.
We propose to conduct the next camera survey to estimate deer abundance during late
December 2016. This timing has several advantages. The work can be done prior to extreme
cold and potential deep snow in January. All bucks will retain their antlers, as this photo survey
will be conducted just after the peak of deer breeding season, providing a better estimate of deer
sex ratios. We will also be able to determine the location of immigrant, untagged female deer
with fawns in the community. The photo analysis should be mostly completed by early February
2017.
Research Objectives:
Primary research objectives are similar to previous years and include: (1) continued
monitoring of mortality and movements of deer previously captured and tagged in the Village,
and (2) conducting a camera survey in December 2016 to determine numbers and locations of
immigrating female deer, and estimate deer abundance.
Methods:
The Village of Cayuga Heights (1.8 square miles) will be divided into 12 equally-sized
sections by overlaying a grid of approximately 100-acre blocks over a map of the community.
Twelve Cuddeback infrared-triggered, digital cameras will again be deployed over bait piles on
properties with high probability of deer activity within each block. It is intended that each
camera will “capture” a high proportion of the deer population for that 100-acre block. In
accordance with our NYSDEC permit, technicians will contact each landowner for permission
before setting up the cameras and putting out bait for deer. We will attempt to use the same
camera sites in December 2016 as were used during previous years.
Camera sites will be baited daily with approximately 15 pounds of dry, shelled corn for at
least two days prior to camera deployment during early December 2016. Once the cameras are
operating, the bait will be increased to as much as 30 pound per day at sites with higher deer
activity, and less than 15 pounds if there is bait left from the previous day. The cameras will be
set to run continuously for 24 hours per day, with a preset delay of 5 minutes between pictures.
Every other day during the field survey, the memory cards in the cameras will be changed so that
technicians can confirm that the cameras are functioning properly. We anticipate completing the
photo survey prior to January 1st 2017.
After the cameras are removed from the field, all the pictures containing deer will be
sorted by site and numbered. Each picture will then be closely studied, and any legible ear tag
number recorded. We also will record the total number of deer, the number of unmarked deer,
and the number of unidentifiable marked deer for each photo. From these photographic data, the
total number of times each identifiable, marked deer is observed will be entered into the program
NOREMARK, along with the total number of unmarked deer, and the total number of marked
deer known to be alive in the population during the survey. The number of marked deer alive
will be determined from visual observations. We will note locations of untagged female deer in
the community, especially those with fawns.
Timeline:
December 1 – December 31, 2016:
Sites will be selected and pre-baited for the deer camera survey. Permission will be obtained
from private landowners for bait sites, as has been done in the past. CU staff will implement a
digital, infrared-triggered camera survey to estimate deer population numbers in VCH. Up to 10
days prior to implementation, camera sites will be pre-baited with corn to get deer accustomed to
coming to camera stations. Near the center of each 100-acre grid section, we will create a bait
station containing 15 pounds of whole corn. Low-lying vegetation within a 20-yard radius of the
bait will be cleared to facilitate deer identification in photographs. Camera sites will be
monitored daily for up to three weeks.
January 1, 2017 – April 30, 2017:
Cornell staff will examine photographs of deer and maintain a database. We will obtain the date
and the numbers of marked, unmarked, and marked but unidentifiable deer from each
photograph. Upon completion, P. Curtis will analyze the camera data with program
NOREMARK. The project goals will be to provide VCH officials with a reliable estimate of
deer abundance, and determine the immigration rate of new female deer. P. Curtis will prepare a
final report for Village officials.
May 1 – October 31, 2017:
Cornell staff will help the VCH by recording date and location for deer mortalities, recovering
deer collars/tags, and maintaining the ongoing deer database for tagged deer.
Travel:
Throughout the project, travel will be necessary between campus and the Village of Cayuga
Heights. The truck will primarily be driven by Mike Ashdown to commute between field sites
and to transport bait and supplies to the field. The truck will also be used by Paul Curtis to
attend project meetings and assist with field work as needed. Cornell fleet vehicle rates have
been used for budgeting.
PPROJECT TITLE:Estimating Deer Abundance in Cayuga Heights, New York
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:Curtis, Paul
PROJECT PERIOD:November 1, 2016 – October 31, 2017
PERSONNEL:
PI (0.10 month)1,458
Technician‐(2.75 months at 20 hrs/wk)5,378
Total Salaries/Wages 6,836
Fringe Benefits
Curtis 933
Ashdown 3,405
Total Fringe Benefits 4,338
SUPPLIES:
Corn bait 250
Batteries and memory cards 100
Total Supplies:350
TRAVEL:
Mileage
($83 daily plus $0.27/mile for approx 25 days) 2,237
Total Travel 2,237
Subtotal 13,761
Indirect Costs (20%)2,752
Total 16,513
Budget Narrative:
Title: Deer Management Plan, Cayuga Heights, New York
Personnel:
Principal Investigator: Support is requested for Paul Curtis to oversee field activities and
conduct population estimates with Co-PI at 0.10 of a month effort during the proposal period.
Technician: Support is requested for a technician to provide 2.75 months of half time effort
during the proposal period to coordinate field operations such as site selection, baiting, camera
checking, deer telemetry, and maintenance.
Fringe benefits: Cornell University Non-federal fringe benefit rate is 62.98% of salary and
wages through June 30, 2017 and estimated at 64% from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.
Fringe benefits include, but are not limited to the cost of leave, employee insurance, pensions
and unemployment benefit plans.
Total personnel costs: $11,174
Supplies:
Funds are requested for camera supplies (batteries and memory cards). We also request funding
to purchase corn bait for the camera survey.
Total supplies: $350
Travel:
Funds are requested for mileage ($0.27/mile for 600 miles) and daily project vehicle rental
($83/day) for approximately 25 days. The truck will be used by the technician to commute
between field sites and to transport supplies to the field. The truck will also be used by other
project staff and Curtis to attend project meetings and assist with field work.
Total Travel: $2,237
Indirect Costs: Indirect costs are calculated at 20% of total direct cost which was approved at
the reduced rate by the College of Ag and Life Sciences. The Mayor and Village Board
requested a reduced rate of 20%.
Total Request: $ 16,513