Cleveland Metroparks Deer Management Program

Re: Cleveland Metroparks 2012 Deer Management Program

Dear Mayor Rinker:

I am writing to inform you that the Cleveland Metroparks will be continuing our deer management program this winter. A portion of North Chagrin Reservation is within the municipal boundaries of Mayfield Village, and a deer herd reduction is planned for this reservation. From 12 noon to as late as Midnight, on several days during the period of January through March 2012, the main body of North Chagrin Reservation will be closed to the public.

The safety protocol that has been successfully utilized by Cleveland Metroparks from the beginning of the program will continue. Deer will be culled by using highly skilled and trained marksmen for the purpose of re-establishment of balanced ecosystems. Safety remains the number one goal. Your police department will be notified prior to the initiation of specific culling within North Chagrin Reservation. The reservation will be posted/signed and closed completely during the management program. All shots will be fired from elevated truck or tree-mounted platforms using noise-suppressed rifles.

In addition to the posted closure signs, all residents who own property adjacent to Cleveland Metroparks property will be sent a letter informing them of the culling program. As in past years, venison will be donated to a local food bank.

Cleveland Metroparks has worked hard to insure that the deer management program is safe, humane and effective. If you have questions, please contact me at 216.635.3295.

Sincerely,

Brian M. Zimmerman
Executive Director-Secretary