Worthington's deer management program is moving forward with the installation of signage in city parks, amidst both concerns and support from residents. During the January 12 meeting City Council discussed the safety precautions and motivation for the program.
Residents Voice Opposition
During public comment, two residents spoke against the city's deer management program, citing both safety fears regarding firearms in residential areas and moral objections to the culling of wildlife.
Signage and Notification Protocols
Later in the meeting, Council President Rachael Dorothy requested updates on public notification, noting that the Deer Task Force report had suggested the program would occur at specific dates and times.
City Manager Robyn Stewart confirmed that signs are being installed at public properties. "We are installing signs at the public properties, so on the park, in the parks, to just note, remind people that parks are closed at dark, and then to also note that they are deer management areas," Stewart said. She indicated the signs will go up "in the near future".
Regarding the schedule, Stewart clarified that while the task force report discussed limited dates, times and locations for operations, it did not explicitly commit to publicly announcing those details ahead of time.
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Rigorous Safety Screening
Stewart emphasized the extensive safety protocols involved in site selection and operations. She reported that "of all the residential properties that were offered up only about 30% of them met the safety protocols that we were looking for".
The safety measures include:
- Elevated platforms creating a downward trajectory for shots
- Requirement for effective backstops
- Deployment of spotters
- Highly trained expert markspeople conducting operations
- Use of highly frangible ammunition
"There are many safety protocols in the program based on best practices and other programs in other communities that have strong safety histories and experience with their program," Stewart said.
Council Perspective and Community Impact
Council members discussed the factors that led to the program's implementation. President Dorothy acknowledged the concerns but pointed to the history of incidents that informed the decision. "I appreciate all the work the staff has been doing on this. I know council has not taken this issue lightly. We've been looking at this issue that we've had in the community, the concerns that people have had community for many, many years," she said. She cited "documented reports of the car collisions, the human adverse human and pet interactions, and then of course the destruction of property".
Council Member Maria Ramirez further noted she lives in Colonial Hills where one attack occurred and that her family has experienced issues firsthand.
Council Member Rebecca Hermann referenced receiving letters about the issue dating back to 2022, including reports of pet attacks that were "highly impactful" for her.
Stewart noted that while staff receives communications opposing the program, they also hear from supporters. "We also receive communications that are supportive of the program and are ready for the city to move forward with it," she said.
What's Next
Park signage is expected to be installed in the near future marking participating parks as deer management areas and reiterating park closing times. Residents with questions about where and how the program is being implemented can contact city staff.
For additional context, please read the Worthington Pulse deer management special edition newsletter here: Special Edition: Everything You Need to Know About Worthington's Deer Management Program