ML takes small steps to address deer issue

The deer population has been an issue in Medical Lake for the last few years.

The city attempted to address the matter when staff introduced an ordinance that would prohibit residents from feeding deer within city limits. At its Feb. 18, 2014 meeting, the City Council turned down the ordinance by a 3-2 vote. Candace Bennett, a wildlife conflict specialist with the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife, conducted a survey of the deer population in Medical Lake.

The city then decided to go directly to residents for their input and help in the deer matter.

Earlier this year the city authorized the formation of the Medical Lake Citizens Deer Advisory Committee, which held its first meeting Oct. 28.

According to City Administrator Doug Ross, the purpose of the committee is to come together and look at methods on how to mitigate the increasing deer population within city limits.

Forming the committee was a recommendation from the DFW. During the first meeting, several citizens voiced their concerns about the negative impact the deer population has had on the community. Some residents shared stories about seeing up to nearly 60 deer on their property or other areas in Medical Lake. Others were concerned about deer attacking their pets and children.

The DFW provided information on ways residents can keep deer away from their yards. From there the committee began to take steps on the deer issue.

At the second meeting, committee chair Russ Brown formed a subcommittee to modify the previous deer-feeding ordinance before they brought it to the City Council. Some of the changes the subcommittee made to the ordinance included a new penalty structure. A resident who violates the ordinance the first time will be charged a $50 fine with court fees. The fine increases to $100 for a second violation, $150 for a third and $250 for each subsequent offense. Those who violate the ordinance will also receive educational materials explaining why feeding the deer is harmful to the animal's biology.

The committee also added elk, moose and other cervids - hoofed mammals - to the ordinance.

"The committee felt strongly about deer but we also have moose and elk periodically entering the city," Brown said.

A third change to the ordinance exempts city employees from being cited for feeding the deer for "professional purposes."

"Professional purposes would apply if the city's animal control officer who is feeding a deer to capture it or a city employee who is using food to lure the animal into a trap," Brown said.

The committee brought the modified ordinance to the council, who approved it at the Dec. 16 meeting.

In addition to the ordinance, Bennett, along with several volunteers, formed a subcommittee to conduct a deer survey Dec. 6, where they counted 87 deer within city limits. Bennett hopes the committee will conduct more surveys throughout the year.

"Each count can tell you a little bit more," Bennett said.

At its Jan. 14 meeting the committee will take their next steps, which include suggesting that the city allow hunters to use archery equipment around the perimeter of the city. The committee is also considering providing education to the schools.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.