14.2 PRSR 09-11-2019The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
14.2
Agenda Section
Work Session
Meeting Date
September 11, 2019
Prepared by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
Deer Feeding Ordinance
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discussion of the need for an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer.
Background/Discussion
Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dave Anderson requested a work session discussion regarding
an ordinance prohibiting the intentional feeding of deer. This past spring, a number of citizens raised
concerns about the increasing number of deer coming into their yards destroying plants, and possibly
increasing the likelihood of a deer-vehicle collision.
Four metro area cities have enacted deer/wildlife feeding restriction ordinances, Coon Rapids,
Bloomington, Blaine and Arden Hills. The DNR advises against feeding deer citing disease and increased
auto accidents. And while the DNR can enact feeding bans for wildlife issues with CWD (Chronic
Wasting Disease), state wildlife officials do not get involved allowing cities and counties to manage their
deer populations such as controlled hunts which we will host for a third year.
The challenges to such an ordinance are the infringement on private property rights, the difficulty of
police to properly enforce, the efficient utilization of policing resources in a community with over 300
acres of conservation area intended to foster wildlife habitat.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
Arden Hills Ordinance
Deer Feeding Articles and Information