Deer Management: The Right Balance

Bernardsville Public Library will host a panel of experts to discuss options for a deer management plan which would preserve the unique character of Bernardsville, on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 pm. Topics will include the benefits of deer management in New Jersey; deer management programs in neighboring towns; safe sites to hunt in Bernardsville; and the role of the Bernardsville Police Dept. The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.

Thomas Almendinger, Director of Stewardship at Duke Farms, one of the largest privately owned undeveloped properties in New Jersey, will begin by giving an overview of deer management, why it is so important for the environment, and what resources are available to our residents at Duke Farms that can inspire them to transform their approach to conservation and start building a more sustainable future.

Carole Stanko, the Deer Management Project Leader for the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, will describe what her Division is doing to protect and manage the state’s fish and wildlife, to maximize their long-term biological, recreational and economic value for all New Jerseyans.

Cindy Kuenstner, editor NJ Hunting & Trapping Digest and a wildlife biologist in the Dept. of Environmental Protection's office of Information and Education, will explain New Jersey's hunting regulations and how they can be applied to our advantage in Bernardsville.

Chris Allyn, a member, the Wildlife Management Committee of Harding Township whose mission is to maintain a natural equilibrium in the wildlife population in the township and to inform the public about living with wildlife, will describe how this committee monitors conditions and coordinates preventive or remedial action as needed in our neighboring town.

Information will also be provided on the current status of hunting in Bernardsville and what plans are on the horizon to help coordinate deer management practices in town with the goal of achieving the ‘right balance’ for deer in our community.

This program is presented in partnership with the Bernardsville Green Team, Environmental Commission, and Shade Tree Committee. There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.