0:03The commission’s meeting was marked by a comprehensive presentation on deer management by Martin Fan, a wildlife biologist specializing in deer and moose management. Fan detailed the reproductive capabilities and survival rates of white-tailed deer, revealing that about 10% of fawns become pregnant in their first year, with over 90% doing so by their second year. The presentation emphasized the ecological consequences of unchecked deer populations, such as decreased biodiversity due to excessive browsing by deer. Fan provided data showing increased fawn survival rates due to fewer natural predators and milder winters, which contribute to the population boom.

Fan’s presentation included visual examples from Massachusetts, illustrating how regions with high deer densities suffer from poor forest health, characterized by a lack of understory vegetation and biodiversity. He also discussed the public health implications, noting a correlation between rising deer densities and increased deer-vehicle collisions, as well as the spread of tick-borne diseases, particularly in Amherst, which houses the New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases.

17:21The discussion on deer management extended to the current hunter harvest-based management model used statewide. Despite its efficiency and strong safety record, a decline in the number of active hunters since the 1980s poses challenges to maintaining controlled deer populations. The shift from shotgun hunting to archery, now surpassing 50% of the total harvest, reflects evolving hunting methods. However, the decline in archery harvests, potentially due to reduced access to public lands, was noted.

The commission also considered the “Share the Harvest” program, an initiative supporting community food needs by enabling hunters to donate venison to food banks, covering processing costs to encourage participation. This program has been instrumental in distributing over 50,000 meals across Massachusetts, with local food banks benefiting from the protein source that venison provides.

1:04:42In another significant agenda item, the commission evaluated a proposal from Wendel Wetland Services to replace a deteriorating timber retaining wall near wetlands on Blossom Lane. The project aims to prevent further environmental degradation while implementing best management practices to minimize ecological impact. The proposed replacement includes erosion control measures such as a silt fence to protect the wetland, with careful consideration given to timing the work to avoid disrupting the growth cycle of skunk cabbage, a native plant species in the area.

The commission expressed general support for the project, with a motion to close the public hearing and issue an order of conditions under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and local bylaws. The conditions include timing the work for July or later to protect the skunk cabbage and using a New England wet mix wetland seed mixture to restore native vegetation post-construction.

1:22:03Additionally, the commission addressed a notice of intent from Wendell Wetland Services for constructing a single-family home within the buffer zone to bordering vegetated wetlands. Due to snow conditions hindering assessment of the wetlands boundary, the hearing was continued to March 12, 2025.

Further discussions included a request for determination regarding mowing a pedestrian path to connect conservation land. The trail, intended to facilitate access to Mount Hoy State Park, will be created during dryer months to ensure feasibility and minimize environmental impact.

The commission also reviewed land use applications for a series of bear walks at different conservation locations, aimed at educating young children about nature. The applications were approved unanimously.