A major focus of the meeting was the management of Fair Haven’s deer population, a topic that sparked a discussion among attendees. Various management strategies were considered, with emphasis on ethical and effective methods. Participants discussed the limitations of traditional hunting as a means of population control, pointing out that it may not effectively reduce tick populations. Alternatives such as sterilization were explored, with participants noting that this method has shown promise in other communities, though it comes with significant costs ranging from $900 to $1,500 per deer.

The complexities of implementing sterilization in New Jersey were highlighted, including legal barriers and the need for state approval. Participants referenced ongoing efforts in Princeton to gain approval for such measures and suggested that collective pressure from multiple towns could sway state agencies. The conversation touched on the ethical implications of various methods, with a consensus emerging that community involvement and education are crucial in choosing the most humane and effective strategies.

Further, there was an acknowledgment of the challenges in obtaining accurate data on the local deer population. Discussions emphasized the need for an independent assessment to gather reliable data and inform management decisions. Financial concerns were also raised, with participants noting the necessity of securing grants or other funding sources to support non-lethal management initiatives.

In addition to deer management, the meeting addressed the ecological condition of McCarter Pond. Attendees reviewed a 2017 study that outlined remediation options and discussed the need to update the report with current data, given changes in the pond’s condition. Previous remediation efforts, including hydroraking, were criticized for their ineffectiveness, leading to suggestions that a multifaceted approach, possibly involving dredging and chemical treatments, might be more successful.

Budgetary considerations were a recurring theme, with approximately $3,500 available for the year. The commission proposed allocating $1,500 to hire consultants to revise the outdated restoration report for McCarter Pond, emphasizing the urgency of using the budget before the year’s end to avoid losing the funds.

The meeting also revisited the Normandy Waterfront Park restoration project, where a potential design for a living shoreline was proposed. This approach would utilize natural erosion control measures instead of traditional bulkhead construction, aligning with the community’s environmental goals. A proposal to allocate $2,000 from the operational budget to update an outdated survey and secure professional services was discussed.

Pollinator garden initiatives were also highlighted, with the commission expressing unanimous support for contributing to a local resident’s project aimed at extending the garden. Despite limited financial resources, the commission committed to assisting the project, which had already raised a portion of its $1,500 funding goal.

As the meeting concluded, the commission reminded attendees of an upcoming public forum on October 23rd to discuss McCarter Pond. This forum would provide residents the opportunity to share their observations and concerns, contributing to the community-driven approach to environmental stewardship in Fair Haven.