Cornell extension and DAC discuss public tick drags as precursor to deer-management work

The De Witt Advisory Committee discussed organizing a public tick-drag and education event with Cornell Cooperative Extension as part of longer-term deer-management planning.

Harry Nugent of Cornell Cooperative Extension told the committee that a basic educational drag — showing residents how to identify ticks and where to look — is a straightforward demonstration, while a scientifically reportable sampling program to support a deer-management plan would require a much larger effort: defined sample sizes, standardized sampling locations, and closer coordination with the county program.

Committee members asked that the item be presented to the town board so the board can authorize and publicize an event and decide whether the town will host a demonstration in a town park. The committee agreed to request a town-board agenda slot and to aim for a late-spring date for educational activities; Harry and DAC members suggested late May to June with a rain date because tick activity is weather-dependent.

Members said the county is revamping its tick-management and deer-management programs and that coordinating county data and lab capacity would strengthen any scientific sampling. The committee discussed the county’s increased funding for tick pathology lab work and planned to follow up with county staff in the coming weeks.

Ending: The committee directed staff to seek a town-board presentation by the end of the month, and members said they would return with a specific calendar recommendation and a proposed scope (education-only or scientific sampling) at the next DAC meeting.