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Committee plans public hearing on deer management; considers ODNR survey and alternatives
Summary
Cleveland Heights committee members agreed to pursue a public‑hearing process on deer management, discussed inviting state and regional experts and noted an Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) inventory cost estimate given to them previously.
The Cleveland Heights Public Safety and Health Committee moved on Jan. 28 to begin planning a public hearing on deer management and discussed options for getting a baseline population survey and expert testimony.
Vice Chair Gail Larsen said the committee should first obtain a deer inventory to inform any policy options. She reported that three years earlier the Ohio Department of Natural Resources had quoted roughly $1,700 to conduct a survey; she suggested budgeting $2,000 for a fall 2025 or 2026 inventory if the council approves funding.
Committee members recommended inviting outside experts to the hearing to explain the range of approaches other jurisdictions use. Suggestions included Ohio Department of Natural Resources staff (to explain inventory methods and timing), representatives from the Holden Arboretum or Cleveland Metroparks (both of which have experience with deer programs) and county councilwoman Sunny Simon to discuss a local sterilization pilot that has been described as a toolbox approach.
Members discussed hearing logistics and outreach: one member recommended a brief presentation to set context followed by public comment and suggested using the same sign‑up process the council uses for other hearings. The committee considered whether to hold separate hearings on traffic safety and on deer management or combine them in a single evening; members noted that ODNR inventories are typically timed to the fall so scheduling and budget timing are relevant.
No formal vote was taken. Larsen said she would follow up with staff and with Mayor’s administration contacts to determine whether the administration will participate in distributing a survey or joining staff at the hearing. The committee directed staff to research ODNR inventory costs and to identify likely expert speakers for the public hearing.
Ending: The committee agreed to pursue a public hearing process, to request cost estimates for an ODNR inventory, and to return to the committee with proposed dates and outreach plans.
