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Grand Haven presenters say deer overabundance is preventing forest regeneration; council hears drone, street counts
Summary
A Sustainability & Energy Commission subcommittee presented drone and street-count estimates of city deer and urged a multi-year deer management program; about two dozen residents urged action during a packed council meeting.
Jean Madden, a member of the Sustainability and Energy Commission and co‑founder of Save Our Forest Grand Haven, told the City Council on Aug. 18 that the city’s forests are failing to regenerate because deer are eating tree seedlings and native understory plants. "My name is Jean Madden, and I live on Gladys Avenue in Grand Haven. I'm the cofounder of the group, Save Our Forest Grand Haven, but I'm here as a member of the Sustainability and Energy Commission," she said during a work session presentation.
The commission’s Forest Management Subcommittee presented the results of a January 2025 deer census that combined thermal‑imaging drone flights over 200 acres of public forest (Duncan Woods, Mulligan's Hollow and Lake Forest Cemetery) and a concurrent street count by a contracted crew. The drone produced 68 verifiable deer sightings and 44 possible sightings (68–112 estimated in the surveyed forest area); Berg’s Pest Control recorded 55 deer on streets and yards. The presenters combined…
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