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Peachtree Corners okays USDA cooperative services agreement to address deer overpopulation
Summary
The council authorized a 12-month cooperative agreement with USDA Wildlife Services—capped at $25,000 per year—to provide biologist and technician services on private properties with owner consent after a survey showed an estimated 193 deer per square mile compared with a recommended 25.
Peachtree Corners council authorized the city manager to execute a cooperative services agreement with USDA Wildlife Services aimed at managing an overabundant deer population.
Staff described the proposed contract as a 12-month, renewable agreement with a not-to-exceed cap of $25,000 per year to cover a wildlife biologist, three technicians and necessary equipment. The program would operate on private properties only with written landowner consent and is designed as a gradual, year-over-year effort rather than an immediate, citywide removal.
Why it matters: Staff cited results from a resident survey and a wildlife biologist's population study indicating an estimated 193 deer per square mile in parts of the city, compared with a recommended target density of about 25 deer per square mile. The city said residents reported property damage, increased deer-vehicle collisions and ecological impacts from overbrowsing.
What the agreement covers: Staff said USDA Wildlife Services would provide a turnkey program—initial outreach, equipment, biologist and technicians—focused on properties suitable by acreage and owner approval. Staff emphasized the work depends on private property agreements and that success likely requires coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and Georgia DNR for complementary measures such as managed hunts in appropriate areas.
Council discussion and regional context: Councilmember (Speaker 7) asked whether neighboring cities had conducted similar surveys; staff said Peachtree Corners appears to be a first mover in commissioning the resident-led survey and urged regional cooperation because deer can migrate across municipal boundaries. Staff noted Georgia DNR could coordinate managed hunts where acreage and other conditions make hunting practicable.
The vote: The council approved the USDA cooperative agreement by general assent after a motion and second with no recorded objections. Staff said they will continue to update the council as property-owner approvals and program activities proceed.
