New Shoreham adopts resolution to tackle island deer herd and Lyme disease concerns
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Summary
The council approved a resolution directing town government to pursue public-health interventions, seek state cooperation on deer‑management tools and funding, and explore whether the town can obtain authority for time‑limited local herd control to address escalating tick‑borne illnesses.
The New Shoreham Town Council voted Dec. 1 to adopt a resolution directing the town to treat tick‑borne illness as a public‑health priority and pursue a multi-pronged response, including working with state agencies and exploring whether New Shoreham could be permitted to use locally tailored deer‑management tools for a defined period.
Public commenters described mounting personal and community impacts from Lyme disease and related illnesses. "We need to do something about it," said Annie Hall, who urged the council to obtain medical‑center data and to pursue broader action. Other residents and councilors recounted substantial local illness, vet costs and concerns that tourism and the island economy could suffer if cases continue to rise.
Council members discussed short-term tools the town controls — including enhancing the existing deer-tail reimbursement program (commonly referred to in the meeting as a deer‑tail bounty or reimbursement) — and the limits of town authority over wildlife. Several councilors emphasized the need to engage the Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Health to obtain permissions for baiting, driven hunts or other techniques and to secure a coordinated response and funding.
The resolution directs town staff to: - Work with state agencies and the island health center to document the public‑health burden and pursue grant and legislative avenues; - Explore whether the town can obtain temporary authority to carry out localized herd management techniques necessary to mitigate public‑health risk; and - Consider enhancements to the deer‑tail reimbursement program and budgetary options in the FY27 process to support ongoing management.
The resolution passed on a voice vote (ayes recorded). Councilors said the measure is the start of a broader outreach and legislative strategy rather than a final management plan.
What happens next: staff will prepare an action plan for council consideration, coordinate meetings with state agencies and the island health center, and include potential deer‑program funding in the FY27 budget deliberations.
