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Schuylkill Township asks EAC to study deer‑management options; residents urge preliminary biodiversity study
Summary
Board directed the Environmental Advisory Council to review Pennsylvania Game Commission DMAP and private deer‑management options, identify measurable effectiveness metrics, and report recommendations; several residents urged a biodiversity baseline (BioBlitz) before considering hunting at Sedgley Farms.
The Schuylkill Township Board of Supervisors asked the township’s Environmental Advisory Council to study deer‑management approaches and recommend whether the township should take action.
Supervisor Danielle Jouenne reviewed the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and contrasted it with the private Chester Valley Deer Management approach. The board asked the EAC to evaluate both options and to provide recommendations on whether township involvement is warranted.
Drew Shaw told the board there are strong opinions on both sides and said the EAC should explore the issue to understand the extent of deer‑related impacts. Ann Lincoln urged the township to conduct at least one year of biodiversity study, such as the proposed Sedgley BioBlitz, before considering hunting on the property; she also recommended avoiding baiting in any hunting program and suggested requiring that a portion of harvested venison be donated to local organizations or residents in need.
Getz said the board explicitly requested the EAC identify practical assessment approaches and measurable methods to track program effectiveness should the township implement deer management in the future. No formal action or vote was taken at the workshop; the EAC will report back to the board with findings and recommendations.
