To authorize the Board of Directors to use lethal means to manage our deer population, if needed, to support our goals to maintain our forest, encourage a thriving understory growth and a healthy deer population. This authorization shall expire on July 11, 2026, or on the date of the 2026 Annual Membership Meeting, whichever occurs first.

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Why?

A healthy forest reflects our commitment to the well-being of our members and our natural environment.

 

Rationale:

Many long-time members of the community can recall the deer-related incidents that were prevalent before deer management began. In 2004, according to USDA Wildlife Services, there were 239 deer-related incidents. In 2024, this number was five.

 

Deceased deer were often found around the community because they had died of starvation, non-reported vehicle collisions, etc. (164 carcasses in 2004 vs. seven in 2024).

 

Finally, deer had devastated the forest understory for the other wildlife species that depended on it.

 

Now that the deer population is consistently managed at sustainable levels (at amounts determined through standardized scientific methods), the herd is not overpopulating in Hemlock Farms and the health of our forest’s understory has improved. Members have seen a drastic reduction in deer-vehicle collisions and healthier deer overall.

 

Managing the deer population can also help combat chronic wasting disease (CWD), which is spreading throughout other areas of the state.

 

The meat from the deer that are removed is processed and donated to local food banks. In 2025, a total of 3,346 pounds of meat were donated.

 

Community approval of this proposition will continue to promote diversity and the health of our forested ecosystem.

Learn more here.