To the Editor:
Carlton Tree Farms is a 2,000-acre nursery in Carroll County, established in 1952.
A survey of our fields lately has shown unprecedented damage from deer to mostly pines, spruce, hemlock and arborvite due to the long winter. A conservative estimate would be $100,000 from which we will get no benefit or relief.
Currently our deer control measures include eight-foot fencing, hunting during season and shooting deer on our Control Permit (by Carlton employees only). Approximately 100 were harvested in season and on the permit.
The herd does not show any signs of decline. In fact, on a short drive at night, one can see herds of deer in groups of 50 plus in neighboring fields. The population increases every year.
Carlton Tree Farms provides a livelihood for 20 families. We have had a net operating loss since 2001. At the present rate of damage, we cannot continue for very long.
We would like the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife to help us. Here are some suggestions:
*We would like to see compensation for damage like the division has paid for coyote damage.
*A cost-share program, similar to the Pennsylvania program, for fencing, which now costs us about $6 per foot.
*Allow hunters to legally shoot deer year round for no charge on Carlton Tree Farms property to thin the herd.
The Division of Wildlife rakes in a lot of money from the licensing. They are now charging a fee for extra doe permits which were free a few years ago.
It’s time for the Division of Wildlife to take responsibility for the lack of herd management in Carroll County by helping those who are losing their livelihoods from catastrophic herd damage.
Bruce D. Carlton
Vice President
Carlton Tree Farms
<<Back>> |
