Well, friends, it’s been some time since I’ve updated my
posts. This morning I delved into the seedy underworld of one of 'those' web boards we all know and hate and saw that someone had reposted a link to my blog. It motivated me to sit down at
the computer and pen my thoughts. If for
nothing else, it helps keep the old mind sharp!
When I first began this blog I vowed to avoid the hot button
issues within the community as that was not my aim. I wanted to share my (and my family’s)
experiences in the North Georgia Mountains while enjoying the beauty of
Coosawattee River Resort. Ironically, I’ve
looked at the view counts of my previous posts to discover that the
posts that dealt with community issues had the most views. Take for instance my posts on the CRR
Campground – as of this morning my second post had 621 views (as of April 1st, 2016 - 769 views). That's no joke! I can only guess that that count is comprised
mostly of curious homeowners and I feel good about the fact that my thoughts
are being shared (for what they are worth!). After all, I suggested a campground 'buy back' program over year ago to assist with moving some of the aging and undesirable properties out of the community - and guess what? That idea is now coming to fruition in a similar form!
So, here we go…….
Obviously, the topic of choice these days in CRR is discussion
about the proposed deer culling. This
topic has become a polarizing factor within the community and for
good reason. The wildlife and natural
beauty that surround us every day is most likely the reason that 99% of owners
moved to CRR. And let’s face it, the
deer are a source of entertainment to adults and wonderment to the young eyes
that experience their first up close and personal experience with nature. However, like so many things in this world,
Man must be careful not to damage these resources. Now, before anyone gets a preconceived notion
of my stance on the topic I will say this – I sit slap in the middle. Not to avoid controversy, but because I can
see the argument of both sides. And, let’s
face it, right wrong or indifferent you cannot make people think a different
way without taking their thoughts and believes into account. To do anything else is simply arguing a point into the ground which is still occurring.
I should also mention that I believe a lot of the varied opinions that have occurred is due to the fact that the deer population varies greatly depending on where in CRR you live. Remember, we aren't a small neighborhood. We cover miles upon miles of land. I know in my neck of the woods the deer are not very plentiful and never have been. However, I understand there are areas on the North side of the river that appear to have a significant number of deer. This disparity in the population may be causing some of the communication issues amongst owners since not everyone is seeing the same thing. I have spent time reading comments on 'those' web boards, the CRR message board and listened to what others had to say regarding over population and have formulated the thoughts and balanced thinking below. Let's take a look.
I should also mention that I believe a lot of the varied opinions that have occurred is due to the fact that the deer population varies greatly depending on where in CRR you live. Remember, we aren't a small neighborhood. We cover miles upon miles of land. I know in my neck of the woods the deer are not very plentiful and never have been. However, I understand there are areas on the North side of the river that appear to have a significant number of deer. This disparity in the population may be causing some of the communication issues amongst owners since not everyone is seeing the same thing. I have spent time reading comments on 'those' web boards, the CRR message board and listened to what others had to say regarding over population and have formulated the thoughts and balanced thinking below. Let's take a look.
Let me start with my left brain thoughts (no political innuendo
intended!). I, like so many people, enjoy
seeing the deer and the wildlife and am the first person to stand up and say “Man
should not be managing mother nature – She should be managing us!”. Man has tried to manage the earth and for the
most part has failed miserably. Over
population of any species is due to a loss of that species' predators. There were many critters that roamed our
woods that were eradicated because they were considered a nuisance or a danger
to Man. Many of these critters would
naturally control the deer population but Man decided he knew best and ‘managed’
the population of those animals only to create another issue - over population. This same outcome will occur time and time
again until we learn that we really don’t know what is best for nature - only for ourselves and the primary element of all living things - survival. Enter right brain…..
While Man may have interfered with nature – nature always
has a way of overcoming (not an exact quote of Michael Crichton, but pretty close). Nature will eventually
overcome the doings of Man and will take care of the deer population on its
own. Probably in the form of
disease. The last outbreak I saw in
another part of the country was tuberculosis. Close deer herds sharing food sources also share disease. Just as us humans do.
An open hunting season was given in the areas of known disease as the carriers
had to be eliminated to avoid death of the entire herd. It’s a sad sight to see deer wasting away
from disease but the wildlife management in the area had 'managed' the natural predators such as wolves and coyotes to the point they no longer naturally managed the herd. I can assure you this –
the deer in CRR are not starving or wasting away, but are rather quite healthy specimens of
white tail deer (and no, they don't need to be fed in the winter. They manage to survive in every other part of the country without Man interfering). However, that could end
at a time of outbreak.
So, where does this leave us?
Still very divided I’m sure!
Regardless of your personal opinions I do invite everyone to consider
both sides of the argument and carry discussion on in a civil manner. After all, both sides of the discussion truly
believe they are doing the right thing for the animals and you can’t fault
anyone for being passionate and protective of our natural resources and willing to take
sides against neighbors and friends for what they believe is right. However, let’s not turn this discussion into April 12th,
1861. There is a solution and I believe
both sides will need to budge a bit to find a happy middle ground that everyone can live with.
Please share your thoughts below and feel free to e-mail
me. My e-mail address is shown to the
left.
As
always, enjoy this beautiful place we call home and be willing to make decisions that will benefit ALL of God's creatures Along the Coosawattee River!
Til next time,
Chris
4 comments:
No disrespect intended, you can NOT assure me that "the deer in CRR are not starving or wasting away, but are rather quite healthy specimens of white tail deer..." because the wildlife experts say the deer are many pounds short of the desired weight. I wonder where hou get these facts. Much was learned from their presentations lasy year. Did you attend any of those?
Discarding Deer-Hugger Myths, Part 1: "The Deer Were Here First"
This is one of the most common reasons people give for allowing and even encouraging an overabundance of deer. Here is an analogy of the same kind of situation -- only not with deer.
You move into a mountain home. Your neighbor has been here a decade longer than you. He has one unusual genetic problem -- he has no sense of smell. At all.
Several years after you move in, he discovers that he is fascinated by skunks. He feeds wild skunks and encourages them to stay near his house. Soon there are dozens of skunks hanging out around his house. They get into fights with other animals and spary. Before long, you cannot escape the skunk smell -- even inside your house.
You approach your neighbor, explain the problem, and politely ask if he could please not encourage so many skunks to hang out around his house. His reply "Well I was here first and the skunks were here before both of us, so no. I enjoy seeing the skunks. It's my property and I have the right to do what I want."
You clarify that the smell is so strong you can hardly stand to be in your house. He replies "Well I can't smell them, so that's your problem, not mine."
I politely asked people to consider the deer problems and stop feeding them years ago. The response I got was pretty much like the above response. ....And like Sally's. It has ALWAYS been like that from members of CRR. Is it any surprise that I get very angry about it?
People like Sally and Chris think that there is no deer problem because they can't see it. The reason they can't see it is because they don't know enough about ecosystems to recognize it.
The damage that is caused by deer is not like tornado damage where you see clear evidence. Deer damage is recognized by knowing which plants and animal species that *should be* in an area *but are absent.* And that takes either education in ecosystems, or spending lots of time in wild places where there is NOT any deer damage.
Basil's comment is completely correct. The deer in CRR are puny. I have heard that not only from the Wildlife Biologists but from experienced hunters as well. I don't think Diane Anderson is discarding having a formal study done because of the cost... The cost is already included in this year's budget.
I think the reason that she doesn't want a formal study is because part of that study requires killing 3-4 deer and performing a necropsies on them to objectively and scientifically determine the state of their health. HEAVEN FORBID THAT SHOULD HAPPEN!
The Deer Huggers loathe actual facts. Scientific facts have a nasty way of proving them wrong. ....Then they have to rack their brains to find another excuse to protect their deer.
I lived in an area that had the Pine Barrons; over 100,000 acres spread out through several towns and conservation areas. Lots of Deer throughout the entire region. There was a pine barrens commission of sorts that did actual studies of the deer population. As you know there are lots of factors that determine the health of the deer population: local environments, weather, human population, etc. There were several times when a limited hunt was necessary to call the population. This was not a simple sporting event or a mean-spirited I hate dear event. It was a direct effort to save the entire deer population, who were overpopulated and starving. The results were amazing and very positive. In each instance the deer population not only, revived but were healthy and continued to prosper. This is a simple basic and widely accepted conservation effort. I hope this was helpfu.
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