Wildlife Management ProgramThe Village Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 and approved the Wildlife Management Program as presented. Please click the link below to review the program document.Wildlife Management Program or view the condensed program information in the Wildlife Management Program Brochure If you have questions, contact Amy Jeske at (262) 782-6700 or at ajeske@elmgrovewi.org. You may also click on the links at the bottom of this page to obtain more information related to wildlife. Ad Hoc Committee Members:
Mr. Ricky Lein and Ms. Tami Ryan of WDNR have agreed to participate and provide expert support on urban wildlife issues.
Meeting Archives:Wildlife Management Open House Information The Wildlife Management Open House was held on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. If you have questions, please contact Amy Jeske, Recreation Director at (262) 782-6700 or ajeske@elmgrovewi.org. You may also click on the links below to review the Wildlife Management Open House PowerPoint presentation and deer habitat maps. Wildlife Management Open House PowerPoint Presentation Deer Habitat/Deer-Car Accident Maps BackgroundThe Village of Elm Grove is a residential community characterized by large lots, mature tree stock, well managed landscapes and natural water sources. These features help define not only the “look” and value of the Village but also make it an attractive area for wildlife. In fact, the presence of many wildlife species actually adds to the “look”, ambience and value of the Village. Numerous species of wildlife native to Wisconsin acclimate very well to a suburban habitat like Elm Grove, which provides bountiful food and water supplies with minimal predation. However, these same conditions can lead to increased human//wildlife interactions and property damage issues as wildlife populations grow and additional species establish residence. Some urban wildlife species are particularly valued by some Village residents, just as those same species are seen as particularly troublesome or dangerous by other Village residents. The White Tail Deer is a good example of such an animal. Other species like Coyote have not yet caused much debate in the Village even though they are bountiful. Coyotes have become well established I believe due to absence of any natural predator and bountiful food supplies. Since some of that Coyote food supply is Canada Geese and feral cats their predation has been mostly positive in the last 5 to 10 years. Yet, when residents’ pets are victims of predation we will hear calls for aggressive control. Many residents are avid bird feeders and watchers in our “Bird Sanctuary” village. Yet, other residents allow their pet cats to roam free during much of the day even though the best available science indicates that bird predation by domestic cats is a significant issue. Studies estimating avian mortality due to domestic and feral cats vary, but an accepted consensus mortality rate is 37 million birds per year in Wisconsin The point of this background discussion is to point out that the issue of urban wildlife management is broad and complicated. What is one resident’s beloved creature is another resident’s pest or health risk. Both opinions are often correct. Resident concerns produce calls for Village government “to do something” or Village government safety and health concerns prompt proposals to “do something.” These calls for action tend to rise and fall with the natural rise and fall of various specie populations. Further complicating any discussion of wildlife management issue is the fact that most activities involving wildlife management are controlled and regulated by federal and state law and agencies. Village Ad Hoc Wildlife Study Committee The Village Board approved the establishment of an ad hoc committee to address wildlife management issues. Structurally, this ad hoc committee operated through the existing Village Board Public Safety Committee. The goals of the ad hoc committee’s work were to study wildlife management issues and concerns, wildlife management and control strategies and to produce a report with recommendations for the Village Board. The Ad hoc Committee on Wildlife Management was charged with researching issues of wildlife management in the Village of Elm Grove. The committee identified the species currently present in the Village and specific health, safety or economic issues attendant to those species. The committee report provides Village residents and the Village government recommendations and defines resources on how to support responsible and ongoing wildlife management. In addition, the committee provided guidance on how the Village Board established a threshold of when to consider active management of a given “problem specie.” The committee report should describes the approved methods for such wildlife management and control by Village government. DNR Baiting and Feeding Regulations: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/bait.htm Wildlife Damage Management: http://icwdm.org/ Wildlife in Need Center : www.helpingwildlife.org Wisconsin Humane Society: www.wihumane.org Center for Disease Control - Lyme Disease Memo - West Nile Virus
To: Village Trustees Subject: West Nile Virus in Elm Grove As you all are aware, the Village of Elm Grove received its first confirmed bird death by west Nile virus last week from a home on Dunwoody Drive. Since that time, we have received numerous inquiries from residents on what course of action the Village of Elm Grove was going to take at this time. Chuck Armao has contacted the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) to determine what they are doing or recommending at this time. Currently, they are just answering questions and providing information; as well as processing permits for larvicide treatments. At this time Milwaukee has requested a permit for treatment of catch basins, ponds, detention areas, etc. They have also started the process of planning for next year’s action. The public health director of West Allis is in the process of putting together a meeting with experts on West Nile for community leaders and staff to try and get everyone the best information available. I also have contacted the Communities of New Berlin, Brookfield, Wauwatosa, Muskego and Menomonee Falls to determine if they had any planning or programs in place. Only the City and Town of Brookfield are currently treating for mosquitoes. The others have no plans for this year, but will be reviewing and studying the possibilities for next year. I contacted Waukesha County and spoke to George Morris, environmental health manager, and James Stadler, humane animal specialist; and at the current time, they will not be doing anything on a countywide basis other than offering information and testing animals. I did ask about pet protection and Mr. Stadler mentioned that generally what is good for us is good for them. If there are any doubts, contact your veterinarian. Attached you will find a copy of a pamphlet from the DNR that explains the basics. There is also some good information on the CDC (Centers for Disease Controls and Protection) website at www.cdc.gov. I was also told of a website were individuals can purchase larvicide for home use. It was the only location that the county was aware of for purchase. That address is http://www.marchbiological.com/L/mosquito_control.html . I am not aware of how well this product works and have been unable to find anyone who has used it. It was originally thought the Village could buy larvicide and make it available to residents, but we have been told by the DNR that we need a permit and they would not allow us to distribute it to residents for their use. I suggest that a Village representative participate in planning discussions for any regional solutions and determine what actions, if any, the Village should pursue for next year. To read more about the West Nile virus, following these links:
Last modified: 03/24/09
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Village of Elm
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13600 Juneau Boulevard