The Catalina Island Conservancy applied in August of 2023 for a Scientific Collection Permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The complete eradication of an entire species from a landscape such as the one proposed generally requires a “Depredation” permit. The approval of this permit for the purpose stated would set a dangerous precedent for the management of California wildlife.
The reported details regarding the use of AR-15 rifles from helicopters by the Conservancy's contracted company, White Buffalo, Inc. for deer eradication on Catalina Island are concerning. Conducting "island-wide" sweeps in an inhabited area raises valid ethical and practical questions. The concept of such eradication methods on an inhabited island, coupled with the assertion of killing processes meeting established standards, does warrant further scrutiny and transparency.
The potential consequences of leaving carcasses to rot, could indeed raise concerns regarding compliance with the California Wanton Waste law, not to mention the Public Relations repercussions. It is essential for any conservation efforts to consider both the humane treatment of animals and adherence to legal regulations.
The lack of responses to the majority of the communities questions, submitted to the Conservancy’s “Community” Forum regarding the impact of this eradication plan is troubling. Transparency and open communication with the community are vital in addressing ethical concerns.
Further dialogue and clarification from the Conservancy regarding these reported practices and the questions posed by the community members are necessary to uphold accountability and address the valid concerns raised.
The recently promoted Conservancy "Restoration" plan appears to lack specifics concerning invasive plant removal and fire control, leading to significant doubts about the efficacy of solely targeting deer as a solution to the island's ecological challenges. There is a valid concern that removing deer might not fully resolve these pressing issues and could potentially result in the inhumane slaughter of these animals while leaving critical problems unattended. It is imperative to consider a comprehensive approach that includes addressing invasive plants, fire mitigation strategies alongside a humane deer management plan.
The Catalina Island community advocates for transparency and accountability in addressing the issue of deer population management on the island. The use of terms such as "remove" and "manage" by the Conservancy may not fully convey the intended impact of the actions being taken.
The Catalina Island Conservancy’s website does not explicitly mention the complete removal of the Catalina Island deer through inhumane lethal means with AR-15’s from helicopters, however the application they submitted to the Department of Fish and Wildlife does.
The Catalina Island community requests considering alternative solutions like implementing an ethical hunting program or relocating the deer off the island to maintain a sustainable population of approximately 500 deer. These methods have proven successful in the past and offer more humane alternatives to indiscriminate slaughter. The belief is that the deer population can be managed effectively without resorting to extreme measures that prioritize expediency over ethics.
The City of Avalon's response to Catalina Island Conservancy’s deer eradication plan proposed to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife highlights a significant shift in perspective towards wildlife management within the city limits. The overwhelming support displayed by the Avalon City Council in reinforcing an existing City Ordinance to prohibit such activities underscores a commitment to address the concerns of residents and visitors alike.
With limited public information available regarding the Conservancy's future plans for the deer population within Avalon city limits following these Ordinance changes, there remains a level of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the deer in this area. The potential implications of this decision on the local ecosystem and the well-being of the deer population raise questions about the conservation efforts moving forward.
As stakeholders await further updates on the direction that will be taken regarding the management of deer in Avalon, it is essential to consider the delicate balance between human interests and wildlife preservation. The need for transparency and informed decision-making in wildlife conservation initiatives is crucial in fostering a sustainable coexistence between humans and animals in these shared spaces.
