City Attorney Scott Campbell told the council this week that City Manager David Maistros had directed Campbell to review the permit application to the state that would allow the eradication of the Island’s mule deer application.
In related news, the council on Nov. 7 unanimously adopted an ordinance that bans the feeding, luring, poisoning, capturing, or hunting of wildlife (specifically deer) within the Avalon city limits. The approval of the ordinance, also known as a second reading, was on the Consent Calendar. Consent items are approved collectively and without discussion. The ordinance will go into effect 30 days after it was adopted, which was Nov. 7.
Permit under review
Campbell said he had been directed by the city manager to review the Catalina Island Conservancy’s application for what he called their deer program.The Conservancy has argued that the lethal removal of the entire deer population is necessary to preserve the Island’s ecosystem.
“We’ll be looking at that and come back to the council later this month with our recommendations as to what options the city has with respect to that permit,” Campbell said.
Campbell said he has received calls from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Campbell said the city has been meeting with the Conservancy’s attorneys for a couple of weeks to work on the permit.
Campbell expressed the hope that they would change the program.
Ongoing reactions
As of 4:51 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, a petition opposing the deer eradication gathered 12,963 online.
Social media comments about the proposed lethal removal of the deer continue to be mostly hostile to the proposal.
Public officials have also commented (when asked) on the issue.
“The Supervisor was sorry to hear that this was the solution the Conservancy landed on. The County does not have any jurisdiction in this matter,” wrote LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn in a recent email. Her district includes Avalon.
“I am aware of the proposal submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife by the Catalina Island Conservancy regarding the mule deer and have heard from many of the different stakeholders on the island,” wrote Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal.
“I want to thank the residents, businesses, conservation experts, and visitors who have shared their feedback and concerns,” wrote Lowenthal.
“I understand the impact this proposal has had on the community,” wrote Lowenthal.
“I remain committed to ensuring that any decision made by the Department of Fish and Wildlife is made only after thoughtful, transparent consideration and incorporates the input of all relevant stakeholders,” he wrote.
