Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-18 Public Comment - P. Lupton - WildlifeFrom:Patrick Lupton To:Chris Mehl; Agenda Subject:Wildlife...Especially Deer Date:Tuesday, April 03, 2018 7:23:01 PM How do we value our wildlife in Bozeman? We just let people hit them going about 80mph and leave them in the road. Among the wildlife that people enjoy seeing in the Gallatin Valley deer are regulars. Kids love seeing deer. If adults haven't become apathetic due to common deer sightings, they appreciate them as well. We all think there are "plenty" of deer but if you see them in your neighborhood they are very likely grossly outnumbered by the dogs on your street. Meanwhile, we do nothing to prevent the slaughtering of deer on I-90 through Bozeman. Particularly treacherous is the Main Street Exit. Deer (wildlife) use this thoroughfare to access habitat on both sides of the highway and pay a heavy toll in death. Four lanes of speeding traffic and a train make the area almost impassable for wild animals. Kagy also adds a casualty about once a month. Taken together there are easily two+ fatalities a month. Do we really care that little about the livelihood of the deer? How can that be acceptable? Isn't it just going to get worse as population increases? I drive from my home in South Bozeman to Belgrade and back daily. I have witnessed countless deaths in the last two years and can show carcasses to back up my testimony. Please consider doing something about this horrible truth. I value wildlife in our community and care deeply about their welfare. We could at least put up some signs! Maybe some speed zones in high crossing areas would be helpful. Montana is second only to West Virginia in accidents involving deer and that increases insurance rates statewide. Maybe some insurance companies would donate some money to help with signs or even overpasses. I would be happy to participate in the work, just tell me you are on board and I will get started. I have a story to tell. I witnessed the horrific annihilation of two young bucks on the highway. I have talked with the highway department, FWP, and asked the Daily Chronicle to cover the story. People are complaining about the issue in South Bozeman Neighborhood Magazine. Nothing is being done, but deer are dying useless deaths in large numbers so we can go faster! Please contact me and please put this on the agenda! Sincerely, Patrick Lupton 303-968-9661 -- People helping people...it's powerful stuff! Patrick Lupton 303-968-9661 lupton.network@gmail.com