Deer Herd Reduction at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve Completed for Season

Bloomington, Ind. - The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department announced today that the deer cull at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve has been completed for this season. A total of 62 deer were removed from the property by wildlife management contractor White Buffalo, Inc.

Studies of vegetation at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve over the past several years indicate deer browse pressure at the preserve has caused a reduction in the size and quantity of many plant species. The Department made a decision, following considerable study and public comment, to reduce the number of deer enough to allow the plant life to recover. Monitoring of the numbers and heights of plants and seedling trees will continue at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, in order to evaluate the impact of the deer cull.

All deer taken from the property were processed by KW Deer Processing, and the venison donated to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Funding for the meat processing was provided by Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, which has been open for abbreviated hours of 8 a.m. until noon daily during the deer reduction, will resume normal hours of operation (5 a.m. through 11 p.m.) on Jan. 6. Admission to Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is free.

A full report of the deer cull will be presented to the Board of Park Commissioners at their regularly scheduled meeting, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 401 N. Morton St. The public is welcome and invited to attend.

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