Block Island was the first to attempt this route , but it has been long and largely unfruitful . No one disputes that the deer , imported in 1967 , are too numerous or a threat to more than backyard hostas . Estimates vary but , in 2017 , a Department of Environmental Management ( DEM ) flyover survey counted 650 deer on-island . That same year , forty-six people tested positive for Lyme at the Block Island Medical Center .
A cull requires permission from the DEM , which does not consider public health among the reasons for granting it .
“ Our concerns are primarily the impacts to environment and health of the herd ,” says Jay Osenkowski , DEM ’ s deputy chief of wildlife . “ Block Island has the highest density of deer in the state , and that has environmental consequences and a potential consequence to the herd itself .”
In 2013 , the DEM filed emergency legislation to allow a Connecticut sharpshooting company to reduce the herd to a tenth of its size . The cull was to follow the regular hunting season , but a combination of bad weather and bad timing led the sharpshooting company to conclude it wouldn ’ t be successful . It was postponed to the following February , then the plan was abandoned . Today , the town offers a $ 150 per tail reward for hunters .
In late May , Ixodes scapularis larvae are becoming nymphs , attaching themselves to mice , birds and people for the blood meal that precedes adulthood . The nymphs like it moist , so the June rains determine if this year will bring another tick-ocalypse .
A light rain sprinkles the Jamestown Memorial Day parade as Bruce Dickinson , more ham than tick , salutes the passing veterans . He jokes that someone must buy him a drink after this — a bloody mary , perhaps ?
“ It ’ s all fun and games until somebody gets bitten ,” Blake Dickinson says . “ We consider it a public health crisis .”
Ellen Liberman is an award-winning journalist who has commented on politics and reported on government affairs for more than two decades . �
Come home to quality
Licensed in RI , MA , CT 401.467.7600 deslandesconstruction . com since 1963
TRANSFORMING … A HOUSE INTO A HOME , YOUR HOME !
RITA AND KEVIN BECK , OWNERS
Cumberland
KITCHEN
J . G . COFFEY CO . llc .
&
BATH
DesignCenter
1764 MENDON RD ., CUMBERLAND , RI
EMAIL : INFO @ CUMBERLANDKITCHEN . COM
401.334.7317
CUMBERLANDKITCHEN . COM
Running Tracks • Tennis Basketball • Pickleball
Surfacing , Construction and Repair Services
401.441.0871
www . netennisandtrack . com info @ netennisandtrack . com
TM
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JUNE 2021 27