to this park or other natural areas. Interruptions and set-backs are normal occurrences in natural systems, like wind storms, fire, floods, etc. Coupled with an animal that had been hunted all its history by Native Americans and / or predators, and the tremendous reproductive potential deer possess( a doe fawn born in May can have a fawn by the time of her first birthday), protecting this animal within the park’ s refuge had clearly resulted in an unhealthy forest.
As neighbor, committee member, and community resident, I found I made friends just as fast as enemies.
My young sons at the time brought home discussions they had in class. Calls at home, even threats the day of the first park hunt in 1993, made me worry I made the right call. But with science on our side, I knew this was the correct way to proceed. And as a conservationist, I knew what was best for the resource— to vote in favor of a reduction. Fortunately, the task force’ s findings also supported a hunt using the public hunter, the most reliable, safest, and manageable way to conduct it.
2013 marked the 20 th anniversary of park hunts in Indiana State Parks. Brown County conducted the very first and precedent-setting reduction. Other Indiana parks struggled with community and visitor debates. While the decision to hunt deer in historicallypreserved parks was a drastic change to some, it was needed to restore the property’ s natural integrity. What made the entire process accountable was an attempt to understand other opinions. Open comment periods at public hearings allowed fair exchange. What I learned is everyone’ s comment mattered and all are important. •
Olde Time
Flea Market
DEALERS WANTED
Have Your Garage Sale Under Roof
Every Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday Weekends
April – October
Thousands of Bargains and Uniques
State Road 46 East • Gnaw Bone 8:00 am – 5:00 pm • 812-988-2346
Toys and Games for All Ages A Brown County Tradition since 1972
Located in the Artists Colony Shops 125 S. Van Buren St. – Nashville, IN
www. browncountytoychest. com • 812-988-2817
Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Family Owned and Operated
• Daily Specials
• Kid’ s Menu
HOURS: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 to 4:00 1st and 3rd Saturdays 10:00 to 1:00
THRIFT SHOP
South Van Buren in Nashville( behind Subway)( 812) 988-6003
Proceeds go to local charities
FULL BAR AVAILABLE
812-988-4535 Carry Out Available
COACHLIGHT SQUARE 101 E. Washington St. one block east of S. Van Buren St.( in front of the high school) in downtown Nashville
July / August 2015 • Our Brown County 55