Bird Park
Connor
McNeilly
Robb Hollow
Look for corrals with no bait station inside. The PA Game Commission permit states that bait stations must be removed before shooting can begin.
By 5:00 PM today, Benner should have approval for 2 or 3 more being allowed to "discharge."
Christ Science Church has a kindergarten "enrichment" program, so they are exempt from the Federal Gun Law. Nursery schools and enrichment programs: too bad.
I am getting so many emails from people asking how they can help. Here is all I can offer:
- Protest is at 5:30 tomorrow in front of the municipal building on Washington Road.
- Citizen Comments begins around 8:05 PM. Sign up sheets to speak should be available after 6:00 PM.
- The media would like to tag along with anyone who may be video recording tonight. Contact me at EGILLEN476@aol.com if you would like to participate.
- If anyone has reindeer decorations from the Holidays, put them out in your front yards.
Here is a list of those contacted:
- Governor Wolf
- Senator Matt Smith
- Rep. Dan Miller
- PA One Call
- OSHA
- FBI
- Commissioners
- Manager Feller
- Chief Coleman McDonough
- Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank (never heard from Benner)
- Kip's Deer Processing (never heard from Benner)
- Wildlife Specialists (Merlin Benner)
- PA Game Commission
- Media
- Humane Society
- Others (added below)
- Peoples Gas Company
- Columbia Gas Company
- ACLU is on alert
- PETA
Here is who can stop it:
- PA Game Commission
- Commissioners
Warning: Do not say anything unpleasant to Kristen Linfante. She will report you to the police. She reported me when someone was talking about executing a contract. The other commissioners will rally around Ms. Linfante because she has a serious health condition. As much as she likes to bait people, don't do it.
Otherwise, there is nothing else that can be done.
Kelly Fraasch just posted Deer Program begins this Evening! on her blog.
Update March 9, 2015 7:54 PM John Bendel lies here on WTAE.
52 comments:
A helicopter was heard overhead around 2:30 PM today. The media is as frustrated as we are. They aren't being told anything. WTAE told me last night that they were going to send up a helicopter today to look for corrals. Where is the sixth corral?
Elaine
I wish they'd get the story straight. On KDKA radio in the 5:00pm warm up, they said they were told the shooting was postponed for tonight because Benner didn't have the necessary equipment in place.
Missed the actual news so I don't know if they corrected the story or not.
Guess the only way we'll know if the only "reputable" news source - Lebocitizens - fills us in!
Do we have a list of media contacts and emails?
Just thinking the more people they hear from, the more likely they are to cover it.
TV
KDKA
WTAE
WPXI
Print
Post-Gazette
Tribune-Review
Radio
KDKA
WDVE
KQV
others???
http://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/locate?select=city&city=pittsburgh
Have any college groups shown any interest since this is a cruelty to animals issue?
Any potential Mt Lebanon political hopefuls?
The ACLU could take a few rides around if unwarranted stops start happening. Use your dash cams ;)
Here's a question you'd think some reputable journalist or reporter would ask Benner, Feller or the Chief.
According to John Hayes/Pittsburgh Post Gazette: "Six-sided portable corral traps were set up around the feeders — the permit stipulates that the corrals must be covered with netting and feeders must be removed from inside the trap on nights when shooting is expected to occur."
So here's the question. If the feeder must be in the corral to lure the deer in and they then close the gate. How do they get the feeder out before shooting?
Does someone climb in while the deer are in the corral and lift it out?
If so, these deer are the "attack dogs" that some residents make them out to be. If one can join 6 deer in an 8'x 8' corral and not get attacked, it's a sure bet you and pooch are safe on your lawn.
If the feeder isn't in the corral the day of the shooting how do they get the deer to wander in?
Plus, will the police be monitoring to see if Benner's people follow the rules stipulated by the permit?
The only officials that MIGHT be interested in compliance would be an Allegheny County WCO, and going up against their leaders would be a career ender.
Mt. Lebanon police will do whatever the chief says. Not gonna hold my breath.
I just saw on WTAE 6:00 news that the killing will start tonight. They did make the comment that the number of deer/vehicle accidents in Mt. Lebanon and surrounding communities is the reason why the deer need to be culled. They reported that other options were considered and that the sterilization permit was denied. Kelly Fraach's blog even states that there are more vehicle/pedestrian accidents than deer related accidents. Will anyone report actual facts to the news stations and get them out to surrounding communities?
WTAE Headline News Report
They quoted Commissioner Bendel saying that they basically tried everything, and this was the only solution left. WHAT A BUNCH OF BS LIES!!! He's no different than Commissioner Linfante. He has to be removed from office! They showed a powerpoint list.
I think the PowerPoint list showed:
* No deer feeding ordinance. The no feeding ordinance was never enforced. The bird feeding ordinance, i.e. height of bird feeders was never enforced.
* They showed a picture of one small yellow deer crossing sign. I think we have about 3 signs in all of Mt. Lebanon. These yellow deer crossing signs are useless. Laura Simon recommended identifying hot spots and putting up flashing deer crossing warning signs - not done.
* I think it said something about tracking car-deer collisions (can't remember), but they didn't track hot spots, even when they were asked to do so repeatedly. No hot spots identified. No flashing warning signs. No roadside habitat modification.
* They applied for a sterilization permit that was denied - right! And they stood up to the PGC and fought hard for it. I think Benner represented them. No conflict there.
The PROBLEM is the smorgasbord of irresistible flowers and plants that residents grow in their yards, and that Mt. Lebanon plants in their 30+ flower islands. It's this food attractant that draws deer into Mt. Lebanon to browse.
Mt. Lebanon tried absolutely NOTHING recommended by Laura Simon, HSUS' wildlife biologist.
- Holding deer-proofing seminars
- Reaching out and asking residents to plant deer resistant flowers and ornamentals
- Planting deer resistant flowers in the 30+ flower islands throughout the community
- Identifying deer crossing hot-spots and putting up electric/flashing deer warning signs
- Lowering the speed limit
- Implementing a drivers education program for residents
- Educating residents on deer
- Expanding the fence ordinances
- Implementing roadside habitat modification to increase visibility
Laura Simon gave an example where Rochester Hills decreased car-deer collisions by 25% through a resident education program, and the strategic placement of deer warning signs. This program only costs $5,000. This program was ignored.
Commissioner Bendel ignored all of these effective and safe solutions, and instead:
* Chose to bring dangerous lethal weapons into our community, that threaten all Lebo families.
* Chose to implement an extremely inhumane killing program, and had Mt. Lebanon accused of animal cruelty by The Humane Society of the United States.
* Chose to implement a dangerous and inhumane program that caused widespread division within the community.
* Chose to implement a dangerous and inhumane program that has brought regional and national negative publicity to Mt. Lebanon,
* Chose to implement an ineffective solution that will not reduce deer-human conflict or reduce the deer population long-term.
Heck of a job - Bendel!!!
I have not seen any reported statistics on deer-vehicle collisions. First-hand, I have witnessed two clippings of deer in front of my house and the pickup of a dead carcass (arrived home after the accident) and am willing to bet that few of them have been reported as an incident to anyone besides their insurance company. One of my neighbors would feed the deer...terrible idea when you live on Washington Rd in the 35mph zone.
I'm not a huge fan of the current culling plan and favored the archery plan, but something does need to be done. The deer population is out of hand. I come home to deer lying in my driveway, baby deer on my front doorstep and up to a dozen deer lounging in my backyard during the warmer months. Truly, deer overpopulation does not just plague Mt Lebanon but many South Hills communities. I don't understand why they haven't come up with a several community wide solution
In heavily populated areas, some of the HSUS's suggestions just do not work. The deer have taken to eating "deer resistant" plants and many of the marketed deer repellent sprays and powdered material only will keep them at bay for a short period before the deer realize that although it smells terrible, there is no real danger to keep them from your vegetation. Nearly all of Mt Lebanon would warrant the deer crossing signs and it's impractical to have to fence off your entire property on all sides in order to keep them out.
The overpopulation has cost area residents and travelers thousands of dollars every year in vehicular and landscape-related damages. It's easy to see why people are upset over this.
From a Lebo Citizens reader:
Around 7:15 PM I saw a car at the entrance to Robb Hollow Park at the intersection of Kelso and Robb Hollow. Went to investigate, it was Bob Hazen from Channel 4 News. During our talk the MTLPD showed up in a personal vehicle. Elapsed time less than 5 minutes. Moments later a marked car showed up. The officer was cordial and it was all good when they said they were from the news but I wonder if it was just me if it would have been different.
I also saw a vehicle across the street and assumed it was a stake out. However, it was someone on the pro-life side. BEWARE the parks close at 9 PM!!! I yelled up the valley trying to alert them. There is a parking area just down the street, it’s pretty obvious. Do not try to hide in the park driveway, they are on this like stink on do-do.
Officer said it might come down tonight, he didn’t know.
Call Bob Hazen if you see any activity. 412-559-0490 or rhazen@hearst.com
7:30 you must have a very big yard.
In the wooded area behind my house the most I saw ever was 7 deer once in 25 years. On average, I see a couple a week browsing or passing through. Twice I have encountered deer in my driveway. Both times I was walking and both times the deer looked at me, I looked at them, and they wandered off. Yes, on occasion they will eat flowers. I would much rather have a variety of flora and fauna than a sterile, antiseptic garden.
The feeding ban is a great start, as is cooperation with neighboring communities in finding solutions.
Being run roughshod over by a handful over power crazed little tyrants, and being stonewalled on legitimate questions and concerns has demolished any hope of a sensible solution with the powers that be.
They built this mess. They own it. They have earned their spot in the limelight.
If anyone sees any activity, call Matt Santoni, reporter for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review at 412 259 3406. He will be in Mt. Lebanon tonight covering the first night of killing deer.
I will be able to upload deer killing videos tonight. Email them to me at EGIllen476@aol.com.
Elaine
We had 9 deer in our backyard just yesterday. I yelled at them to stay out of the parks and to hang out here.
7:30, you said it... your neighbor feeds the deer on busy Washington Road. So logic would suggestion that may be the reason you happen to see so many deer.
Does that justify killing 150 of them and spending $75,000?
It has been suggested that strict enforcement of no feeding bans can have a huge affect on deer populations.
So why didn't we put more enthusiasm into enforcing the ban?
Also, while you've seen a lot of deer others have seen little or none.
We had 3 deer in our yard this month, 2 in the back in the fall.
It was such a rare occasional that the family could only stare seeing deer that close. The pleasure was worth the few plants nibbled.
I do agree with you that if the deer are such a huge problem that the majority wants something done, then stupid isn't the answer.
Culling just MTL won't achieve the desired results. An area wide control plan encompassing at least USC, Bethel, Dormont, Scott, Carnegie, Baldwin, Castle Shannon is in order.
The rest of this month will be a lovely preview of the dystopian future of Mt. Lebanon: corn police, hired contractors, unmarked cars, hidden cameras, stone-faced officials, restricted parks, silent killings in the dead of night.
If Orwell or Huxley lived here they would hang a "For Sale" sign on their house yesterday.
March 9, 2015 at 7:30 PM
Reg. car-deer collision. As you well know, Deer cause less than 2% of collisions with injury in Mt. Lebanon. The focus should be on the other 98% causes of collisions.
"IF" you truly have a neighbor feeding deer, you can turn them in and they will be warned not to feed deer. However, if you are planting flowers and plants that are irresistible to deer or have a bird feeder you are just as guilty of feeding the deer.
So you favor archery, which has a 50%+ wounding rate. More than one out of every two deer shot is never retrieved, but dies a slow tortuous death from blood loss and infection. Sounds humane. These wounded deer will be dying in residents yards traumatizing families and their children, and running out into the roads causing accidents. Sounds like a good idea. Oh, BTW, bow hunting doesn't reduce deer-human conflicts or the deer population long-term. Bow hunting is nothing more than recreational hunting.
So you favor hunting as the solution to car-deer collision. Here are some facts. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, most car-deer collisions happen during hunting season. Pennsylvania's second largest insurance company (the nation's 12th largest insurer) — Erie Insurance — collected data that showed a five-fold increase in car-deer collisions on the first day of hunting, and that car-deer collisions remain high throughout hunting season. This is caused by hunters pushing deer out into the roads and panicked wounded deer running into the roads. In addition, once you kill the matriarch doe, whose job it is to safely cross her family, her orphans will run into the roads without caution. Sounds like a good idea.
Right, so you have 12 deer in your back yard, deer lying in your drive way, and fawns on your door step. Any on your roof? Please take a picture and bring it up to the commission meeting. I drive through and around Mt. Lebanon every day and never even see a deer. I guess they're all at your house. Are you feeding them? If you don't like the deer, why don't you just chase them away.
With all due respect, Laura Simon, The Humane Society of the United States' Field Director of their Urban Wildlife Program is a wildlife biologist and deer expert with 20+ years field experience. What are your credentials? Point being, I don't think you have the expertise or understanding of deer behavior, deer reproductive science, etc. to say that recommendations made by Ms. Simon won't work. Please share your credentials and expertise so we can evaluate your informed opinion.
Right, deer resistant flowers and plants, and repellents don't work. Pro-kill people always say that. They work great for me, and for others who really use them. We held a deer proofing seminar a few years ago and had a packed house. It was a really successful seminar. None of the pro-kill residents attended. You didn't attend.
And how did you conclude that all of Mt. Lebanon would need deer crossing signs? The police have never tracked car-deer collisions to specific crossing spots, only to entire roads.
Why is it impractical to fence off your yard back yard if you don't want any deer or wildlife in your yard? But it's practical to bring in rifle shooters with lethal weapons and bullets that have a maximum range of 2.20 miles, that threaten all Lebo families, children, and pets.
You keep on saying the "over population", but you have no idea what the population is or what it should be. Most of the deer don't even live in Mt. Lebanon, but travel here to eat the smorgasbord of food that Mt. Lebanon plants in its 30+ flower islands, and that residents and gardeners plant around their homes. If you took some basic steps to implement some deer-resistant gardening strategies you as well as Mt. Lebanon could resolve its deer-human conflicts. YOU need to stop planting hostas in your back yard, because you know that the deer love them.
Has any one called PETA it was not on the list. They could stop it!! Also, if the contractors are filming the slaughter the contractors should play it at the meeting tomorrow so the commissioners can watch the murder
In case you missed it, this from an article in the Tribune Review on Saturday the 7th. Lots more places to protest in the coming years.
"As Mt. Lebanon struggles to get its controversial deer-culling program under way this month, its neighbors in Upper St. Clair were finishing their 10th consecutive season of culling with sharpshooters, and archers in Bethel Park, Fox Chapel, Pleasant Hills and Allegheny County's parks had finished their season in late January."
7:30pm here again. I don't have a tiny yard but it's far from huge. I agree that part of the extra deer may be from my neighbor feeding them. However, she used to be a public official so I doubt that reporting her would be of much help.
Went on a walk to enjoy the beautiful weather yesterday and saw two deer right up against the front of somebody's house, munching away on their bushes. In another area, a deer trotted out in front of me crossing the road. They're definitely everywhere and unafraid of people.
This culling plan has turned into a disaster. I can't say that I understand how in the world the commissioners have refused to back down or at least publicly pretend to look into another method of population control, considering the huge public backlash.
P.S. Yes, the price tag for this is ludicrous.
It's good to know that Barney Fife got his bullet ready, and the corn and pee police are at their stations. Got to protect Benner and his boys from getting their humane slaughter recorded by concered residents, who don't want lethal weapons in their parks and backyards. Atta boy Coleman! I feel safe with you in charge.
Here's a handy chart of plants deer like and don't like.
It's color-coded, so simple even a commissioner can understand it!
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/deerresistance/
:)
WTAE got a still picture of a deer right in front of a corral tonight.
Pennsylvania is sick and will suffer because it is run by fools who are too stupid, corrupt and political to care for the greater good.
Of all the towns that will suffer, Mt Lebanon will be the epicenter.
9:10. I think you may find there will be more people against an atrociously mismanaged program like Mt. Lebanon rather than others which are working reasonably well.
Mt. Lebanon is a bit unusual in that animal rights activists and hunters agree it is way out of line. Those groups aren't known for being best buds. Couple that with irate taxpayers and a series of other debacles by the current leaders and you have sort of a perfect storm.
Mt. Lebanon can serve as a shining example for other communities on how NOT to do deer management. All the more reason to document the daylights out of this mess.
Someone could write a pretty decent handbook for others from the lessons learned here.
Well, I was running errands and as of 9:45 here’s the latest.
Connor Road Clear.
Bird Park (Beadling Drive Entrance) protesters mulling in the parking lot. Media coverage.
Bird Park (Cedar Blvd) Clear.
Robb Hollow Park (intersection of Kelso Road and Robb Hollow – 3 Marked cars questioning what sounded like several females, the un-marked white Ford crew cab truck that was there earlier was parked at Bethany Drive.
None of Benner’s crew was around as far as I know.
Pro-Life vehicle left the area.
Question:
Why isn't There outrage in Scott, Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Dormont for their leadership to conduct deer culls?
Hayes from the PG claims there are thousands of deer in the area, but we don't hear of the of other communities pressuring for senseless killing.
Are they stupid, cheap or too dull witted to recognize that deer are ruining there drab, we don't live in Lebo lives?
Perhaps on the other hand, they have a respect for nature and aren't spoiled so much that they have to be protected from everything they find inconvenient, like deer poop and grass stained soccer/lacrosse shorts.
I am of the opinion that the residents of Mt. Lebanon must at least research if oversight committees are available to either take over the commissioners' seats or babysit them on a daily basis. An fiscal oversight board was appointed to watch the City of Pittsburgh's purse strings a few years ago. A couple of the commissioners still have three years before the next election. Of course, we could begin by demanding their resignations. They will sit tight, though. Then, we begin to research if and how that special committee may be formed. They all need to be removed. They are corrupt.
What do Brenner's trucks look like? I saw pickup's parked and idleing in a parking lot on CastleShannon Blvd across from the Baptist Home..
Benner and the shooters won't stake out or shoot at the McNeilly Park corral site behind the CITGO station until after the CITGO station closes. I don't know what time it closes.
Could that be location of sixth corral?
That'd be 466 Castle Shannon Blvd (if bldg next to Stoudt carpet) and putting a corral on private property at that location was mentioned.
What a nightmare. The commissioners who voted for this should be fired!! Right now. What a disgrace I will never shop in Mt Lebanon again. Shame shame shame. Taking the lives of innocent deer. You're insane. No help from any officials. Good god stop this slaughter. All we can do now is pray
Wait a minute. I haven't seen photos of platforms.... so how can there be any killing tonight?
I can't believe I just wrote that sentence.
I need to get out of here.
I agree 11:13. I've decided to not ever shop, eat, patron any establishment in Mt. Lebanon ever again. If enough people do the same, it may hit them in the wallet.
That makes me sad when I hear talk like that, 11:28 PM. I always support small businesses in Mt. Lebanon. Four commissioners approved this. Find out what they do for a living and don't support their businesses, if that is what you feel you have to do.
Elaine
If you decide to boycott anywhere, it helps to send a polite note explaining why to the business owner.
The economy is shaky enough as is. Lowest workforce participation rate in 40 years. Business owners really dislike their political leaders costing them sales.
Elaine and 11:37, good suggestions and a perfect combination!
I just did a little search on Google.
"Mt Lebanon" About 606,000 results
"Mt Lebanon" + deer About 297,000 results
"Mt Lebanon" + deer + cull About 50,400 results
So it appears there is some interest in this story.
Also a pretty fair chance anyone checking out Mt Lebanon as a place to live, work, play or shop may get an eyeful.
Damage control to Mt. Lebanon's image will cost more than this program to "improve" the community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVP4fqAjJOw
WTAE
The stupid male Commissioners's and the 4 old biddy gardeners who complain about deer eating flowers are hypocrites. I have deer at my house on a regular basis. Yeah, they eat my roses and you know what? I turn my outside hose on them and they move on! I go outside with aluminin pie pans and make all kinds of noise! And, they move on! Deer can be domesticated! They can be trained to stay off your property! We DO NOT have 800 car accidents per year in Mt. Lebanon. The pro kill people need to stop whining and GROW UP! Plants flowers the deer don't eat. Train them off your
property! Stop being lazy and stop whining. Get off your a... And do something different!
12:07 Great report by Hazen but what's up with the person back in the studio commenting on ALLEGED pictures of ALLEGED supporters ALLEGEDLY messing with the traps? Has anyone actually seen these pictures outside of Benner and MTL PD? Will they show them at the meeting tomorrow and provide copies to the media?
Brian Benner saves rattlesnakes from earth movers but slaughters deer in public park corrals.
http://wnep.com/2014/09/03/neighbors-look-out-for-wildlife-on-trail/
#sellout
Elaine I understand your concern however no one is listening to the majority of folks who want this stopped. It's the only way we can get attention. Shop owners pay and landlords pay boo coo bucks in taxes. It may be the only way to get their attention. Maybe the shop owners will speak up and save our Bucks
Since the oil/gas industry uses Benner, time to thank them with support for Governor Wolf's oil/gas tax.
Let Range Resources and all of them know WHY the tax that will cost them billions is getting fresh support.
Personally, I think the tax is a bad idea for Pennsylvania, but am so disgusted with the PGC and their cronies am willing to send a message.
Start with these guys:
http://marcelluscoalition.org/
Copy Wolf (who wants more taxes, of course) and politicians, (who want more campaign contributions from the oil industry)
They use Benner, they can watch their profits evaporate.
This is a personal thank you to Merlin Benner for calling us lawbreakers. Jerk.
Benner worked for the DCNR, and is now using that network to build his business. He even sits on an advisory council, alongside people from other concerns who will LOVE to see sudden support for Wolf's proposed tax
http://www.environmentalessentials.com/first-meeting-of-the-pennsylvania-natural-gas-advisory-committee-held-by-dcnr/
Merlin also has a drone gig with his kid and some other guy.
http://www.wellsborohomepage.com/remote-intelligence-takes-off/
Buy a DJI Phantom for $1000 (that's the little drone next to Merlin), add an ex-DCNR huckster and presto! Instant expert with "professional" services.
More like amateur hour with professional prices.
At 4:20am,
cop sitting in church lot at Washington & Cochran.
WTAE sitting in church lot next to Bird Park.
Appeared to only be a police SUV in Bird Park circle off Cedar.
Do something to end it. This is what happened in Cranbrook.
http://www.e-know.ca/news/vandalism-ends-deer-cull-cranbrook/
They may deliberately hold off since WTAE has a van in the area. (THANK YOU WTAE!!!)
Unfortunately, doubt any station can afford to keep a truck here for the rest of the month. If Benner's bunch plays possum, the media will lose interest. Bright side is the clock continues ticking. 3 weeks to go!
Amen! Get out there tonight, people! The plan will DEFINITELY need citizen volunteers, so be prepared to commit to helping out!
5:42 Absolutely not. Vandalism gives them an excuse and lowers us to their level. DO NOT MESS WITH THEIR EQUIPMENT.
Anyone recommending anything illegal could be an agent provocateur. Don't break the law.
So how did everyone sleep last night? Me neither. But I bet our wonderful "leaders" slept like babies.....
This may be too little too late, but if you are worried about Lyme disease you might want to research a little further than the PTB that be will allow you to consider. We all know "mainstream" is totally correct, right?
http://www.treatlyme.net/treat-lyme-book-transmission
The Corral at McNeilly was removed today by Benner who seemed upset. Throwing things and yelling. The Game Commission and Police were there. They ARE NOT leaving the area. Relocating hem in other locations that no one knows about. Are you concerned for your safety?
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