Section 1536.65  Reducing Wildlife Damage

Wildlife damage control is necessary at times to protect the investment in tree planting, direct seeding, or natural regeneration.

a)     This practice is limited to situations where the need for damage control is evident or highly probable based on wildlife population.  Consultation with DNR District Wildlife Biologists is advised.

b)     In addition to cost-share practices, other strategies to control wildlife damage must be included in the Plan and must be implemented with the cost-share practice.

c)     Strategies can include:  Legal hunting, providing alternate habitats, planting of species not favored by a given wildlife species, eliminating mowing, or planting a companion species.

1)     Tree shelters – 75% of the actual cost not to exceed $150 per acre.   The recommendation in the Plan as approved by the District Forester shall be followed.  Requirements include:

A)    Tree shelters shall be evenly distributed throughout each acre.

B)    Shelters shall be maintained as installed for the life of the shelter or until they interfere with the growth of the tree. Shelters may be moved to other seedlings only if the original trees have died.

C)    Durable rot resistant stakes must be used.

D)    Nylon mesh caps or other approved barriers may be needed to prevent death of birds.

E)     For protection from deer, 4 foot shelters meet minimum requirements.

F)     50 shelters per acre is the minimum.

2)     Electric Fencing – 75% of the actual cost not to exceed $0.50 per foot.  The purpose is to repel deer from forestation or natural regeneration sites, as follows:

A)    VGR type fence wire, stainless steel enclosed in plastic is the preferred type.  Other wire may be used, but must be marked with bright color at minimum intervals of 25 feet.

B)    For maximum benefit the fence must be charged throughout the year so as to affect deer behavior.

C)    The service life of the fence shall be determined in the Plan or by separate written prescription.

D)    The fence should be installed prior to planting or at the time of planting to influence deer behavior.

3)     Repellants – 75% of the actual cost not to exceed $15 per acre to protect forestation or natural regeneration sites.

A)    Either scent or taste repellants may be used; the Plan shall prescribe specific types.

B)    Lable directions on approved products must be followed.  Renewal applications must be made in a timely manner, per the label.

C)    The primary treatment shall be done by treatment of the central leader of the seedling.

4)     Bud or Growing Point Protectors – 75% of the actual cost not to exceed $5 per acre.  Such devices as mesh netting, tubes, or bud caps may be used to protect seedling plants.  Installation of such devices shall be according to the manufacturer's recommendations and the written prescription in the Plan.

(Source:  Amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 10473, effective June 1, 1998)