Dear Members of the Harvard Conservation Commission,

After hearing the presentations and findings of the Deer Management sub-committee on the issue of "overpopulation of deer and how to manage them," we request that you maintain the current no-hunting policy on Harvard Conservation land.

There is immense peace here in the woods and meadows of our beautiful town. They are enjoyed by hikers, dog-walkers, cyclists, runners, 4-H and Scout groups, bird-watchers, horse-back riders, naturalists and many more. People come from towns all over the state, during all seasons, and all hours of the day, to enjoy this gem that is an integral part of Harvard. One of the most beautiful times to hike this precious land is in Autumn...deer hunting season.

Our open spaces and protected land are Harvard's true gift, the reason most of us moved here, and what sets us apart from so many of our suburban crowded towns. Our conservation land offers us the opportunity to get back to nature, to find connection to the wildlife: animals, insects, trees, plants, flowers, rocks and dirt...which is becoming more and more difficult to do as the human population increases and we clearcut our forests. The signers of this petition feel that this peace will be disturbed should the presence of hunters be allowed on our town land.

As you are of course aware, to present the "facts," the sub-committee invited representatives from Wildlife Fish and Game, a state botanist, and a professor from the Dept. of Infectious Disease amongst other guest speakers.  Many people feel that these presentations, and the sub-committee itself, are slated towards one perspective as has been stated from the audience and in newspaper and social media discussions time and again throughout these past months. 

The following facts counter the arguments presented by the sub-committee, and they can be substantiated by countless authorities and respected resources. These facts include: 

* There currently is NO overpopulation of deer in the town of Harvard, MA 

* Culling the herd will NOT significantly change the deer population in the long run

* Hunting deer will NOT significantly prevent tick-born diseases

* Hunting deer will NOT protect the ever-changing flora and fauna of the forest in the long-run

* Hunting with bows does NOT guarantee certain or immediate death and is a cruel method of killing deer

* We risk the chance of losing future land donors if this proposal is approved

Members, so much is still unclear. There is much divisiveness amongst our town regarding this proposal, and the results of the findings are still inconclusive and can be countered. Given this, we believe that approving and implementing such a radical change to our public open land should not happen at this time.

We do truly hope the heartfelt opinions of our townsfolk, many of who strongly dissent as this petition proves, will be taken into consideration.  Please keep our woods, the animals, and our citizens safe and allow them to enjoy this peaceful land as was originally intended by approving our request to maintain the current no-hunting policy on Harvard public lands.

With gratitude,

Jennifer Sundeen and Friends