COLUMBUS, Ohio - As deer populations continue to grow across Central Ohio, communities are facing increasing challenges in managing their impact on local environments and human safety. To address these issues, the Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) will host a breakfast on Dec. 2 to explore how local communities are collaborating to manage deer populations and reduce wildlife conflicts.

The event will feature representatives from Worthington and Gahanna, Ohio, along with wildlife officers, who will share research and strategies for managing deer across jurisdictional boundaries. Attendees will learn about successful management approaches, best practices, and key lessons from communities working together to address this ongoing challenge.

This talk highlights the importance of coordination across communities to address shared environmental challenges, said Harrison Fried, director of the EPN

"This is our last program of 2024, and like all EPN events, we strive to create opportunities for environmental professionals across and between communities, cities, and counties to learn from each other and collaborate," he said. "By showcasing deer management strategies from several Columbus suburbs and underscoring the need for cross-boundary coordination between cities, we hope to inspire attendees to think about ways they can apply these strategies in their own areas to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and manage deer populations more effectively."

The event is open to city managers, wildlife officers, public safety officials, and anyone interested in effective deer management strategies. The program will explore how collaboration can enhance deer management efforts and benefit communities throughout Ohio.

To register and learn more, visit go.osu.edu/epndec24.