FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2025
Kent County residents invited to deer management open house series
Public sessions will share information about the ongoing deer management study and
gather input from residents
KENT COUNTY, Mich. – The Kent County Deer Management Coalition invites residents to
attend the upcoming Deer Management Open House Series. The set of four public sessions will
share updates on the coalition’s ongoing deer management study and gather additional input on
deer-related concerns. Sessions will be held June 2 and June 4, with morning and evening
options available to accommodate varying schedules.
Open house schedule
Monday, June 2
Kent County North Campus
4191 17 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs, Mich.
- 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 4
City of Walker
4243 Remembrance Road NW, Walker, Mich. - 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Kent County Road Commission Southwest Complex
131 84th St. SW, Byron Center, Mich. - 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Each session will follow the same format and offer equal opportunity for engagement. A looping
slideshow will highlight key findings from the study so far, and attendees will be invited to
complete a short survey about their own experiences and concerns. Informational tables will
cover key topics including research findings, traffic and safety, deer population health and
management, and best practices for residents.
CONTACT: Maura Lamoreaux, Communications Manager
Kent County Road Commission
616.242.6949 (o), 616-914-3172 (c)
mlamoreaux@kentcountyroads.net - Representatives from the Deer Management Coalition—including Kent County, the Kent County
Road Commission, the City of Kentwood, and Grand Valley State University—as well as staff
from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will be available at the tables to
answer questions and hear directly from community members. - “Deer-related issues vary from one part of the county to another. These open houses are a
chance for residents to speak directly with members of the coalition and share what they’re
seeing in their neighborhoods. Hearing these experiences adds important context to the data we
continue to collect and supports the development of strategies that are responsive to the unique
needs across Kent County,” said Jerry Byrne, managing director of the Kent County Road
Commission. “By working together, we can support a healthy herd while addressing important
concerns related to safety, property and the environment.” - The open house series is part of Kent County’s ongoing deer management study, led by a
research team from Grand Valley State University. Phase 1 launched in November 2024 with a
countywide online survey that gathered feedback on deer-related concerns across the county’s
21 townships and nine cities and villages. Since then, three seasonal rounds of nighttime deer
density data collection have been completed, with a fourth planned for this summer. Final
management recommendations are expected in fall 2025. - About the Kent County Deer Management Coalition
- The Kent County Deer Management Coalition was established in 2024 to lead a countywide
assessment of the deer population and explore management strategies that enhance public
safety while maintaining a balanced, healthy herd.
This collaborative effort is supported by local townships, cities, and villages, along with the
Michigan Department of Transportation, the Kent County Road Commission, and Kent County.
For more information, visit kentcountymi.gov/deer.