Public input on the future of deer populations in the state's farmland zone is being collected through an online survey posted on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Web site.

The survey is the final part of a statewide deer population goal-setting project that began in 2005. Last year, DNR wildlife managers collected nearly 1,700 online comments on deer populations in the forested zone through a similar survey. Previously, comments on deer populations were collected at public meetings.

"By using the Internet to make the process more convenient, we hope to give more people a chance to comment," said Steve Merchant, DNR wildlife program manager. "Public participation is a critically important component of this project and will help DNR make sound decisions on deer populations."

Earlier this year, DNR worked with stakeholder teams to help set the future direction on deer populations. The teams represented such interests as deer hunters, landowners, businesses, counties and conservation/environmental groups. The teams met twice to recommend if deer populations should be increased, decreased, or stabilized for each of the farmland permit areas.

Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator, said public comments and recommendations made by the teams would be used to finalize deer population goals. "Deer management today must take into account many social and biological factors," he said. "This process goes a long way towards giving us some direction on where to take deer populations."

The online presentation and survey may be accessed from the DNR Web page at www.dnr.state.mn.