WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you should refer to the pdf version of this document. CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Paper 2 29 October 2010 CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY FOR DECISION Title: Deer Framework for the National Park Prepared by: Will Boyd-Wallis, Senior Land Management Officer Purpose: To update the Board on progress made in ÒSupporting Sustainable Deer ManagementÓ in the National Park and to recommend endorsement of the ÒDeer FrameworkÓ prepared by the Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group. Recommendations That the Board: a) considers progress made on the National Park Plan Priority for Action: Supporting Sustainable Deer Management b) congratulates the CDAG on the preparation of the Deer Framework c) endorses the content of the Deer Framework (in particular Sections 9 & 10) Executive Summary ÒSupporting Sustainable Deer ManagementÓ is a priority in the National Park Plan because deer management is one of the most significant influences on the habitats of the National Park and a key element of many estate businesses. There has in the past been controversy and conflict over differing objectives for deer management. By bringing a focus to this as a priority in the National Park Plan the intention is to improve communication, reduce conflict and reconcile multiple objectives, so as to enhance the habitats of the Park while delivering socio-economic outcomes. This paper provides a brief summary of some of the work that has been undertaken to deliver the Priority for Action on Deer and explains the background to the production of a Deer Framework. The Framework, produced on behalf of the Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group, sets out a number of ÔprinciplesÕ and a Ôdelivery planÕ that provide a positive focus for Òsustaining the deer resourceÓ into the future. The aspiration is that the framework will provide the basis by which deer and their management will no longer need to be such a high priority in the National Park Plan. The Framework does not signal an end to CNPAÕs involvement in deer issues but provides a way to continue to engage the efforts of all with an interest in deer in the Park. MAINPC Macintosh HD:Users:markmackenzie-smith:Desktop:Board Mtg 29 Oct :WORD DOCS:CNPA Bd Paper 2 Deer Framework.doc CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Paper 2 29 October 2010 DEER FRAMEWORK FOR THE NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL PARK PLAN PRIORITY FOR ACTION: 6.3 SUPPORTING SUISTAINABLE DEER MANAGEMENT Update on Progress 1. This brief update focuses on the 5 outcomes as they are set out in the National Park Plan: Outcome 1 -There will be a large-scale patchwork of deer densities across the National Park underpinned by an inclusive deer management planning process. 2. There is already a Òlarge-scale patchwork of deer densities across the National ParkÓ. This is partly because of the natural movements of deer seeking out available habitat and ranging from place to place and partly because of widely differing objectives for deer management. 3. This outcome is intended to demonstrate that a range of deer densities across the National Park is acceptable and that a homogenous density of deer is neither possible nor desirable. The Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group (CDAG) has promoted the understanding that there are many acceptable different objectives for deer management, with the proviso that the underlying primary resource (the habitat) is protected and where necessary enhanced. 4. The Òdeer management planning processÓ is undertaken by individual estates within six Deer Management Groups (DMGs) that cover most of the National Park. All of the DMGs have deer management plans, but at varying degrees of detail and success. A successful plan could be defined as one that Ôfacilitates compromise and change to practice where necessary to accommodate neighbours objectives as well as your ownÕ. This is quite rare in practice and remains a challenge. 5. Experience has shown that some of the most ÒinclusiveÓ, detailed and expensive plans are not necessarily the most effective. However there is a general acceptance amongst the DMGs that involving the community and wider interests in the preparation of a plan is worthwhile in gaining support for collective deer management. Most DMGs are demonstrating a willingness to involve all interested parties, e.g. community representatives. Outcome 2 -Designated sites will be protected and enhanced and the deer range throughout the Park will be managed to a good environmental standard appropriate to the management unit. This standard will be agreed as an integral part of the deer management planning process. 6. There are eleven Joint Agency Working Priority Sites in the National Park (sites where work to achieve favourable condition of designated sites is focused). There has been considerable activity in this area, primarily by SNH, FCS and previously the Deer Commission for Scotland before merger with SNH. In summary most of the key areas where attention has been focused on designated sites (e.g. Glen Feshie, MAINPC Macintosh HD:Users:markmackenzie-smith:Desktop:Board Mtg 29 Oct :WORD DOCS:CNPA Bd Paper 2 Deer Framework.doc CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Paper 2 29 October 2010 Kinveachy, Cairngorms, Caenlochan, Monadhliath, Drummochter Hills) are now under some form of deer control agreement or partnership agreement between the agencies and the estates. 7. The pressure to ensure designated sites are in Òfavourable conditionÓ within a short time span has been considerable both for the agencies and the estates and has not been without its problems. However the results on the ground speak for themselves in some areas where habitat recovery has been hard won, but remarkable, for example Glenfeshie. Outcome 3 -There will be good communication and understanding between all sectors involved in deer management including public agencies, local communities and other interest groups. Better understanding of objectives, requirements and deer management activities should reduce conflict between different sectors. 8. The Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group (CDAG) was set up in 2006 to a) promote better communication and understanding between all organisations with an interest in deer and their management in the National Park. b) advise the CNPA on deer and their management. 9. Deer Management Groups and the Association of Cairngorms Community Councils are represented to give a land management and a local perspective. Public agencies and other voluntary organisations and interest groups also help to provide a national perspective. 10. CDAG has played a key role in bringing together (potentially) disparate groups and fostering a collective motivation to see deer recognised as an important component of the National ParkÕs natural and cultural heritage and as an economic asset. 11. CDAG continues to meet four times a year, covering a wide range of issues aimed at improving understanding and awareness and at resolving problems. Arguably the most important job CDAG has progressed to date, the Deer Framework, is covered later in this paper. Outcome 4 -The economic value of the deer resource will be enhanced. 12. The main focus on this outcome has been in promoting venison as a valuable local food source. Working alongside the Scottish Venison Working Group a wide range of events has taken place over the last few years. In particular events with schools to explain the role of deer managers and stalkers and how the venison ends up on the plate have been very successful and well received. A recent event at Glen Tanar with chefs helped to reduce the mystique that sometime surrounds venison cooking. There is a huge market opportunity for venison. The intention is to continue promoting the value of venison through the ÒFood For LifeÓ programme, perhaps also exploring deer farming or deer parks as a diversification option for farmers in order to meet the increasing demand MAINPC Macintosh HD:Users:markmackenzie-smith:Desktop:Board Mtg 29 Oct :WORD DOCS:CNPA Bd Paper 2 Deer Framework.doc CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Paper 2 29 October 2010 Outcome 5 -There will be more opportunities and fewer perceived barriers for a wider range of people to enjoy stalking. 13. This is perhaps one of the most challenging of the five outcomes. It is important because deer management serves an important function socially, economically and environmentally and wider acceptance of that fact will help to recruit future deer managers and a better understanding of complexity of rural issues. Some preliminary attempts have been made to encourage estates to offer stalking opportunities to new people. With the help of CDAG and the Country Sports Tourism Initiative it is intended that more ideas and opportunities will develop to broaden awareness and understanding of stalking and deer management. Recommendation 14. That the Board considers progress made on the National Park Plan Priority for Action: Supporting Sustainable Deer Management Deer Framework 15. The full draft Deer Framework is provided in Annex 1 to this paper. 16. The Deer Framework has been developed by the Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group. The original aim of producing it was Òto openly develop a process with all those interested in deer in the Cairngorms National Park in order to ensure this natural asset is managed in ways that help to sustain a high quality environment and support the local economyÓ. 17. The development of the framework by a wide range of interested individuals and groups represented on CDAG has been just as important as the end product. Developing a collective vision for deer management across the National Park has already helped to improve communication and resolve differences. The final published product will also help to widen understanding of complexities and challenges of deer management in the CNP. 18. Throughout its development it has been of key importance that the Framework demonstrates local delivery of the national policy ÒScotlandÕs Wild Deer Ð A National ApproachÓ and yet retains its local Ôgrass rootsÕ. 19. It is important to note that the Deer Framework is not intended to duplicate or overlap with the role of Deer Management Groups and Deer Management Planning. It is for this reason that the title is simply ÒDeer FrameworkÓ and not ÒDeer Management Framework or planÓ. 20. In summary, it is anticipated that the Deer Framework willÉ a) Provide a bridge between National Policy (ScotlandÕs Wild Deer Ð A National Approach) and the local management of deer by Deer Management Groups; b) Set out strategic principles for deer management across the National Park recognising differing objectives; MAINPC Macintosh HD:Users:markmackenzie-smith:Desktop:Board Mtg 29 Oct :WORD DOCS:CNPA Bd Paper 2 Deer Framework.doc CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Paper 2 29 October 2010 c) Build a collective understanding of deer and deer-related issues in the National Park; d) Build cohesion amongst deer managers across the National Park; e) Support land managers in pursuit of objectives that support the local economy and protect the natural heritage; f) Assist in the provision of funding and advisory mechanisms; g) Promote protection of the deer population and their welfare h) Promote wider involvement in the management of deer; i) Promote the value of deer as a management tool for maintaining a high quality environment; j) Promote the value of deer related tourism and sporting as an economic asset; k) Promote the marketing of venison as a valuable and healthy food source; l) Promote the sourcing and marketing of deer related products from within the NP; m) Develop opportunities for expanding economic activities associated with deer; n) Develop opportunities for expanding economic activities associated with deer; and o) Develop National Park wide policies on managing Sika deer. 21. In these ways, delivery guided by the framework will contribute to several outcomes of the National Park Plan. The success of delivery in future will be able to be assessed in part through State of the Park indicators of habitat quality and the health of the land-based economy, and through a reduced level of conflict and controversy relating to deer management. Although less measurable, this last indicator gives a valuable insight into the effectiveness of the framework and CNPAÕs approach to supporting sustainable deer management. Implications Financial Implications 22. There are no direct financial implications associated with this paper. CNPAÕs financial and staffing contribution to work outline in the framework will be guided by our operational planning processes for future years as normal. Presentational Implications 23. The Deer Framework is a significant step and signal of the progress that CDAG and individual partners have made in addressing the priority for action on sustainable deer management. The next National Park Plan will need to show how this framework is to be used within the wider policy context. Implications for Stakeholders 24. A range of partners identified in the framework will be responsible for delivering elements, overseen by CDAG as a group. In particular, discussions with Deer Management Groups, led by their representatives on CDAG will be crucial to effective connections being made. MAINPC Macintosh HD:Users:markmackenzie-smith:Desktop:Board Mtg 29 Oct :WORD DOCS:CNPA Bd Paper 2 Deer Framework.doc CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Paper 2 29 October 2010 Next Steps 25. The table below shows the key stages that have taken place so far in the preparation of the deer framework and the final steps that need to be taken to its completion. Key stages Date DRAFTING and CONSULTATION Framework Discussion paper to CDAG 8th June 2009 Scope and timing paper to CDAG 8th July 2009 Content, Vision and Principles to CDAG 5 Nov 2009 Principles (renamed Sustaining the Deer Resource) to CDAG subgroup 28 Jan 2010 Sustaining the Deer Resource to Scottish Environment LINK ÔDeer Task ForceÕ 2 Feb 2010 Sustaining the Deer Resource to CDAG 11 Feb 2010 Sustaining the Deer Resource to CNPA Board 19 Feb 2010 Sustaining the Deer Resource and Actions to CDAG 6 May 2010 Full Deer Framework to CDAG 11 Aug 2010 Full Deer Framework to DMGs and others 1 Oct 2010 Full Deer Framework to CNPA board 29 Oct 2010 Final Deer Framework approved by CDAG 11 Nov 2010 Land Management Forum informed 25 Nov 2010 Final completion of all text and images 20 Nov 2010 PUBLICATION Finalise text and images 31 Dec 2010 To designers 10 Jan 2011 Printed copies 25 Mar 2011 DISTRIBUTION Press release and launch Apr 2011 Distribute to CDAG, DMGs, Scottish Government, SNH, FCS etc. Apr 2011 Recommendations 26. That the Board: a) congratulates the CDAG on the preparation of the Deer Framework b) endorses the content of the Deer Framework (in particular Sections 9 & 10) Will Boyd-Wallis 30th September 2010 willboydwallis@cairngorms.co.uk MAINPC Macintosh HD:Users:markmackenzie-smith:Desktop:Board Mtg 29 Oct :WORD DOCS:CNPA Bd Paper 2 Deer Framework.doc