STATEMENT FROM MAYOR GAHAN ON ORIGIN PARK’S DEER ERADICATION OPERATION, GREENWAY TO CLOSE AT 3PM FOR SAFETY CONCERNS

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR GAHAN ON ORIGIN PARK’S DEER ERADICATION OPERATION, GREENWAY TO CLOSE AT 3PM FOR SAFETY CONCERNS

We have received numerous calls from Greenway users, trail users, and other residents who are deeply concerned about public safety and the welfare of wildlife in and around Origin Park in Clarksville.

Let me be clear: I am concerned too.

The City of New Albany has had no part in the planning of this event. Like others, we share the same concerns about the justification for this. We felt compelled to notify the public, because Origin Park failed to do so. Origin Park needs to explain clearly why they are doing this, and as of now, they have not.

Unfortunately, we have still not received adequate information about how this operation will be conducted, and equally important, why it is needed.

Because of the many questions and concerns, and lack of answers and transparency from Origin Park, the City of New Albany has no choice but to close the Ohio River Greenway beginning at 3:00pm (at the Loop Island Wetlands near Silver Creek at the entrance to Clarksville) today to ensure the safety of all users.

This morning, I spoke with Clarksville Town Council President Bob McEwen and others regarding Origin Park’s decision to kill 80 deer using suppressed firearms. Mr. McEwen expressed to me that he was also unaware of this planned slaughter by Origin Park, and mentioned that he would not have known about it without the City of New Albany’s previous Facebook post informing the public.

We will continue seeking answers from Origin Park and we will provide updates if more information becomes available. We want to thank WDRB News for reporting on this important safety matter, as well as Clarksville Town Council President Bob McEwen for his assistance.

You can see WDRB’s Reporting on this matter here: https://www.wdrb.com/news/town-leaders-left-in-the-dark-about-wildlife-reduction-operation-at-clarksvilles-origin-park/article_9b86b7e5-51c9-43ed-9295-195feb05996c.html