With increasing habitat fragmentation, the loss of natural predators, and continual expanding of roadways, The New York D.O.T., is faced with the disposal of 25,000 deer carcasses a year from motor vehicle collisions. Traditional methods of disposal––incineration and mass graves, have become prohibitive due to cost and environmental concerns. However, a more viable and practical alternative has become available. Deer composting. “Reclaimed,” considers the practice of deer composting performed by the Department of Transportation in Ulster County NY, which composts over 800 deer carcasses a year.
Deer composting begins with layering the deer carcasses on a bed of wood chips. The pile is regularly rotated, and refreshed with new compost. Over time the carcasses biodegrade, and are generated into a stable soil compound. The newly amended soil––fertile and recycled, is then used to re-landscape the highways.
“Reclaimed” illustrates the conflict between nature and humankind, and addresses the challenge of implementing solutions that are in harmony with our environment.
Juxtaposed deer
Collision
Front Yard
Where urban intersects with wild.
Daily rounds. Department of transportation workers are at high risk of contracting lyme disease from their constant exposure to deer.
One of 3 deer found at the scene. Another doe lay 10 feet away, while the buck was struck down across the street. Mating season, known as "The Rut," occurs in autumn when buck are in high pursuit of a doe.
Fresh Compost
Another deer fence under construction.
Each Department of Transportation region, must come up with their own method of pickig up deer off the roadways.
Mass graves in pits, were the traditional method of deer disposal. Due to environmental concerns, this method is becoming obsolete.
The Fairway
A small deer is tossed onto the compost pile.
The fertile and newly amended soil, is used to re-landscape the highways.
A fawn is laid to rest on composted Christmas trees.
WITH GRATITUDE
I'd like to thank the D.O.T of Uster County, for generously allowing me access to their facility and yard. Special thanks goes to Mike Augustine, and to Phil Timbrouck and his team, for without their help and support, this project would not have been possible. During the making of this project, I've become aware of the many challenges the highway department is faced with every day in keeping our roadways safe. Thank you for all you do.
RECLAIMED With increasing habitat fragmentation, the loss of natural predators, and continual expanding of roadways, The New York D.O.T., is faced with the disposal of 25,000 deer carcasses a year from motor vehicle collisions. Traditional methods of disposal––incineration and mas...
WITH GRATITUDE I'd like to thank the D.O.T of Uster County, for generously allowing me access to their facility and yard. Special thanks goes to Mike Augustine, and to Phil Timbrouck and his team, for without their help and support, this project would not have been possible. During the makin...
