A few weeks ago, ScienceDaily reported how North Carolina State researchers are researching inventive repellents to help Christmas tree farmers keep deer away from their trees.
According to NC State, egg powder, hair clippings, dried blood and even cayenne pepper  protect the trees from deer.
The researchers say these natural products are 85 to 90 percent cheaper than commercially produced products. Commercial deer repellents can cost $18 per pound, while many of the scientist’s suggestions can be less than $2, said researcher Jeff Owens. Fencing is also extremely expensive.
The article reports that …

The award-winning online tool quickly assesses if a proposed water withdrawal harms aquatic life or requires a permit.

But funding for the program is eroding.

Farmers, the largest group of users, are exempt from the fees that support it.