The vote is. After months of controversy, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the East River Preserve Management Plan in a 4-1 vote.

Selectmen Gary MacElhiney made the first motion after thanking the East River Preserve Management Committee for all their work.

He motioned “that the BOS approve the management plan as written, the BOS designate the ongoing management of the East River Preserve to the Guilford Conservation Commission, and that the BOS create a committee, reporting to the BOS, to establish a safe and practical deer management policy.”

About 25 residents spoke out during the public forum part of the BOS meeting voicing their opinion on whether or not hunting should be allowed on the 583-acre parcel, which was purchased in 2009.

Those who were pro-hunting argued in the past that allowing hunting can decrease deer and vehicle accidents and prevent the town from deer overpopulation. Those who are against hunting said they were never aware hunting would be considered an option on the town property when voting to approve the purchase. They also claimed there was a lack of evidence provided.

Despite a large amount of public opposition, the board approved the plan in order to “protect the environment of this historically well managed property and protect the diversity of populations coexisting in this property,” MacElhiney said.