MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Chronic Wasting Disease in Meridian Township almost stopped this year's deer harvest program, however, the Meridian Township Parks & Recreation Department has found a way to keep it going.

The change in the plan to accommodate CWD involves having the hunters of the deer harvest process their own meat. There is also a change in who will be receiving the meat.

"The 2015 Deer Management Program is going to continue, as it has in year's past," said Jane Greenway, Land Management Coordinator for Meridian Township. "But, it will be different in that we're not donating the deer to the hungry, which is unfortunate. At least the hunters are still out there trying to reduce the population."

Some local processors have agreed to process meat.

Hunters will get a tag for their deer at a "check point" and will be able to check on line to see whether or not their deer has passed a CWD screening.