Valley Forge National Historical Park initiated development of a White-tailed Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2006. A plan is needed at this time because: (1) An increasing number of deer over the past two decades has resulted in unacceptable changes in the species composition, structure, abundance, and distribution of native plant communities and associated wildlife; and (2) Browsing of tree and shrub seedlings by deer has prevented successful forest regeneration. The purpose of the White-tailed Deer Management Plan and EIS is to develop a deer management strategy that supports long-term protection, preservation, and restoration of native vegetation and other natural and cultural resources.

Extensive public involvement, including a project web-site, brochure, two public meetings, and over 50 briefings to civic organizations, local elected officials, etc. led to the development of four conceptual deer management alternatives. These alternatives have been fully developed using the best available science and their impacts evaluated. The Draft plan was released to the public for review on December 19, 2008.

The 60-day review period for the Draft White-tailed Deer Management Plan/EIS ended on February 17, 2009. Approximately 80 people attended public meetings on January 14 and 15, 2009 and the park has received over 1,400 pieces of correspondence related to the proposed actions. We would like to thank all those that have taken an interest in this plan and provided comments to help us improve it. Public comments are currently being reviewed and substantive comments will either be addressed through appropriate revision to the document or through a written response provided in the final plan. A summary of these comments will be provided on the park website at the end of March 2009. The final plan is expected to be completed in August 2009.

Select the following links for more information:

Draft White-tailed Deer Management Plan

White-tailed Deer Management Briefing Statement (PDF 27.6 KB)

Purpose, Needs, and Objectives For White-tailed Deer Management Plan (PDF 138 KB)

Public Comment Analysis Report (PDF 1.81 MB)

Human Dimensions of Deer Management at Valley Forge (PDF 300.77 KB)

White-tailed Deer Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement Final Internal Scoping Report (PDF 270.16 KB)

Major Events Related to Deer Management at Valley Forge (PDF 31.87 KB)

Planning Process for Development of a White-tailed Deer Management Plan at Valley Forge (PDF 35.12 KB)

CWD Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 43.69 KB)

Public Comment Form (PDF 36.64 KB)