Valley Forge National Historical Park Initiates the Second Year of Deer Management During Winter 2011-2012
October 3, 2011
Valley Forge National Historical Park will conduct the second year of the lethal reduction phase of the White-tailed Deer Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (plan/EIS) beginning in November 2011 and extending through March 2012. The plan/EIS addresses browsing of tree and shrub seedlings by an increasing deer population over the last two decades which has prevented the ability of native forests to grow and mature and has reduced habitat for a range of native wildlife species.
During the lethal reduction phase, sharpshooting and capture and euthanasia will be implemented over four years to reduce the deer population from an estimated 241 deer per square mile (1,277 deer) to the initial density goal of 31-35 deer per square mile (165-185 deer). This operation will continue each winter until the initial target deer density is achieved. The number of deer removed each year will be based on the results of annual deer population monitoring conducted in the spring. Subsequently, the park will maintain the park deer population level though reproductive control, once an acceptable agent becomes available.
This action includes extensive measures to ensure a safe, humane, and successful operation, such as using highly qualified and experienced marksmen familiar with the park's geography and with conducting reduction activities in a highly suburbanized environment, conducting population reduction actions only when the park is closed, observing safety zones, using bait to attract deer to safe removal locations, shooting from an elevated position with an adequate backdrop, and utilizing special, non-lead ammunition that is safe for use in urban areas and in the environment. The NPS closely coordinates all activities with township and state law enforcement officials and with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
During the first year of the lethal reduction phase of the plan/EIS, park staff worked with the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services on 16 nights between November 2010 and March 2011, to remove 600 deer from the park. Meat resulting from this action was donated to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and provided to food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations across 21 counties in Pennsylvania. A total of 18,330 pounds of venison was donated during winter 2010-2011, including 3,000 pounds of venison donated locally in Chester County. Based on an operational evaluation conducted by an independent, third party observer, this operation "met or exceeded all expectations" related to safety, professionalism, communication and record keeping, coordination and cooperation, and the humane treatment of deer. A total of 271 deer were also tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal, neurological disease that has been detected approximately 200 miles from the park boundary. All of these deer tested negative for the presence of CWD.
For additional information please contact Kristina Heister, Natural Resource Manager, Valley Forge NHP, 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406 or via email at kristina_heister@nps.gov
