News Release

National Park Service to Continue Deer Management Program on Fire Island and the William Floyd Estate

News Release Date: January 24, 2025
Contact: Fire Island National Seashore

Patchogue, NY – The National Park Service (NPS) announced today that deer removal operations approved through the Fire Island National Seashore White-tailed Deer Management Plan will be implemented in January and February on NPS-lands on Fire Island and at the William Floyd Estate.

The NPS is responsible for maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the benefit of the environment and for current and future visitors to enjoy. The overabundance of white-tailed deer damage plants and browse most native plant species, which can prevent forest and ecosystem regeneration. This damage has also decreased available habitat for native birds and other wildlife.

Highly qualified wildlife professionals will carry out the removal operations on federal lands on Fire Island and at the William Floyd Estate. Deer reduction activities will occur on federal lands only. Areas of the park will be closed when operations are underway for the public’s safety.

Additional information about deer management efforts, including outreach and education, frequently asked questions, and research articles can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/fiis/learn/management/deer-management-plan.htm

The plan, approved in April 2016, sets forth an integrated deer management strategy to achieve a deer density goal of 20 to 25 deer per square mile and to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. The management strategy outlined in the plan includes fencing, expanded education and outreach, increased deer and vegetation monitoring and research.

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