News Release

NPS to conduct deer population reduction operations at Fort Dupont, Fort Washington and Greenbelt parks

Date: December 20, 2023
Contact: Megan Nortrup, 202-339-8314

WASHINGTON— To protect and restore native plants and promote healthy and diverse forests, the National Park Service (NPS) will reduce deer populations between January 2 and April 15, 2024, at Fort Dupont, Fort Washington and Greenbelt parks. These national parks in Washington, D.C. and Maryland are managed by National Capital Parks – East.   

Extensive safety measures will be in place to protect park visitors and neighbors during operations. Under the direction of NPS resource management specialists and in coordination with U.S. Park Police and local law enforcement, highly trained firearms experts experienced in conducting wildlife reduction operations will work at night when the parks are closed to the public in a manner proven safe and effective. 

NPS staff will be posted during temporary night-time road and trail closures for visitor and employee safety during reduction activities. Commuters, including cyclists, are advised to plan alternate routes. Visitors and area residents are encouraged to check their local national park’s website for the most up-to-date information and are reminded to respect posted closures. Hunting is illegal in these Maryland and D.C. national parks. 

Over the past 20 years, an overabundant white-tailed deer population has damaged forest regeneration in areas across Maryland and D.C. including at NACE parks. The NPS initiated a public process to create a plan, finalized in 2022, which calls for reducing the deer populations to support long-term protection and restoration of native plants and promote a healthy and diverse forest. The park’s Management Plan / Environmental Assessment includes the following parks:  

Maryland: Fort Washington Park, Fort Foote, Piscataway Park, Oxon Cove Park, Harmony Hall, Greenbelt Park, Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Suitland Parkway. 

Washington, D.C.: Anacostia Park, Kenilworth Park and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Fort Mahan, Fort Dupont, Fort Davis, Fort Chaplin, Fort Stanton, Fort Ricketts, Fort Greble, Battery Carroll and Shepherd Parkway. 

Research has shown that vegetation damage occurs when deer populations exceed 20 per square mile. Without long-term management, deer populations would quickly rebound and again eat tree seedlings and other young plants. The NPS will monitor how well plants are growing with fewer deer, and the findings will help inform ongoing deer management actions.  

Whenever possible, the NPS will donate all suitable meat from reduction activities to local food banks, consistent with NPS public health guidelines.   

For further information including a list of sites managed by National Capital Parks - East visit: go.nps.gov/NACEdeermgmt.