News Release

PERI Finalization of Deer Management

Date: June 4, 2021
Contact: Nolan Moore, 479-451-8122 ext. 1225

Superintendent Kevin Eads has announced the completion of a comprehensive planning effort to analyze potential impacts of a Deer Management Plan (plan) and environmental Assessment (EA) at Pea Ridge National Military Park. Based on the analysis presented in the EA and public comments received during the EA review period, the NPS selected Alternative B and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed by Regional Director Bert Frost on May 27, 2021. The purpose of the plan is to address issues associated with the overpopulation of white-tailed deer at the park. The proposed action was selected after careful analysis of resources and visitor impacts, and consultation with affiliated tribes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Arkansas Department of Game and Fish, Arkansas State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and review of public comments. Where there is an overabundance of deer there is an increase in deer-vehicle strikes, deer-related diseases, and deer browsing, which has a negative impact on native vegetation. The plan’s selected alternative seeks to improve the health of the deer herd, the habitat, and to increase human health and safety by reducing and maintaining the park’s deer population at 20-35 deer per square mile.The park will continue to work with partners to develop an implementation plan, with associated compliance, based on the Deer Management Plan. As a result, and due to current, and planned, projects, management of deer on the park is anticipated to begin in 2023. For more information, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=94120.