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News Release Date: November 15, 2016 Extensive safety measures will be in place to protect park visitors and neighbors during operations. Biologists, who are also highly trained firearms experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will be working under the direction of National Park Service (NPS) resource management specialists and in coordination with U.S. Park Police and local law enforcement to conduct reduction actions at night when the park is normally closed. The NPS has successfully and safely reduced the park’s deer population from nearly 80 per square mile in 2013 to an estimated 19 per square mile. A consistent deer population density of 15-20 per square mile is needed for a healthy, diverse forest that supports native plants and other wildlife. Without continued management, deer populations would quickly rebound and again eat nearly all tree seedlings and other plants before they could grow. Department of the Interior scientists continue to monitor how well plants are growing with fewer deer, and their findings will help inform ongoing deer management practices. Over the past 20 years, an overabundant white-tailed deer population has negatively impacted Rock Creek Park. Prompted by a marked decline in forest regeneration, Rock Creek Park initiated a public process to create a plan, finalized in 2012, which calls for quickly reducing the density of deer to support long-term protection and restoration of native plants and to promote a healthy and diverse forest. The following road closures in NW D.C. may be in effect from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. when operations are underway:
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Last updated: May 8, 2019