Deer culling operations are scheduled for park system units near Washington, D.C./NPs file

In a bid to protect and restore native plants and promote healthy and diverse forests, the National Park Service plans to reduce deer populations at Fort Dupont, Fort Washington and Greenbelt parks between January 2 and April 15. These National Park System units are located in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.   

Under the direction of NPS resource management specialists and in coordination with U.S. Park Police and local law enforcement, firearms experts experienced in conducting wildlife reduction operations will work at night when the parks are closed to the public to cull deer in a manner proven safe and effective, the Park Service said in a release.

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. 

During the past 20 years, an overabundant white-tailed deer population has damaged forest regeneration in areas across Maryland and D.C., the release said. 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. 

Research has shown that vegetation damage occurs when deer populations exceed 20 per square mile, the Park Service said. 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.