White-Tailed buck / Wikipedia-ML Haen photo

To help restore native plants and foster healthy, diverse forests, the National Park Service (NPS) will be reducing deer populations at Fort Dupont Park from December 9, 2024, through February 10, 2025.

Under the guidance of NPS Resource Management Specialists, and in partnership with U.S. Park Police and local law enforcement, experienced firearms professionals will carry out these nighttime operations using tested methods to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Comprehensive safety protocols will be in place to protect park visitors and nearby residents.

During these operations, all roads and trails in Fort Dupont Park will close at 4 p.m. Visitors and commuters, including cyclists, should plan alternative routes. Stay informed on park websites for updates, and please respect all posted closure signs. It's important to note that hunting is strictly prohibited in D.C.’s national parks.

For over two decades, an overpopulation of white-tailed deer has severely impacted forest regeneration in national parks across Maryland and D.C. In 2022, the NPS developed and finalized a long-term plan, informed by public feedback, to address this issue. This plan, supported by an Environmental Assessment, aims to safeguard native plants and promote healthier ecosystems. The plan includes the following parks:

Maryland: Fort Washington Park, Fort Foote, Piscataway Park, Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm, 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 indicates that vegetation damage begins when deer populations exceed 15 per square mile. Without proactive management, deer populations quickly recover, continuing to consume tree seedlings and other young plants. As the deer numbers are reduced, the NPS will monitor plant growth to guide future management efforts. When possible, venison from these operations will be donated to local food banks, adhering to public health standards.

For more details or a full list of sites managed by National Capital Parks - East, visit go.nps.gov/NACEdeermgmt. For additional questions, call 771-208-1455.