National Park Service to continue Deer Management Program

The National Park Service (NPS) announced that deer removal operations, approved through the Fire Island National Seashore White-tailed Deer Management Plan, will be implemented during the months of January and February on NPS- lands on Fire Island and at the William Floyd Estate, a unit of Fire Island National Seashore located on Long Island.

The overabundance of white-tailed deer damage plants and browse most native plant species, which can prevent forest and ecosystem regeneration. This damage has also decreased available habitat for native birds and other wildlife. The National Park Service is charged with maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the benefit of the environment and for future generations to enjoy.

The Seashore has contracted with highly qualified wildlife professionals to carry out the removal operations on federal lands on Fire Island and at the William Floyd Estate. Deer reduction activities will occur on federal lands only. Areas of the park will be closed when operations are underway for the public’s safety.

Additional information about deer management efforts, including outreach and education, frequently asked questions, and research articles can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/fiis/learn/management/deer-management-plan.html

The plan, approved in April 2016, sets forth an integrated deer management strategy to achieve a deer density goal of 20 to 25 deer per square mile and to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

The management strategy outlined in the plan for future implementation includes the following:

• Expanded education and outreach
• Increased deer and vegetation monitoring and research
• Fencing

Deer population reduction and maintenance through removal operations; a public hunt only within the Fire Island Wilderness; and fertility control, should a federally-approved agent become available and meet the established criteria laid out in the plan.