NPS to conduct deer population reduction operations at Fort Dupont Park

Date:
December 2, 2024

WASHINGTON- To protect and restore native plants and promote healthy, diverse forests, the National Park Service (NPS) will reduce deer populations between December 9, 2024, and February 10, 2025, at Fort Dupont Park.

Under the direction of NPS Resource Management Specialists and in coordination with U.S. Park Police and local law enforcement, highly trained firearms experts will conduct nighttime deer reduction operations, using proven methods to ensure safety and effectiveness. Extensive safety measures will be in place to protect park visitors and neighbors during these operations.

All roads and trails in Fort Dupont Park will close at 4 p.m. during deer reduction activities. Commuters, including cyclists, should plan alternate routes. Visitors and residents can find up-to-date information on local national park websites and are reminded to respect all posted closures. Hunting remains illegal in D.C. national parks.

Over the past 20 years, an overabundant white-tailed deer population has impaired forest regeneration across NACE parks in Maryland and D.C. To address this, the NPS finalized a plan in 2022, following public review, to reduce deer populations for the long-term protection and restoration of native plants and the promotion of healthy forests. The NPS follows an approved Management Plan/Environmental Assessment to guide these deer reduction operations. The plan covers 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 shows that vegetation damage occurs when deer populations exceed 15 per square mile. Without long-term management, deer populations quickly rebound, consuming tree seedlings and other young plants. The NPS will monitor plant growth as deer numbers decrease, with findings informing future deer management actions. When possible, the NPS will donate suitable meat from these activities to local food banks, following public health guidelines.

For more information and a complete list of sites managed by National Capital Parks - East, visit: go.nps.gov/NACEdeermgmt

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