Valley Forge National Historical Park initiated development of a White-tailed Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2006. A plan is needed at this time because: (1) An increasing number of deer over the past two decades has resulted in undesirable changes in the species composition, structure, abundance, and distribution of native plant communities and associated wildlife; and (2) Browsing of tree and shrub seedlings by deer will prevent the ability of forests to regenerate. The purpose of the White-tailed Deer Management Plan and EIS is to develop a deer management strategy that supports long-term protection, preservation, and restoration of native vegetation and other natural and cultural resources.

Key tasks that have been completed in development of the plan are:

● Internal scoping to identify the purpose, need, objectives and preliminary management strategies for white-tailed deer management.

● Public scoping meetings to present and solicit input on the purpose, need, objectives and preliminary management strategies. The first public comment period ended on December 8, 2006.

● Science Team meetings to provide science-based input to the park on issues relevant to managing white-tailed deer (e.g. desired forest conditions, target deer density).

● Revision of purpose, need, objectives and preliminary management strategies based on input from the public and Science Team.

● The first internal draft of the White-tailed Deer Management Plan/EIS was completed in April 2008 and NPS review of this document was completed on May 5, 2008.

The draft plan is expected to be available for public review in September 2008.

Public Comments:

The first public comment period on the purpose and need for the plan, plan objectives, and preliminary management strategies closed on December 8, 2006. The next opportunity for public comment will be after completion of the Draft White-tailed Deer Management Plan/EIS in fall 2008.

Select the following links for more information:

White-tailed Deer Management Briefing Statement

Purpose, Needs, and Objectives For White-tailed Deer Management Plan

Public Comment Analysis Report

Human Dimensions of Deer Management at Valley Forge

White-tailed Deer Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement Final Internal Scoping Report

Major Events Related to Deer Management at Valley Forge

Planning Process for Development of a White-tailed Deer Management Plan at Valley Forge

Public Scoping Brochure