Zasoby i środowisko · 25.08.2004

White-Tailed Deer Management Plan, Environmental Impact Statement, Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland

Under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the National Park Service is preparing an environmental impact statement for a White-tailed Deer Management Plan for Catoctin Mountain Park. The purpose of this action is to develop a range of alternatives for white-tailed deer management that supports forest regeneration providing for long-term protection, conservation, and restoration of native species and cultural resources. Management of white-tailed deer is needed because the white-tailed deer population in the park has been continually increasing, and browsing by large number of deer in Catoctin Mountain Park could adversely affect park resources and natural processes such as species of special concern, forest regeneration, and cultural landscapes. Preliminary alternatives to meet these objectives include fencing and repellents, reproductive control, direct reduction, a special public hunt, and a combination of these management strategies. A no action alternative will also be analyzed.