Draft White-tailed Deer Management Plan / EIS Available for Public Review and Comment

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 unacceptable 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 has prevented successful forest regeneration. 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.

Extensive public involvement, including a project web-site, brochure, two public meetings, and over 50 briefings to civic organizations, local elected officials, etc. led to the development of four conceptual deer management alternatives. These alternatives have been fully developed using the best available science and their impacts evaluated.

The Draft White-tailed Deer Management Plan is now available for public review and comment. The 60-day public comment period for review of the draft plan was initiated on December 19, 2008 and the NPS will accept comments from the public until February 17, 2009. Two public meetings will be held in January 2009. 

To obtain a copy of the plan: 

• The draft plan may be viewed in electronic format or downloaded at (Draft White-tailed Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement).
  
• Hard copies of the draft plan also will be available for review at the park Welcome Center and at local public libraries: Chester County Public Library, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, Phoenixville Public Library, Tredyffrin Township Public Library, and Lower Providence Community Library.
  
• To request a hard copy of the plan (availability limited) or CD write to: Superintendent, Valley Forge NHP, 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406

To submit comments:

• Electronic comments may be submitted to (Comment on document).
  
• Written comments may also be submitted Hard copy comments may be sent to: Superintendent, Valley Forge NHP, 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406.

Please be aware that our practice is to make comments, including names, home addresses, home phone numbers, and email addresses of respondents, available for public review. You should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Public Meetings:
January 14, 2009
6pm to 9pm
Tredyffrin Township Building

January 15, 2009
1pm to 4pm
Valley Forge NHP, Education Center

Select the following links for more information:

Draft White-tailed Deer Management Plan

White-tailed Deer Management Briefing Statement (PDF 29.63 KB)

Purpose, Needs, and Objectives For White-tailed Deer Management Plan (PDF 138 KB)

Public Comment Analysis Report (PDF 1.81 MB)

Human Dimensions of Deer Management at Valley Forge (PDF 300.77 KB)

White-tailed Deer Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement Final Internal Scoping Report (PDF 270.16 KB)

Major Events Related to Deer Management at Valley Forge (PDF 31.87 KB)

Planning Process for Development of a White-tailed Deer Management Plan at Valley Forge (PDF 35.12 KB)

CWD Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 43.69 KB)

Public Comment Form (PDF 36.64 KB)