Deer overpopulation is harming Arlington’s forest parks.
Arlington County’s Deer Management Project is an initiative to address the overpopulation of white-tailed deer, which, while native to Virginia and an important part of our forest ecosystems, cause harm when their numbers exceed the forests’ capacity to sustain them.
We’ve heard a desire for more information about this project, why it is needed, and for more specifics around the issue. We hear you! We’ve created a new resource that includes information about deer overpopulation, potential management strategies, the deer-forest relationship, and historical context. Please take some time to click through the resource to learn more.
Why the Health of our Forests Matter
Arlington’s forest parks enliven neighborhoods, help mitigate the hazards of climate change, promote public health, foster habitats in which wildlife can thrive, and provide places for people to gather, play or simply enjoy the solitude found in nature. As Arlington grows, our commitment to connect people with these places requires that the County protect and sustain these natural assets. Arlington’s excessive deer population threatens the sustainability of these vital forest parks.
Our Approach
To understand the issue of deer overpopulation in Arlington, assess its impact, and devise a deer management plan, the County has integrated several key approaches. These include gathering aerial data on deer populations, conducting field surveys to evaluate the damage to forests, reviewing scientific literature, drawing on experiences from neighboring jurisdictions, tapping into the expertise of consultants and state and regional wildlife biologists, and incorporating feedback from the public.
Please take some time to learn more and sign up for email updates on the Deer Management Project Page.