Deer Management

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

The Fairfax County Deer management Program is dedicated to addressing the concerns associated with the high-density white-tailed deer population in an urbanizing county with a commitment to environmental stewardship. The program places an emphasis on managing the local deer population with the most comprehensive, integrated, and human approach possible. The primary issues associated with an overabundant deer population encompass environmental impact, public safety, and public health. A loss of natural predators, high reproductive success, and availability of non-native food sources year-round are the principle reasons for the thriving deer management each with an objective to control deer management in Fairfax County in direct collaboration with County, state, and federal agencies with the smallest budget on record. The program was successfully implemented the use of a new deer management tool, expanded outreach and education efforts, launched a new website, and created new volunteer and internship programs. Through the expansion of the program, renewed possibility has been given to preserving and protecting the remaining natural habitats in Fairfax County – home to a diverse array of native plants and animals.