Deer management operations will take place this month at Fire Island National Seashore and the William Floyd Estate as the National Park Service moves forward with its White-tailed Deer Management Plan, aimed at restoring balance to fragile ecosystems on federal lands.
According to a National Park Service announcement, the controlled cull will be carried out in January by highly qualified wildlife professionals on federal property only. Portions of both sites will be temporarily closed during operations to ensure public safety, officials said.
Venison from the operation is expected to be donated to local food banks, including Island Harvest, Westchester Pantry, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank through Long Island Cares. The donation practice has been part of the program for several years, with thousands of pounds of meat provided to hunger-relief organizations.
Park managers say an overabundance of white-tailed deer has had a measurable impact on native vegetation across Fire Island and the William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach. Deer browsing damages or eliminates young trees and shrubs, reducing forest regeneration and shrinking forested areas over time. The loss of native plants also diminishes habitat for birds and other wildlife that depend on diverse understory growth.
The management plan is designed to protect long-term ecological health while preserving visitor access and enjoyment of parklands. National Park Service officials emphasize that maintaining a balanced ecosystem is part of the agency’s mission to safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Deer reduction activities will be limited strictly to federal lands and will not take place in residential areas or on private property. The agency noted that similar management efforts have been used successfully in other national parks to address ecological damage caused by high deer populations.
Fire Island National Seashore officials said the program also includes public outreach, educational materials, and ongoing research to monitor forest recovery and wildlife conditions following removals. Additional information, including frequently asked questions and scientific background, is available at nps.gov/fiis.
Visitors are encouraged to check for temporary closures before arriving. Updates will be posted by the National Park Service throughout the January operations.