National Parks in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Provide More Than 42,000 Meals of Donated Venison to Neighbors

Date: April 16, 2025
Contact:NCR Communications

WASHINGTON- Eight national parks in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have concluded this year's annual operations to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer. These parks donated more than 10,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofit organizations that will serve more than 42,000 meals to families in need.

While the eight national parks managing deer preserve different aspects of America's history and natural treasures, all have suffered from the effects of high deer populations. Overabundant deer populations damage plants and eat nearly all tree seedlings preventing forest regeneration. Deer also damage agricultural crops, which are a key component of the historic setting at many Civil War battlefields. These national parks manage deer populations to support long-term protection and restoration of native plants and to promote healthy and diverse ecosystems for all wildlife.

Reducing overabundant deer populations has produced positive results at area national parks. Rock Creek Park which began deer management in 2013, has seen a 1.4-fold increase in seedlings of native, canopy species and Catoctin Mountain Park which began in 2010 has seen an 18-fold increase in seedlings of native canopy species. Long-term commitment to deer management is needed to translate this early success into increases in saplings, and ultimately mature trees of canopy species.

Before any donation, all parks professionally process deer and participate in a chronic wasting disease (CWD) monitoring program for wildlife health. Since 2024 four parks have received CWD-positive detections. Any venison from deer that tested positive for CWD was destroyed.

Each park follows a deer management plan, developed with public input, according to the National Environmental Policy Act.

The following nonprofits received venison donations this year: