Proposed Deer Population Management Initiative
The Rock Creek Stream Valley Park, Unit 7 is being recommended for implementation of deer population management programming beginning January 2008.
This site has been selected because deer populations have reached levels in which deer related impacts, such as automobile accidents, damage to agricultural crops and private landscapes, damage to natural communities, and potential of communicable diseases, are in need of mitigation.
Initiative Description
Rock Creek Stream Valley Park, Unit 7 (Rockville)
Click on the map for a closer look at this area.Located in central Montgomery County, the park is largely developed, with a hiker-biker trail and athletic fields, and surrounded by urban industrial and residential development. Park visitation is extensive.
The Department has received a request to implement deer population management from the Rock Creek Manor Home Owners Association (HOA) which adjoins the property on its western side, and has received considerable community complaint regarding deer dating back more than a decade.
The Department’s proposal suggests implementing its Park Police-based sharpshooting program. The Park Police-based sharpshooting program utilizes highly trained and certified Law Enforcement Officers to remove deer at night during the months January through March.
The park will be closed to the public from 5:30 pm until sunrise each day during this operation. Public notice of such activities and park closure will be posted throughout, and Park Police patrol provided to aware citizens. Deer removal will occur at pre-selected sites selected to ensure public safety and safe weapons discharge. All deer harvested through this effort will be processed and donated to charity for use at local soup kitchens.
Detailed description of the Department’s deer management goals and programming, including the Park Police-based sharpshooting program.
Public Input Needed
The Department encourages public comment on the proposed new initiative. Public comment will be accepted until 3:00pm on Thursday, November 1, 2007. A decision regarding the proposal will be made by the Department’s Administration and staff following review of public comment and associated data. All public comment, including e-mail, must include Name and Home Address to be given consideration in the decision making process.
You may provide comments in two ways:
- Email: MCP-deermanagement@mncppc-mc.org or by ...
- U.S. Mail:
M-NCPPC, Montgomery County
C/O Deer Management Initiatives
Natural Resource Stewardship Section
2000 Shorefield Road
Wheaton, Maryland 20902
Current List of Public Comments
Public comments Public comments (pdf, 205KB) to view the most recent comments we have received from the public on this initiative.
NOTE: Comments will be posted online within 48 hours of receipt. Posted comments will not include the name or address of the person commenting.
Date of last page updated: January 23, 2008
