News Release
NPS photo
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Jude Pfister, 973 539 2016 ext. 204
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Beginning Tuesday, February 18, Morristown National Historical Park will begin operations to manage the deer population at the Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade areas of the park. In what is year one of an ongoing plan, the removal of white-tailed deer is a part of the Vegetation and White-tailed Deer Management Plan/Environmental Assessment that was approved in July 2017. This action addresses over-browsing of native vegetation and is a key strategy that supports long-term restoration and preservation of critical natural resources in the park, while maintaining a healthy deer population.The National Park Service’s (NPS) efforts to manage deer at Jockey Hollow follows best practices by the agency at other national parks as well as long-established initiatives undertaken by the Morris County Park Commission and the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife’s Community-Based Deer Management program, all of which have helped forests to recover and once again thrive.
As hunting is not permitted inside of the park, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services will be conducting the removal under an inter-agency agreement with the NPS. The deer removal will be conducted by qualified sharpshooters and all deer will be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) before the venison is donated to the Norwescap food bank.
Extensive safety measures will be in place to protect park resources and neighbors during operations, which will take place primarily during overnight hours when the park is closed to visitors. Visitors and area residents are encouraged to check the Morristown National Historical Park’s website (www.nps.gov/morr) for the most up-to-date and detailed information and are reminded to respect posted park closures. USDA expects to conclude this year’s operation by the end of March.
The Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade areas total approximately 1,700 acres of land about 4 miles southwest of Morristown, bordering the communities of Morris Township, Harding, Mendham, and Bernardsville. The area, which is primarily woodlands, is where approximately 12,000 Continental Army soldiers encamped during the harsh winter conditions of 1779-1780.
Last updated: February 19, 2025