Subject: Deer Management Activity at Huntley Meadows Park

Dear Friends of Huntley Meadow Park member:

The Fairfax County Park Authority works in cooperation with the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist (Fairfax County Police Department - Animal Services Division) to implement the Fairfax County Deer Management Program each year. The most effective, safe, and sustainable deer population control method permitted by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is determined for each selected park: Archery, managed hunts, or sharpshooting.

The Fairfax County Archery Program is the authorized police operation that will primarily be conducted as part of the Fairfax County Deer Management Program at Huntley Meadows Park.

The Archery Program was first implemented in November 2009 as part of the Fairfax County Deer Management Program. Archery is the primary deer population control method used by private landowners in Fairfax County and accounted for over 90% of the approximately 1,300 deer harvested on private property each year. The Archery Program accounted for 452 of the 815 deer harvested as part of the Fairfax County Deer Management Program last year. Archery is recognized as a safe, efficient, and sustainable deer management tool in a highly developed region as Fairfax County.

The Archery Program will be conducted at Huntley Meadows Park from September 24, 2011 to February 11, 2012. During this time period, a qualified Archery Group will conduct deer management activity in authorized areas within the park. All activity will be conducted from elevated tree stands located at least 100 feet from park property lines and 50 feet from established park trails. The park will NOT be closed to park patrons during this time. Sunday hunting is not permitted in Virginia. Archery Program signs will be posted at park entrances and on trails informing visitors of this deer management activity and asking visitors to remain on established trails.

Qualified archery groups are selected via archery hunt lottery to participate in the Archery Program. An archery group is comprised of experienced hunters who have demonstrated superior marksmanship and skill. An ethical standard has been established since the Archery Program began and is strictly enforced. Archery groups are closely monitored by the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist office (Fairfax County Police Department - Animal Services Division).

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginanus) are one of the most common and graceful native wildlife species in Virginia. However, the deer population in Northern Virginia has exceeded the carrying capacity that our remaining native habitats can sustain. Many parks have little or no remaining vegetation from the ground up to five feet. Native plants and the wildlife that depend on them have been adversely impacted by this damage to parkland habitat.

Public safety concerns include risk of deer-vehicle collisions and associated vehicle damage, injury, even death. In 2009, Virginia ranked 5th in the nation for deer-vehicle collisions statistics. It was estimated that 1 in 138 residents would be involved in a deer-vehicle collision. In 2008, Virginia ranked 8th in the nation. Deer-vehicle collisions have increased in the state and seriously impacts Fairfax County residents.

Human health concerns associated with a high density deer population include transmission of tick-borne pathogens (e.g. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and the role of deer as maintenance hosts to these ticks. Wildlife disease transmission is another concern and deer have tested positive for serious diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease and Epihemorrhagic Disease in Virginia.

The Fairfax County Deer Management Program is implemented each year to address the issues associated with an abundant deer population.

Park neighbors whose properties are within 250 feet of the Huntley Meadows park boundary are receiving this letter. Please share this information with your neighbors, civic groups and associations, and other members of your community. An Archery Program Public Information Meeting will be held in Lee District:

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 (7:00 - 8:30 pm)
LOCATION: Franconia Governmental Center
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310

Visit the Fairfax County website for more information about the Archery Program at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals/wildlife/archery/archery-program.htm.

Sincerely,

Victoria Monroe
Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist