Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore » Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement » Document List
The National Park Service has completed the White-tailed Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement for Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The purpose of this plan and environmental impact statement is to:
• provide for a scientifically based system of checks and balances, such as monitoring and active management, to ensure that deer populations do not preclude the long-term conservation of sensitive plant and animal populations;
• determine how to manage deer populations to prevent degradation of the national lakeshore resources;
• identify and share with neighboring citizens and local governments the best technical information and expertise on deer management;
• identify and maintain a deer impact level that is in balance with other components of the ecosystem and other national lakeshore values;
• facilitate public support, education, and appreciation for maintaining the integrity of that ecosystem.
Action is needed at this time so the local deer population does not become a dominant force that negatively influences ecosystem components within the national lakeshore, such as sensitive vegetation or other wildlife. Impacts to these national lakeshore resources would compromise the national lakeshore's purpose to preserve the exceptional biodiversity found within its boundaries. National lakeshore staff implement certain resource management actions to protect resources such as sensitive plant species, but no specific deer management plan exists.
Contact Information
Randy Knutson
Wildlife Biologist
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
1100 N. Mineral Springs Rd.
Porter, IN 46304-1299
219-395-1550
randy_knutson@nps.gov
• provide for a scientifically based system of checks and balances, such as monitoring and active management, to ensure that deer populations do not preclude the long-term conservation of sensitive plant and animal populations;
• determine how to manage deer populations to prevent degradation of the national lakeshore resources;
• identify and share with neighboring citizens and local governments the best technical information and expertise on deer management;
• identify and maintain a deer impact level that is in balance with other components of the ecosystem and other national lakeshore values;
• facilitate public support, education, and appreciation for maintaining the integrity of that ecosystem.
Action is needed at this time so the local deer population does not become a dominant force that negatively influences ecosystem components within the national lakeshore, such as sensitive vegetation or other wildlife. Impacts to these national lakeshore resources would compromise the national lakeshore's purpose to preserve the exceptional biodiversity found within its boundaries. National lakeshore staff implement certain resource management actions to protect resources such as sensitive plant species, but no specific deer management plan exists.
Contact Information
Randy Knutson
Wildlife Biologist
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
1100 N. Mineral Springs Rd.
Porter, IN 46304-1299
219-395-1550
randy_knutson@nps.gov
