| February 2008 Phase IIIB reports are now available, see projects. March 2007 Phase IIIA reports are now available, see projects. January 2007 We are accepting public comments about the mail survey data collection through Feb 20, 2007. To access the notice in the Federal Register, click here. October 2006 We are accepting public comments about the proposed mail survey through Nov 17, 2006. To access the notice in the Federal Register, click here. July 2006 The mail survey (Phase IIIB) has been postponed until Spring 2007. Aug-Nov 2005 Phase IIIA interviews with local community members conducted. June 2005 Phase III Study Sites confirmed. January 2005 Phase II research begins. November 2004 Phase I research completed. August 2004 Interviewed natural resource managers of 22 NPS units in the northeastern U.S. February 2004 Questionnaire: Assessing Deer Impact in NPS Units in the Northeastern U.S. distributed online. December 2003 Human Dimensions of Deer Issues in National Parks web page goes on-line! October 2003 Work begins on project website. July 2003 Collaborator orientations begin. April 2003 Ph.D. student is recruited. September 2002 Project is conceived. |
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Welcome!
You have reached the home page for a collaborative research project to study issues related to deer and deer management in national parks. While the site is primarily intended for park managers and project collaborators, we hope it provides useful information for anyone interested in deer, science-based park management, and human-wildlife interactions. We hope you enjoy the site!
Integrating Social Science in
Biological Resource Management
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are becoming increasingly abundant in many parts of the northeastern U.S. and are beginning to impact management of both natural and cultural resources in many National Park Service (NPS) units.
By integrating the biological and human dimensions of managing deer impacts, this project improves NPS ability to respond to wildlife management needs of park units across the country.
We have posted resources and findings as the project progressed. Please feel free to explore and provide feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why manage wildlife in National Parks?
The purpose of the National Park Service is:
"...to promote and regulate the use of the...national parks...which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
National Park Service Organic Act, 16 U.S.C.1.
Why deer issues in National Parks?
Park natural resources are managed as natural systems. Individual species may have negative impacts on vegetation, species diversity and composition, cultural resources, or cause public health concerns. Many Park Service units in the northeastern U.S. are becoming concerned about the impact of white-tailed deer and are using biological and social science to address this concern.
What are human dimensions?
The biological dimensions of wildlife management have been a focus of inquiry for nearly a century, and while it is acknowledged that more biological science knowledge is needed in many cases, the greatest need in some situations is for knowledge about the human dimensions of wildlife management. The field of human dimensions seeks to understand human traits and looks at ways to incorporate that understanding into wildlife management planning and actions.
Specifically, human dimensions of wildlife management refers to understanding:
- How and why people value wildlife
- What benefits people seek and derive from wildlife
- How people affect and are affected by wildlife management
What is human dimensions research?
Human dimensions research is the acquisition of sound information that explains human thought and action regarding wildlife, using the concepts and methods of social science
Why human dimensions of deer issues?
For decades, controversies have surrounded white-tailed deer management in NPS units, resulting in disputes and even lawsuits between stakeholders and managers. Human dimensions research will assist managers in understanding the beliefs, attitudes, opinions held by stakeholders and managers that drive these controversies.
Which parks were studied?
In-depth research was conducted at Fire Island National Seashore, Valley Forge National Historical Park, and Prince William Forest Park. A mail-back survey also was administered at these NPS units, as well as at Morristown National Historical Park and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
What were the dates of the project?
The project began in July 2003 and continued through December 2007, although citations for related peer-reviewed manuscripts will continue to be added as published.
