Nick White

Nick White || 2 May, 2023

Conservation of wildlife populations is an essential practice that plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity and sustainability of ecosystems. Managing land and species involves a delicate balance that aims to maintain a healthy and viable population. Aldo Leopold, a pioneering figure in ecological conservation, described the practice in his 1933 book, Game Management, as an art; “To any one for whom wild things are something more than a pleasant diversion, (conservation) constitutes one of the milestones in moral evolution”.
In the United States, wildlife management happens on the state and federal levels via gamekeeping, wildlife conservation, and pest control on public lands. Recently, the National Parks Service concluded an annual effort to reduce an overabundant white-tailed deer population. National parks in the District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland donated over 12,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofits. Donations from these seven parks will produce an estimated 48,000 meals for needy families.

The parks’ efforts proved fruitful following a strict management plan developed through public input and the Environmental Policy Act. As such, the parks professionally process and sample the meat before donating. If any sample were to test positive for diseases such as chronic wasting disease, common among game animals, the venison is not donated.

Citing damage to regenerating forests and agricultural crops, the National Parks Service says that managing the deer population will support “long-term protection and restoration of native plants and to promote healthy and diverse ecosystems for all wildlife.” Since 2013, Rock Creek Park in D.C. has seen a 3-fold increase in tree sapling number; the service says that the early success of these saplings is imperative for the long-term viability and health of mature canopy species trees.

The national parks that granted the venison include:

• Antietam National Battlefield donated 2,464 pounds to the Maryland Food Bank. 
• Catoctin Mountain Park awarded 2,985 pounds to HELP Hotline, Thurmont Food Bank.
• Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park presented 660 pounds to the Maryland Food Bank.
• Eight hundred ten pounds to the Maryland Food Bank came from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
• Manassas National Battlefield Park, 1,710 pounds donated to Hunters for the Hungry.
• Monocacy National Battlefield presented 2,464 pounds to the Maryland Food Bank.
• Rock Creek Park granted 1,100 pounds to the Maryland Food Bank.

The success of this initiative highlights the significance of conservation efforts and the positive impact they can have on both humans and wildlife. By safeguarding native plants and promoting healthy ecosystems, we can ensure a brighter future for all.