Patchogue, NY - Fire Island National Seashore donated 2,610 pounds of venison to Island Harvest, a local food bank in Hauppauge, New York. Island Harvest Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization on Long Island, delivering food to a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency feeding programs across Long Island.
"Fire Island National Seashore is proud to continue our partnership with Island Harvest Food Bank and bringing support to our local communities through this donation," said Alexcy Romero, Superintendent of Fire Island National Seashore.
The donation follows the safe and successful removal of 96 deer from Fire Island National Seashore properties; 54 deer were removed from National Park Service lands at the William Floyd Estate and 42 deer from National Park Service lands on Fire Island. Deer management operations have been completed for the 2021 season.
The venison was harvested as part of an integrated deer management strategy approved in 2016. The goal of deer management is to protect and restore natural habitats and historic landscapes at Fire Island National Seashore. Biologists will continue to monitor habitat and ecosystem recovery in response to a reduced deer population, which will help inform future deer management practices.
White Buffalo, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the conservation of native species and ecosystems, and was contracted to carry out the 2021 deer reduction activities.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this year’s reduction efforts and helping the National Park Service move towards their goal of a healthy ecosystem through a humane, safe, and effective program," said Dr. Anthony DeNicola, Founder/CEO of White Buffalo, Inc.
More information on the plan may be found online.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
