The escalating growth of the white-tailed deer and their consumption of native plants within the Monmouth County parks led the Park System to open county parklands for hunting in 2004. This report provides background information about this program. The Report recognized that the Park System serves as a steward and protector of natural resources within the county parklands, now over 13,000 acres. This requires that wildlife and habitat be managed for the benefit of all animals and plants. The

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... r management program recommended by the Park System staff is the most efficient and effective means currently available for reducing the deer population at designated county park locations. The Park System will continue to observe and monitor the deer population in all county park locations. If, and when, any successful, safe, and cost-effective non-lethal management methods, including contraception, are developed and permitted by law for use on free-ranging deer populations, the Park System will consider including these methods in the management program.