Map of Staten Island featuring locations of targeted safety corridors and places where permanent signage has been added to warn about deer while driving. Image Credit: NYC Parks/ NYC DOT
The newly released map will educate young students on the Staten Island deer population and the new plan provides New Yorkers with a detailed Deer Impact Management Plan. On February 17, 2021, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation launched two new deer related resources: The Deer Awareness Presentation and the Managing Deer Impacts on Staten Island Virtual Report.
The Managing Deer Impact on Staten Island virtual report will provide New Yorkers with a detailed look at the Deer Impact Management Plan that was originally launched in 2016. The plan covers a multitude of features including a sterilization study; traffic safety measures; extensive public engagement and education; and impact monitoring. The virtual report was released as a part of the City’s WildlifeNYC Campaign. The Campaign was initiated to encourage coexistence between the urban and the wildlife of New York City.
The Deer Awareness Presentation is a digital map on the WildlifeNYC website that provides an educational look at Staten Island’s white-tailed deer population. The map is designed to be used by 4th through 6th grade students and features videos and an interactive map. The resource aims to provide users with a new and engaging way to learn biology, safety, and environmental impacts. The resource will also inform the younger audience on how to report deer sightings to WildlifeNYC. Access to the Deer awareness Presentation can be requested on WildlifeNYC’s Education page.
Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver stated, “These new online resources present children and families with opportunities to learn about antlered neighbors living in their backyards while providing snapshots of the City’s progress in managing Staten Island’s deer population.”
By: Patrick McNeill (Patrick is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)