NORRISTOWN, PA – Montgomery County Park, Trails, and Historic Sites have announced it will conduct a deer cull at Norristown Farm Park. The cull will be held during the month of March in coordination with state and federal agencies.
Cull events have occurred since 2005 in Norristown Farm Park as part of the park’s wildlife management program. Recently, park officials have witnessed an increase in the number of deer at the park due to culling activities being delayed through the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time a cull was held in the park was 2019.
Deer culls serve to reduce the park’s deer population and bring it into balance with the site’s available resources. Culls reduce crop damage, lessen deer collisions with cars, and decrease damage to the park’s vegetation. Closely managing the deer population also eases the spread of wildlife borne illnesses such as Lyme’s Disease, EHD and Chronic Wasting Disease, while improving the health and the vigor of the remaining herd.
Park officials stated that due to the increase in deer population, many of the park’s soybean fields sustained damage this past year significantly reducing the overall harvest. The park’s sunflower field, a favorite spot for photographers and birders, was decimated before the plants had a chance to grow and flower. Many of the newly planted native tree and shrub species which were intended to increase the site’s plant diversity have been lost despite efforts to protect them.
The cull will be conducted after hours in Norristown Farm Park using USDA sharpshooters. The operation will be closely monitored by officials from various agencies and since it is after hours, the park while closed to the public. The cull will be patrolled continuously to ensure public safety. There will be no impact to park visitors, neighboring residents, or nearby properties.
All meat harvested as part of the cull will be processed and donated to area food banks.
Residents with questions should contact the Norristown Farm Park office at (610) 270-0215.
About Norristown Farm Park
Norristown Farm Park has a variety of buildings and open fields that represent a diverse history of farming, manufacturing, and institutional associations. The buildings date from the mid-18th century through the early 20th century and at various times were part of mills, a tannery, farms, and the Norristown State Hospital. The unique and breath-taking beauty of the woods and agricultural fields, combined with a stocked trout stream, the Norristown Farm Park has it all.
Where else can a visitor bicycle, walk, hike, run, jog, picnic, fish in a stocked trout stream, walk their dog, or view wildlife in their natural habitats? The Park has over eight miles of paved trails and there are several rustic nature trails available for the adventuresome. Norristown Farm Park is right where you can do all these pleasurable pastimes and more!
The Farm Park is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is operated and maintained by Montgomery County. This unique relationship blends recreational opportunities and agricultural activities.
The park is open daily, 6 a.m. to sunset. The Farm Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Media Contact: Kelly Cofrancisco, kelly.cofrancisco@montgomerycountypa.gov