I am deeply concerned and upset by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife's decision to slaughter all deer at Liberty State Park from March 30 through April 4. The planned extermination includes adults, juveniles, and babies, all confined within an enclosed area where they face certain death. The lack of transparency surrounding this decision is alarming; even Liberty State Park employees were kept in the dark.

The root of this drastic measure lies in the recent clear-cutting of the area. Land once abundant with natural habitat is now leveled for development's sake, forcing wildlife out and leading to this harsh verdict on their survival. Yet, what makes this situation particularly disheartening is the absence of any effort to employ nonlethal conflict management solutions. There are other methods to cope with wildlife populations—methods that preserve life instead of erasing it.

We must ask ourselves: Is killing the only viable solution to human-wildlife conflicts in urban settings? Innovative and humane options exist, from fertility control measures to relocation programs, which have been successfully used in other states to manage deer populations without resorting to lethal measures. The Department should pause and carefully evaluate these options and engage with wildlife experts and local communities before moving forward.

This is not just about the deer; it's about how we handle the balance between human expansion and wildlife preservation. We need to hold our state accountable and demand better, more humane practices that consider the ethical implications for our native wildlife and the communities that cherish these natural settings.

Join me in opposing this unnecessary slaughter. Let us urge New Jersey officials to stop the scheduled killing and opt for transparency, dialogue, and humane solutions. Signing this petition is a step towards advocacy for all wildlife and the preservation of our environment's integrity.