Forest Lawn's Deer Dilemma: DEC Greenlights Controversial Removal Plan

Buffalo's historic Forest Lawn Cemetery, a cherished landmark and designated arboretum, is grappling with a severe overpopulation of white-tailed deer. This escalating issue has led the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to grant a permit for the lethal removal of deer within the cemetery grounds, a decision that underscores the complex challenges of wildlife management in urban settings.

For years, the deer population at Forest Lawn has exploded, far exceeding what the delicate ecosystem can sustain.

The consequences have been devastating: valuable and rare plant species, including historic trees and shrubs, have been extensively browsed and damaged. Gravesites and cherished memorials have also fallen victim, with plants routinely eaten and even the landscape around monuments disrupted, compromising the solemnity and beauty of the grounds.

Cemetery officials have not taken this step lightly.

Prior to seeking the DEC permit, various non-lethal methods were attempted to mitigate the problem. These included the installation of fencing, the application of deer repellents, and adjustments to habitat management, but none proved effective in significantly reducing the deer population or the damage they caused.

The persistent overgrazing threatened not only the aesthetic integrity of the cemetery but also the long-term health of its unique botanical collection.

The DEC's decision to issue the permit was based on a thorough review of Forest Lawn's application, which meticulously documented the extent of the damage and the futility of past non-lethal interventions.

The agency recognized the cemetery's dual role as a significant historical site and an ecological entity requiring active management to preserve its diverse flora and structural elements. The permit allows for a controlled, professional removal process aimed at reducing the deer numbers to a sustainable level, thereby protecting the cemetery's invaluable resources.

This move, while deemed necessary by environmental and cemetery authorities, has not been without controversy.

The prospect of lethal deer removal often sparks strong emotions and debate among the public, with concerns raised about animal welfare. However, officials emphasize that the decision was made after exhausting all other options and is critical for the preservation of Forest Lawn Cemetery, ensuring it remains a beautiful and respectful space for future generations.