On May 11 the Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners will hear the Monmouth County Park System's presentation of the Deer Management Program Annual Report - 2009. The report, prepared by park system staff, will contain information about the program as administered by the park system during the 2008/2009 deer hunting season and staff recommendations for the 2009/2010 season.

A complete copy of the report will be posted on May 6 on the park system's Internet website at www.monmouthcountyparks. com.

The board will hear public comment on the report as part of its regular meeting on May 11 at 7 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Tatum Park Red Hill Activity Center, 251 Red Hill Road, Middletown. Board action on the administration of the 2009/2010 program is tentatively scheduled for the regular meeting of the board to be held on June 8.

The Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners first authorized the opening of county parklands for the hunting of white-tailed deer in April 2004.

According to a press release, the board recognizes hunting as an efficient and effective means of controlling the population of deer that threaten forest health within the county parks.

The board and staff will continue to pursue the implementation of other, non-lethal management methods of the white-tailed deer when suitable options become available, according to the press release.

Questions and comments about the program and requests for hard copies of the report should be directed to the park system by telephone at 732-842-4000, ext. 4237; by email at wildlife@monmouthcountyparks. com; or by mail at Monmouth County Park System, Attn.: Public Information Office, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.