Information Bulletin CP2014-01203 For Immediate Distribution Parks Canada Begins Deer Cull at Point Pelee National Park Leamington, Ontario, January 8, 2015 – Parks Canada, in partnership with Caldwell First Nation, will be holding a deer cull at Point Pelee National Park from January 12 to 23, 2015 in support of the park’s updated Hyperabundant Deer Population Management Plan. On days when culling is taking place in the park, Point Pelee National Park will be closed to visitors to ensure public safety. The park will remain open to the public on weekends. For more up to date information on park closures, please visit the Parks Canada website at www.pc.gc.ca/pelee. Research at Point Pelee National Park has shown that over-browsing by deer is significantly threatening the forest and savannah ecosystems in the park that are home to a number of species at risk such as dwarf hackberry and red mulberry trees. Reduction of the deer population in the park is critical to the success of Point Pelee National Park’s restoration objectives, including the recovery of the rare Lake Erie Sand Spit Savannah ecosystem. Parks Canada is committed to partnering with the Caldwell First Nation at Point Pelee National Park. Together we will help protect and preserve the natural beauty of the park and its ecosystems for all Canadians. Visitors are asked to contact Point Pelee National Park directly for more information at [email protected] or call 519-322-2365. -30- Information: Karen Linauskas Superintendent, Point Pelee National Park Southwestern Ontario Field Unit Parks Canada Telephone: 519-322-2365.