Cornell UniversityThe Nature Conservancy

Community Example: Weston, Massachusetts

Key facts

  • Community Size: Small city or village (less than 10,000 people)
  • Region: Northeast
    • Plan established in 2012

    When residents of Weston, Massachusetts (population 11,500), an affluent community in the Boston metropolitan area, noticed a dramatic increase in the local deer population, the town’s Conservation Commission began a thoughtful process that led to the creation of a deer management program –managed bowhunting on five public properties. From the moment the Conservation Commission kicked off their process in 2011 to the maturing deer management program currently in place, Weston has sought guidance from experts and resident opinion—and placed an emphasis on educating residents about forest stewardship.