Hahn Makes Last-Ditch Appeal to Newsom to Stop Catalina Deer Eradication

LA County Supervisor Warns Killing Could Begin Sept. 1, Cites Wildfire Risk and Urges Governor to Revoke State Permit

August 31, 2026

By Brian Hews

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is making a last-minute appeal to Gov. Gavin Newsom to stop the planned eradication of Catalina Island’s mule deer, warning that killing could begin as soon as Tuesday, Sept. 1.

In a letter sent to Newsom, Hahn urged the governor to suspend or revoke a California Department of Fish and Wildlife permit allowing the Catalina Island Conservancy to begin killing thousands of mule deer that have lived on the island for more than a century.

“Tomorrow, these deer could begin to be killed, and once they are gone, they are gone forever. Governor Newsom can still stop this, and I am asking him to act,” Hahn said.

Hahn has opposed the Conservancy’s eradication plan and is now raising a public-safety argument against it: wildfire danger.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Tony Marrone, whose department is responsible for fire operations on Catalina, has warned that completely eliminating the deer could increase wildfire risk because the animals eat vegetation that otherwise could become fuel.

In her letter, Hahn told Newsom that removing the deer would allow brush to grow unchecked and potentially make future fires more dangerous.

Hahn pointed to Santa Rosa Island, where deer were eliminated years ago. Earlier this year, a wildfire there burned more than 18,000 acres.

“Santa Rosa Island is unpopulated, but Catalina is home to nearly 4,000 people, with thousands more visitors,” Hahn said. “We should not ignore our own Fire Chief’s warning that removing the deer could increase wildfire danger.”

Hahn also challenged the idea that complete eradication is the only way to protect Catalina’s native ecosystem.

She said she has spoken with experts, including former Catalina Island Conservancy leaders, who believe the island could sustain a managed herd of approximately 200 deer.

“I share the goal of protecting Catalina’s unique ecosystem, but protecting Catalina does not have to mean killing every deer,” Hahn said. “There are alternatives, and we should exhaust them before making an irreversible decision.”

Hahn also criticized the state’s review process. In her letter, she said the Department of Fish and Wildlife allowed the permit to proceed with a California Environmental Quality Act exemption, which she characterized as “irresponsible and rash.”

A coalition opposing the eradication has filed a lawsuit challenging the Conservancy’s plan. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1, the same day the Conservancy is authorized to begin killing the deer.

Hahn’s Letter to Gov. Newsom

August 31, 2026

The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Newsom,

I am writing to you with an urgent request: Please step in and stop the systematic slaughter of Catalina Island’s beloved deer population.

Tomorrow, September 1, under a permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Catalina Island Conservancy can begin killing the thousands of mule deer that have lived on Catalina Island for over a century.

I have raised my concerns about this plan with the Department of Fish and Wildlife before. I strongly opposed the Conservancy’s permit application because I believe eradicating an entire population of animals that have been part of Catalina’s landscape for nearly a century is an extreme, unnecessary response that poses serious unintended consequences.

Tony Marrone, our Los Angeles County Fire Chief, who is responsible for fire operations on Catalina Island, has warned that completely eliminating the deer could increase wildfire risk. The deer are currently eating vegetation that would otherwise become fuel for fires. Removing them would allow the brush to grow uncontrolled, making future fires more likely and more dangerous.

We have already seen this play out with devastating consequences. Years ago, the deer population was completely eliminated on Santa Rosa Island. Just earlier this year, Santa Rosa Island suffered the largest fire in this island’s history, burning more than 18,000 acres.

While we are lucky that Santa Rosa Island is unpopulated, Catalina is home to nearly 4,000 residents with many many more tourists visiting the island daily. Catalina is already a fire-prone island, and these deer have been keeping the flammable brush at bay. We should not allow this dangerous experiment to go forward when our own Fire Chief is warning us that it could have unintended consequences for public safety.

I continue to hear from people who live on Catalina and from visitors who have developed a deep connection to these animals. Mule deer may not have originated on the island, but they have been part of Catalina’s landscape for generations. They are alive today, and once they are gone, they are gone forever.

I understand that the Conservancy believes the deer are damaging the island’s native ecosystem. I share the goal of protecting Catalina’s unique environment. But protecting Catalina does not have to mean killing every mule deer on the island. I have spoken to many experts including former leaders of the Catalina Island Conservancy who are confident that the island can sustain a small herd of 200 deer who can be responsibly managed.

Unfortunately, none of these consequences were properly reviewed by the State because the California Department of Fish and Wildlife allowed the permit to be approved with a CEQA exemption. I believe this was irresponsible and rash.

There is a lawsuit that has been filed by a coalition of people opposed to the Conservancy’s plan. That is scheduled to be heard by a judge tomorrow, September 1.

Nevertheless, Governor, I am asking you to intervene now.

Please suspend or revoke this permit and give California the opportunity to take another look at whether total eradication is truly necessary—and whether we can protect Catalina’s ecosystem without eliminating its deer.

This is our last chance to pause before the killing begins. I hope you will act.

Thank you for your consideration and for your leadership.

Sincerely,

Janice Hahn
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles