DNREC Extends Ocean Lifeguard Coverage to Weekends in September

The ocean swimming areas at Delaware State Parks are typically unguarded after Labor Day, but thanks to the significant growth of the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol under new leadership, more than 70 lifeguards were hired this year. As a result, DNREC will continue to have lifeguards at two of its four Delaware State Parks–ocean swimming…

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Funding Comes To Del. State Parks For Campground Upgrades

Photo courtesy of the office of Senator Tom Carper

Campground upgrades are coming to several Delaware State Parks, thanks to funds from the American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Program.Senator Tom Carper, D-Del., Delaware Natural Resources Secretary Shawn Garvin as well as U.S. Economic Development Administration Regional Director Linda Cruz Carnall visited Cape Henlopen State Park to announce $3.2-million for enhancements to…

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Del. Parks, Some DNREC Operations Adjusted In January

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources is making some changes in response to the recent surge in coronavirus cases. State parks, nature and wildlife areas are still open, but through the end of January public restroom facilities will be closed. Portable facilities will be available. Indoor programs will be held virtually or may be canceled.…

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2022 Del. Parks Passes, Surf-Fish Permits On Hold

Photo courtesy of DNREC - Fishing at Cape Henlopen State Park
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The sale of 2022 Delaware State Parks passes and surf fishing permits is being held up by supply chain disruptions. The Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday that 2021 surf fishing permits will be valid at surf fishing beaches through January 31st. It’s not certain when the new passes and permits will arrive. Permits that…

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Del. Begins Auction Of Low-Digit Surf Fishing Plates

Low-digit surf plate (image courtesy of Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources)

Delaware low-digit surf fishing plates will be auctioned starting today (Monday at 9:00 a.m.). According to the Department of Natural Resources, 15 tags with numbers of interest will be available. The minimum bid for a low-digit surf fishing plate is $250. The Delaware General Assembly authorized a bid system for prized low-numbered plates in 2015.…

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Bags Into Benches: Plastic Bags Recycled

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Unused plastic bags in Delaware are being put to use. A non-profit organization, Eco Plastic Products of Delaware, accepted DNREC’s excess plastic bags when state parks converted carry-in carry-out bags to corn and paper products last year. About 2,000 pounds of bags, in the area of 450,000, will be made into 15 benches that will…

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Del. Surf Fish Permits Sell Out

Photo courtesy of DNREC

Sales of Delaware surf fishing permits have reached a cap of 17,000. There are no more permits to be had, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Sales of surf fishing permits began in December. The cap of 17,000 was established in 2019 by the Delaware Parks and Recreation Advisory Council as a way to…

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Del. State Park Entrance Fees Resume Monday

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Delaware State Parks entrance fees will return Monday. Parks are free between November 30th and March 1st. According to the Department of Natural Resources, park entrance fee revenues are used to manage the 17 state parks and for trail maintenance, environmental and recreation programs, guarded beaches, camping and cabin facilities and other amenities. State Park…

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First Day Hikers Welcome At State Parks

Photo courtesy of DNREC

If you are planning to take part in a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day, earlier might be better than later. Rain looks likely for the afternoon. State parks across the nation welcome visitors each January 1st to take to the trails. This year’s hikes will be self-guided. Visitors to Delaware State Parks are…

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Del. State Parks Will Be Free This Fri.

Photo courtesy of DNREC
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Delaware State Parks will be open to the public at no charge this Friday. The Department of Natural Resources will waive the entry fee as part of the annual Black Friday #OptOutside movement. It encourages Americans to spend time outdoors on the day after Thanksgiving and to share their experiences on social media using the…

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DNREC limits the number of visitors to state parks over coronavirus

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has announced that steps are being taken to limit the numbers of visitors within state parks and wildlife areas, following crowding and public health concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Starting Friday, April 10, administrators of parks and wildlife areas recommended to DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin that…

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