DNREC Announces Grants to Support Communities With Pollution Restoration Projects

Delaware communities adversely affected by environmental pollution can now apply for Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) restoration grants for the 2023 grant cycle through DNREC. CEPF was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 2004 through legislation that authorized DNREC to establish a grant fund by withholding 25% of funds collected as penalties for violations…

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Winners Chosen for Delaware Waterfowl & Trout Stamp

The winners in Delaware’s Waterfowl Stamp and Trout Stamp art contests have been named. Best in Show is a painting of a wood duck in bottomland swamp by Richard Clifton of Milford and will be the 2023-24 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp. A painting of a brown trout by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Indiana will be…

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Update: 1 of 2 Recreational Water Quality Advisories Lifted in Rehoboth Beach

(Update, Thursday afternoon) A recreational water advisory for the beach at Rehoboth Avenue has been lifted. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, the latest water sample shows bacteria levels have fallen below the recreational quality limit once again. That advisory that was issued Wednesday was lifted Thursday afternoon. The advisory at the Virginia…

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Sussex County’s White Creek Next in Line for Dredging

dredge file photo, courtesy of DNREC

An emergency dredge project at the Murderkill River in Kent County has been completed ahead of schedule. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, its Shoreline and Waterway Management Section will take on another navigability restoration project on White Creek in Sussex County. The White Creek project is being put out for bids. More…

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Parts of The Point Reopen Today

The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park – including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes and a half-mile along the bay shoreline today. The Point has been closed annually each March for the benefit of threatened and endangered beach-nesters and migratory shorebirds. The bayside beach at the Point remains closed until October 1st for…

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Mosquito Spraying Today Downstate

Mosquito spraying will take place during daylight hours today by airplane near Milton and Lewes. There will also be spraying by truck mounted sprayer this evening in and near Rehoboth Beach and Milford and near Houston, Lincoln, Harrington, Greenwood, Bridgeville, Milton, Lewes and Millsboro This spraying will be done to control adult mosquitoes. For notification…

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DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve to Close Sept. 1st – Apr. 1st

The DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve near Slaughter Beach will be open for one more week. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, the accessible observation deck will remain open while the Center itself is closed between September 1st and April 1st. The Center’s operations are timed to coincide with the shorebird…

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Smaller or Limited Guarded Swimming Areas at DE State Parks Beginning Next Week

DNREC will reduce the life-guarding hours at Delaware State Parks ocean swimming beaches starting next week. Smaller or limited guarded swimming areas at all Delaware State Parks swimming beaches will be available through Labor Day. People looking to swim at Delaware State Parks are encouraged to do so at guarded beaches, including the main beach at Cape Henlopen…

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DNREC Sets Virtual Workshop in Sept. on Seaford Biogas Project

A proposal to expand a composting facility in Seaford will be detailed next month during a Delaware Natural Resources virtual community workshop. Bioenergy Devco will need several permits to move forward with its proposal, which includes construction of an anaerobic digester that makes it possible to convert organic waste into renewable natural gas. BDC would…

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EEE Found in NCCo Sentinel Chicken

A northern New Castle County sentinel chicken has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE. This is the first positive detection this summer in a sentinel chicken – it was tested on August 9th. There have been 5 positive cases of West Nile Virus in sentinel chickens, however, there have been no positive equine…

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More EV Charging Stations Coming to Delaware

More electric vehicle charging stations are coming to Delaware roadways. DelDOT and the Department of Natural Resources plan to place 11 multi-vehicle fast-charging stations along major routes through part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law utilizing $18-million in federal funds. Targeted first will be the general areas of Rehoboth Beach on Route 1, Selbyville on Route…

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DNREC Issues Recreational Water Advisory for Bethany Beach

A recreational water advisory has been issued for Bethany Beach,According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, elevated levels of bacteria were found in water samples that were taken Wednesday at Garfield Parkway. The beach is open, but swimmers are advised to use caution and / or avoid prolonged periods in the water.Onshore ocean flows…

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Volunteer Registration Begins for Del. Coastal Cleanup

There is much more summer to come, but volunteers are already being recruited to take part in the 35th Delaware Coastal Cleanup.41 spots along beaches and waterways will be targeted Saturday, September 17th between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Online registration opens today (Monday) and is open through Wednesday, August 31st. Volunteers may choose the location…

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UPDATED: DNREC CANCELS Water Quality Advisory in Rehoboth Beach

UPDATED – 3pm – 7/29/22 – Rehoboth Beach officials say that a DNREC water advisory for swimmers in Rehoboth Beach between Baltimore Avenue to Stockley Street has been terminated. A follow up test has been conducted and no elevated levels of bacteria found. ================================================================ Elevated levels of bacteria found in a water sample have led…

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Dredging of Murderkill River in August

dredge file photo, courtesy of DNREC

DNREC and the Army Corps of Engineers will begin an emergency dredging project in August to restore navigability in the Murderkill River in Kent County. About 52,000 cubic yards of sediment will be removed from the river’s navigation channel – and the dredged sand will then be used to nourish up to 1000 feet of…

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West Nile Virus Found in NCCo Sentinel Chicken

DNREC officials have found a positive test of West Nile Virus in a sentinel chicken in Southern New Castle County. There have been NO reported cases of West Nile Virus in humans in Delaware so far this year – however the possibility of contracting a mosquito-transmitted disease is possible until colder autumn temperatures arrive –…

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Former Floating Casino Becomes Part of Artificial Reef

The Texas Star was sunk on Redbird Reef in the Atlantic Ocean on June 29. DNREC photo.

With a slow splash, the 180-foot long Texas Star, originally outfitted as a floating casino and repurposed as a commercial fishing vessel, recently became part of Delaware’s artificial reef system. The reef site is 16.5 miles off the Delaware coast. “With today’s sinking of the Texas Star on Redbird Reef, one of 14 separate reef…

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Del. Launches Solar Program For Low-to-Moderate Income Homeowners

Delaware low- to moderate-income homeowners may qualify to get assistance with the cost of installing solar panels.The Delaware Department of Natural Resources plans to introduce a new two-year pilot program this Friday, July 1st.“DNREC’s Green Energy Program has helped thousands of Delawareans make the switch to solar power, but installation costs continue to be an…

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Update: Girl Critically Injured in Millsboro Boat Accident

  One girl was critically injured and at least one other child was injured last night during a boating accident that involved a boat pulling children on tubes.  The boat eventually struck a dock in the Millsboro area.   It was reported around 5:15 p.m. at the end of Warwick Road which is off the…

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DE Climate Change Measure Passed in State Senate

Legislation regarding climate change (SB 305) has been passed in the Delaware State Senate by a 13 to 6 vote. This measure will adopt a comprehensive approach to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in Delaware by not less than 50% by 2030. According to the legislation, the Governor and DNREC will update the Climate Action…

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Updated: Search for Missing Kayaker off Cape Henlopen

Update (9 a.m., June 8): The missing man was located by a DNREC marine vessel just before 9 a.m. on the rocks of the inner wall. He was checked by EMS and was reported in good condition. Original post (3 a.m., June 8): Multiple agencies are searching for a missing man who reportedly went kayaking…

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