Downstate Mosquito Spraying Sunday & Monday

Weather permitting; the Delaware Mosquito Control Section plans the following insecticide application for mosquito larvae located in flooded forested wetland habitats. This application could take place during the daylight hours on Sunday, April 3 and Monday, April 4, 2022, via helicopter (registration number N2268W and/or N862M) Application of Vectobac12AS (liquid BTI) to control mosquito larvae in the following areas: Near…

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Weekend Mosquito Spraying in Kent & Sussex Counties

Weather permitting; the Delaware Mosquito Control Section plans the following insecticide application for mosquito larvae located in flooded forested wetland habitats. This application could take place during the daylight hours on Saturday, March 26, Sunday, March 27, and Monday, March 28, 2022, via helicopter (registration number N2268W and/or N862M) Application of聽Vectobac12AS (liquid BTI) to control mosquito larvae聽in the…

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Sussex County Mosquito Spraying Begins Wednesday

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will begin annual spraying of spring woodland pools to control aquatic immature (larval) mosquitoes on Wednesday, March 16, weather permitting. Spraying by DNREC鈥檚 Mosquito Control section will begin in southern Sussex County, then expand into Kent and New Castle counties over the next several weeks. Controlling early-season woodland pool larval…

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Del. Takes New Step To Reduce Auto Emissions

Delaware plans to adopt what’s known as California’s Zero Emission Vehicle regulations, according to Governor John Carney. Carney said Thursday that drivers who are looking to purchase an electric vehicle will find more options at Delaware dealerships. 13 other states have also adopted the policy. “By creating a better environment for the sale and purchase…

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Delaware Wild Birds

Cases of Eurasian H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were detected in wild birds in Delaware in recent days,聽as the bird flu continues to spread in the United States. The United States Department of Agriculture鈥檚 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the Eurasian H5 strain of HPAI in eight wild ducks and a…

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PFAS Found In Untreated Well Water Across Del., Says USGS

Image courtesy of US Geological Survey

Contaminants known as PFAS have been found to be widely distributed in untreated well water in Delaware, with the highest number of types of chemicals in Sussex and New Castle Counties. The wells receive their groundwater from the Columbia aquifer, and samples found to contain the chemicals generally had low concentrations. Research is still going…

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Feb. Updates For Del. Hunters

February brings more hunting opportunities for hunters in Delaware. Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day is Saturday, February 5th and is open for hunters ages 10 through 15. Other hunting and trapping seasons also continue this month. Hunters should be aware of license requirements, The Department of Natural Resources provided these updates: Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day: The one-day,…

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Relief Help Available For Del. Fisheries-Related Businesses Impacted By Pandemic

Delaware’s fishery-related businesses that were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for relief funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, commercial fishing businesses, shellfish aquaculture specialists, for-hire recreational fishing operations, seafood dealers and processors may qualify for funding. They must show a revenue decline of more…

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Del. Seeks Guidance For Use Of Clean Water Trust

Delawareans and businesses are invited to help identify ways the Delaware Clean Water Trust can support water quality improvement efforts. The Clean Water Trust oversees $50-million in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget as a funding source for water quality and water related projects. The Clean Water Trust Oversight Committee is hosting three virtual public information…

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DNREC Reopens Shellfish Harvest At Rehoboth Bay

A 21-day emergency shellfish harvest closure at Rehoboth Bay has been lifted (photo courtesy of Delaware Department of Natural Resources)

Commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting may resume in Rehoboth Bay following a three-week closure due to a sewer spill. According to The Delaware Department of Natural Resources, 21 days is deemed an abundance of caution to protect the public against pathogens of concern, including viruses, that could be associated with wastewater exposure. Untreated wastewater spilled…

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DNREC Virtual Public Meeting on White Creek Dredging Project

Join DNREC鈥檚 Shoreline and Waterway Management Section for a project overview and updates on the planned dredging of White Creek in Sussex County. WHEN: Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Virtual (Click Here) The 2022 White Creek Dredging Project is in the engineering phase. Channel maintenance for White Creek, which connects Indian River…

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DNREC Solicits Requests for Proposals for Phase 4 of Settlement Mitigation Awards

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control today issued a request for proposals (RFP) for investments of $3.4 million from the Environmental Mitigation Trust on projects that improve the state鈥檚 air by reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). A virtual public meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15 to help organizations apply for the…

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DNREC Reminder: Do Not Sled or Snowboard on Dunes

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds residents and visitors that sledding, snowboarding and other recreational activities are not allowed on Delaware鈥檚 sand dunes. Dunes contain fragile wildlife habitat and provide protection for the beaches and the communities they border. In addition to asking the public to help protect the dunes, the…

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Jan. Brings More Opportunities For Hunters In Delaware

Additional deer hunting seasons in Delaware are beginning with the arrival of January. Hunters are encouraged to harvest does in order to help manage the size and quality of the state’s deer population. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays this month, in accordance with state restrictions. Also, hunters who wish to donate venison 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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Christmas Tree Recycle Programs Get Underway

Photo courtesy of Delaware Department of Natural Resources

The time will come to say goodbye to your natural Christmas tree. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources says it can be tree-cycled. Real trees can be regifted to the environment at several yard waste recycling facilities across the state. According to DNREC, more than 158,000 tons of yard waste – including grass, leaves, brush,…

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Donovan Smith Community in Lewes Closer to Municipal Water & Sewer

A section of the Donovan Smith Mobile Home Park off Savannah Road (photo provided by Sussex County Councilman Mark Schaeffer)

Delaware state agencies today officially moved to connect the Donovan Smith community in Lewes to municipal water and sewer, which is the pilot project of the Clean Water Initiative for Underserved Communities established by Gov. John Carney. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed today by the secretaries of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)…

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Some Del. Bay Beaches To Be Nourished This Winter

Several beaches on the upper portion of Delaware Bay will be nourished over the coming winter. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, beaches and dunes at Slaughter Beach, Bowers, South Bowers, Kitts Hummock and Pickering Beach have been identified as vulnerable to the effects of erosion. The plan is to truck in supplies…

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More Hunting, Trapping Seasons Open In Del. This Month

December brings more opportunities for hunting and trapping seasons in The First State. The state’s third duck hunting season starts Friday and lasts through January 31st. Antlerless deer may be hunted between Saturday December 11th and Sunday December 19th. Hunters are encouraged to harvest does to help manage the size of Delaware’s deer population. The…

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DNREC Hosts Virtual Hearings On Del. Climate Action Plan

A month after Governor John Carney released a Climate Action Plan for Delaware, Delawareans have opportunities to learn more about its goals and what it means for citizens. The Department of Natural Resources has scheduled two presentations that will review the plan, highlight actions and strategies for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and examine ways to…

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Del. Looks To Make Solar More Affordable For Low-to-Moderate Income Households

Delaware low-to-moderate income homeowners may get assistance with the expense of installing solar panels, which previously may not have been affordable. The Department of Natural Resources is inviting applications from contractors who are interested in participating in a two-year pilot program that would serve at least 50 clients per year. DNREC said it will lead…

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

Photo courtesy of DNREC - Fishing at Cape Henlopen State Park

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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