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’s 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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Del. Makes Grants Available For Clean Water Projects

Grant money is flowing into clean-water-related projects in The First State. According to the Department of Natural Resources, more than $1.23-million in non-point source pollution grants have been made available to Delawareans, government agencies and conservation districts in all three counties. Money comes from the federal Clean Water Act. A wide range of projects have…

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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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“A Tree For Every Delawarean” Initiative Takes Root

Photo courtesy of Gov. John Carney's office

A tree for every Delawarean… In an effort to plant more trees and mitigate the impact of carbon emissions in The First State, the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture will coordinate a new website where residents can find information about selecting, planting and caring for trees. Also, Delawareans, non-profits and municipalities will…

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Laurel Mobile Home Park Owners Get Notice Of Violation

The owners of Briarwood Manufactured Home Community in Laurel have received a notice of violation for failing to fix problems with wastewater disposal and treatment. An original permit required installation of replacement systems, but DNREC in its notice says no proposals for installation from a licensed contractor have arrived. Mobile Gardens, owners of Briarwood, are…

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Gov. Carney Releases Delaware Climate Action Plan

Governor John Carney has released a Delaware Climate Action Plan, which he says is a blueprint for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to leave the state better prepared for the impacts of climate change by prioritizing clean energy and improved energy efficiency. The Climate Action Plan resulted from a year-long process that involved Delawareans,…

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More Delmarva Fox Squirrels Relocate To Sussex Co.

Delmarva Fox Squirrels are moving into new habitat in Sussex County to bolster the species’ numbers in Delaware (photo courtesy of Delaware Department of Natural Resources)

Redden State Forest is now home to four Delmarva fox squirrels. Two males and two females of the rare species were relocated from Maryland to the Delaware Forest Service Headquarters Tract as part of a management program. The Fox Squirrel was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2015, and while now abundant on…

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Nov. Brings More Hunting Seasons In Del.

Numerous hunting seasons will open in Delaware during the month of November, including the shotgun deer season that runs Friday November 12th through Sunday November 21st. Also, this Saturday and Sunday November 6th and 7th is the firearms deer hunt available only to youth and non-ambulatory hunters. Also getting underway in Delaware this month are…

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It’s “Deer In The Headlights” Time

We are entering the time of year when deer are most likely to be crossing Delaware roadways, and with the clock change coming in less than two weeks, Delaware State Police and DNREC are alerting motorists to watch out for deer. “Bucks are very single-minded in their pursuit of does during the rut, their mating…

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