Blades Groundwater Site Added to Superfund Priority List

A groundwater site in Blades has been added to the U.S. E.P.A. Superfund National Priorities List. The federal commitment clears the way for remedial action funded under the Superfund program. EPA will conduct a remedial investigation and feasibility study to determine the nature and extent of contamination, determine risks to human health and the environment,…

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Two Charged In Stolen Vessel Case

Two Pennsylvania men face charges in connection with the theft of a Maritime Skiff from Tuckahoe Acres, which ran aground on a sandbar in Indian River Bay. Delaware Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police say the suspects were found in the stranded vessel early last Saturday morning. Other boaters reported the incident. 24-year-old Matthew Tortu…

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UPDATED: DNREC LIFTS Recreational Swimming Advisory for Beach at Rehoboth Avenue

UPDATED 8/21/20 3:20pm – DNREC lifted a recreational swimming advisory for Rehoboth Beach at Rehoboth Avenue Friday afternoon after water quality tests taken Thursday showed bacteria levels had returned below the advisory level.  ======================================================== DNREC has issued a recreational swimming advisory for Rehoboth Beach at Rehoboth Avenue based on elevated levels of bacteria found today…

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DNREC to Host Climate Change Public Workshops

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Identifying specific strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts of climate change Delaware is already experiencing will be the topics of a series of virtual public workshops planned for September and October. Delaware is developing a Climate Action Plan aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change while maximizing the state’s resilience…

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Lewes Teen Catches State-Record Tilefish

Photo by: Hook'em & Cook'em — with Peggy Grajcar.

A new Delaware record tilefish has been snagged by a Lewes teenager. 13-year-old Dylan Baker was on a private boat when hooked a golden tilefish that weighed 52 pounds, 12.8 ounces. It measured 45-and-a-half inches long, with a girth of 34 inches. According to DNREC, the monster fish was weighed at Hook ‘Em & Cook…

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Killens Pond Water Park Cleared To Reopen

Killens Pond Water Park

After being closed during the hottest week of the year, Killens Pond State Park’s water park will reopen to the public Friday. The water park was closed last week when it was discovered that a staff member tested positive for coronavirus. According to the Department of Natural Resources, contact tracing was completed through the Division…

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3 Arrested In Deer Cruelty Case

Reports of animal cruelty in the Gumboro area have led to three arrests. Delaware Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police say an investigation determined that the trio recorded themselves intentionally striking a deer with a motor vehicle in the Hudson Road area, and continuing to “perform cruel acts on the deer,” which later died. 20-year-old…

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DNREC Tightens Parking At State Park Beaches

soft-wave-of-ocean-on-sandy-beach

The Department of Natural Resources plans to cut back capacity at Delaware Seashore, Cape Henlopen and Fenwick Island State Parks starting Friday. Lots will be limited to about 60 percent of parking capacity. Vehicles that arrive after capacity is reached will be turned away. DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin said state park beaches reached capacity last…

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Surf-fishing permits are hot sellers in Delaware

About 15,500 of this year’ available surf fishing permits have already been issued, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Annual permits are capped at 17,000 to avoid overcrowding at park beaches and to manage limited resources. Starting today, Parks and Recreation is suspending online sales and reducing the number of locations where surf fishing…

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DNREC to Lift Beach Restrictions, Visitor Numbers Limited in State Parks for Memorial Day Weekend; Campgrounds Remain Closed Through at Least May 31

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Delawareans will resume activities such as swimming and sunbathing on Delaware State Park beaches for Memorial Day weekend, with existing restrictions on beaches being lifted by the Governor effective Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. Out-of-state visitors who have maintained a 14-day quarantine since entering the state are also allowed to resume activity on Delaware…

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DNREC Opens Virtual Operations for Water-related Services

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The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control continues pivoting to virtual operations both during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future for greater efficiencies and ease of use for DNREC customers and constituents. The latest advance for DNREC’s ePermitting comes from the Division of Water and covers a spectrum of permit applications and license…

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DNREC To Reinstate Entry Fees & Park Pass Requirements Beginning Friday

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The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that it will reinstate entry fees and park pass requirements at all Delaware State Parks and require a Conservation Access Pass to enter state wildlife areas starting Friday, May 8. DNREC also announced that those receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits can receive an annual park pass…

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Face Masks Required at DE State Parks Starting Friday

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The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that starting Friday those aged 13 or older are required to bring a face mask with them to enter state parks, wildlife areas and reserves, and should wear the mask when they cannot maintain social distancing from other visitors. Those who do not bring face masks…

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DNREC report highlights Delaware’s ‘desire for climate change action’

DNREC-Energy-Climate

The theme for the 50th anniversary of Earth Week is climate change and, according to a report commissioned by DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, 77% of Delawareans see climate change as a serious threat that will harm future generations. The report, conducted by Standage Market Research in partnership with University of Delaware’s Center for…

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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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Many Outdoor Activities Canceled – but DNREC has a Host of Online Resources

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As events and programs are canceled or postponed during Governor Carney’s emergency declaration for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages Delawareans to take advantage of its robust collection of online resources. They can watch live virtual park programs multiple times a week, take a virtual boating course, explore parks and…

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DNREC Updates What’s Open & What’s Closed

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While most state parks, nature and wildlife areas continue to stay open for Delawareans during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” emergency order from Governor John Carney, many amenities are closed. Current closures include campsites, cabins, cottages, yurts and playgrounds, and now, public restrooms will be closed. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will…

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Anglers reminded to practice social distancing in Delaware

Take advantage of the early opening of the upstate trout season for adult anglers on Tuesday, March 31 to help minimize crowds and accommodate responsible outdoor recreation during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) period. Anglers are reminded to practice safe social distancing – a minimum of six feet, or about the length of some fishing rods…

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Downstate Trout Season Open in Greenwood & Dover

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Downstate trout season remains open at Tidbury Pond near Dover and Newton Pond near Greenwood.  Anglers are reminded to practice safe social distancing – a minimum of six feet, or about the length of some fishing rods – and to choose less-crowded areas to cast their lines.  To purchase a license online or to find a…

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DNREC Cancels Events & Programs Through May 15

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DNREC has canceled events and programs that were scheduled from now through May 15 – this includes private rentals and events at Delaware State Parks sites and facilities – including picnics, 5-Ks and parties.   The State Parks and Wildlife areas remain open – with no entrance fees being charged through April 30th.   Detailed information about…

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