Reminder for the week: Safety on the C&D Canal Conservation Area

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Oct. 15-21 made 4,070 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing five citations. Officers responded to 39 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

• On Oct. 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, answered hunting, fishing and boating questions, and displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer at the Harrington Community Day at the Harrington Fire Department.
• On Oct. 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, answered hunting, fishing and boating questions, and displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer at a Boy Scout Troop #603 meeting near Newark.
• On Oct. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers provided security and logistical support for the C&D Canal Half Marathon & 5K held on the Michael N. Castle Trail.
• On Oct. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, answered hunting, fishing and boating questions, and displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer at the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival near Townsend.
• On Oct. 21, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions at a Hunter Education Class held at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Facility.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incident of note:

• On Oct. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers investigated a motor vehicle and bicycle accident that occurred on the C&D Canal Conservation Area. The bicyclist sustained minor injuries and no citations have been issued as a result of the investigation.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife area map violation – deer hunt on refuge (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2), possession of undersized striped bass (1), and tending more than two crab pots (1).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters, and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?

The C&D Canal Conservation Area is used for a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as bicycling, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and hunting. We encourage all of our visitors to demonstrate awareness of the rules and regulations of the area so that the area can remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone.

There are a few rules and regulations to highlight. Only vehicles licensed for use upon public highways and roadways are allowed to operate on wildlife areas roads, where they cannot be operated in excess of 20 miles per hour. There are many sharp turns and hidden entrances, so maintaining this safe speed will assist in avoiding accidents. Also, horses and bicycles can only be ridden on maintained roads or trails that have been so designated by the Division on current wildlife area maps. If you plan on bicycling on area roads rather than using the bike trails, please be on the lookout for vehicles.

Find more information on the C&D Canal Conservation Area, maps of all wildlife areas, and rules and regulations for the Wildlife areas.

Media Contact: Sgt. Brooke Mitchell, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

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