Scotton Landing Boat Ramp Reopens for Spring

The reconstructed Scotton Landing boat ramp facility is ready for spring boaters and anglers./DNREC photo 

New Ramp, Courtesy Dock and Repaved Parking Lot Completed

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has reopened the boat ramp facility at Scotton Landing (also known as Barkers Landing) on the St. Jones River, and located off Trap Shooters Road near Magnolia, following reconstruction that started in November 2023.

The Scotton Landing project features a new boat ramp and courtesy dock, plus a repaved parking lot. Design features of the new ramp include extending the ramp into deeper water to aid boaters launching at low tide, supporting the ramp with timber piles, and protecting the ramp from scouring with steel sheet piles. In addition to the ramp, a new L-shaped courtesy dock was installed to allow easier maneuverability in the river for launching and temporary mooring while boaters retrieve their vehicle.

The $837,400 project was funded by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funds via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, combined with matching state funds from Delaware fishing license sales.

For more information about Scotton Landing or other boating and fishing facilities in Delaware, call the DNREC Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov


DNREC Announces ‘Take a Kid Fishing!’ Spring Events

A successful “Take A Kid Fishing!” adventure at DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center near Smyrna. Events are listed below. /DNREC photo

 

Registration Open for a Full Season of Fishing Fun Through Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Resource Education Center

Do you know a youngster or a young teen who might enjoy learning about fishing and the delight in having the opportunity to catch a fish? The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites budding anglers ages 6 through 15 to come out with a parent, grandparent, or guardian and learn how to fish. Educators from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Resources Education Center will be on hand to lead the activities and fishing.

“Spending time fishing with your children and grandchildren is a great way to have them experience nature and develop a love for an activity they can enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “With so many rich opportunities for angling in Delaware, participating in the ‘Take a Kid Fishing!’ program can help kickstart that passion!”

“Take a Kid Fishing!” events are offered free of charge to all participants, with advanced registration required. All fishing equipment is provided at no charge to participants for use at the events. To ensure that enough supplies are on hand for these free programs, advanced registration is required. To pre-register for the program, visit the DNREC events calendar, de.gov/dnrecmeetings. To learn more about AREC or the “Take a Kid Fishing!” program, visit de.gov/arec.

“Take A Kid Fishing!” events are scheduled at the following dates and locations:

  • 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, Silver Lake Park, Dover
  • 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday May 4, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 25, Lums Pond State Park, Bear
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 1, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, June 12, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, June 29, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, July 2, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday July 13, Redden State Forest, Georgetown
  • 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 18, Silver Lake Park, Dover
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday July 27, Bellevue State Park, Wilmington

“Take a Kid Fishing!” teaches young anglers fundamental fishing skills and conservation concepts, including catch-and-release. Along with the angling experience, these free fishing events also feature activity stations and prizes. Packing refreshments and a picnic lunch is encouraged.

Individuals 16 years of age and older who accompany and engage in fishing with “Take a Kid Fishing!” participants must have a current Delaware fishing license or a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. Delaware recreational fishing licenses are sold online and by license agents statewide. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may obtain a free FIN number online or from a license agent where recreational fishing licenses are sold. Online services available at de.gov/fishinglicense include fishing license purchases, FIN numbers, a list of participating license agents, and additional related information. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the license and FIN requirements.

Information on fishing in Delaware also can be found in the 2024 Delaware Fishing Guide, also available in printed form from license agents throughout the state.

“Take A Kid Fishing!” is sponsored by the DNREC Aquatic Resources Education Center, with host sites provided by the Division of Fish and Wildlife, DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation, Delaware Department of Agriculture Forest Service and City of Dover Parks and Recreation.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on more than 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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DNREC to Host Virtual Meeting on Deauville Beach Management Transition and New Entrance Fee Proposal

Deauville Beach will become part of the Cape Henlopen State Park management unit. DNREC will provide lifeguards, parking, beach concessions, tennis courts, public restrooms and beach maintenance. /Delaware DNREC photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host a virtual community meeting Wednesday, March 27, at 6 p.m., to present information about the transition of management for Deauville Beach from the city of Rehoboth Beach. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation will share a proposal for daily entrance fees and seasonal pass for use of Deauville Beach. A list of frequently asked questions is available at www.destateparks.com

Deauville Beach includes an approximately 600-yard section of state-owned beach between Rehoboth Beach and the Henlopen Acres neighborhood. The Division of Parks and Recreation has assumed management of Deauville Beach for the 2024 season. DNREC and the city of Rehoboth Beach mutually agreed to the change in operations after they were not able to negotiate an extension of a previous lease of the beach to the city, which expired on June 30, 2023.

Deauville Beach will become part of the Cape Henlopen State Park management unit, which includes Gordon’s Pond, Beach Plum, Angola Neck and Cape Henlopen proper.

DNREC will provide lifeguards, parking, beach concessions, tennis courts, public restrooms and beach maintenance.

To join the March 27 virtual meeting, go to de.gov/dnrecmeetings.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.


DNREC, Kent Conservation District Offer Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant Funding for Septic Tank Pump-outs

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Kent Conservation District announced today that grant funding is still available for Kent homeowners in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in Kent County who wish to have their residential septic tanks pumped out for routine maintenance. Funding for the grant initiative is made available by DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship through a Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant.

Regularly pumping out a septic system prolongs the life of the system as well as protects surface and ground waters from potential contamination. Up to $200 in grant funds are available to qualifying applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding for the project is provided through DNREC’s Chesapeake Implementation Program, in partnership with the Kent Conservation District, which is administering the program.

More than $68,000 in grant funding – or enough to pump out roughly 300 Kent County residential septic systems – has been made available through this initiative. The homeowner must live in the home to qualify for grant funding. The pump-out project runs through June 30, 2024 or as long as funding lasts. The application process is quick and easy, with most applicants being approved within 24 hours. To identify which watershed you live in, visit the Delaware Watersheds website, a partnership between DNREC and the University of Delaware Water Resources Center.

For more information about the Chesapeake Bay Implementation grant, interested homeowners may contact the Kent Conservation District at 302-608-5370 or visit kentcd.org for a grant application.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov  

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DNREC to Seek Community Water Project Proposals

Community Water Quality Improvement Grant funding from DNREC has helped implement projects including living shoreline installation and marsh enhancement to stop erosion; a stormwater retrofit project featuring a wetland and bioswale to manage stormwater runoff; and stream bank restoration to reduce erosion and sedimentation./DNREC photo.

Deadline for Submissions for Upcoming Grant Cycle is April 24

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages Delaware non-profit organizations, conservation districts, community organizations and homeowners’ associations to submit project proposals to be considered for matching grant funds from DNREC’s Community Water Quality Improvement Grants program.

Funding for grant award projects in this cycle is expected to range from $25,000 to $75,000. Projects recommended by DNREC staff for funding through a competitive grant process will be presented to the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council. Applicants may submit up to two project proposals per grant cycle. The request for proposals can be found at de.gov/envfinance.

Community Water Quality Improvement Grants can help in implementing projects or programs that improve water quality on developed lands with specific watershed improvement plans and strategies. Programs and projects selected for these grants must demonstrate innovative and sustainable methods, techniques, and/or practices for water quality improvements, with cost effective and measurable results.

Eligible projects may include:

  • Enhancement or restoration of water quality within an impaired watershed.
  • Community stormwater management improvements in existing developments in partnership with municipalities.
  • Non‐regulatory or voluntary plans involving pollution control strategies, watershed-based restoration plans, whole basin management preliminary assessments, or community‐based stormwater permits.

Past projects that received Community Water Quality Improvement Grant funding have included: a green roof installation; living shoreline installation and marsh enhancement to stop erosion; a stormwater retrofit project featuring a wetland and bioswale to manage stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces; stream bank restoration to reduce erosion and sedimentation; and green stormwater improvements.

Grant proposals should be submitted by email to NPS.grants@delaware.gov with “Community Water Quality Improvement Grants” in the subject line. Emailed proposals must be less than 10MB. All grant proposals must be received by DNREC close of business (4:30 p.m. EDT) Wednesday, April 24.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Environmental Finance team administers Delaware’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, making funding available to municipalities, the private sector, nonprofit organizations and individuals. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov  

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