“Flying colors”: Delaware passes annual aerial forest health “check-up”
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Kent County | New Castle County | Sussex County | Date Posted: Tuesday, July 3, 2018
In late-June, Delaware’s forests get an annual “physical” or “check-up” – just after spring’s “leaf-out” blankets the state in a wave of green color. Just as people should visit the doctor to be screened for potential diseases, trees are examined with a variety of tools to hopefully spot minor issues before they turn into major ones.
Armed with a digital camera, GPS technology, and a tablet equipped with specialized software and satellite data, forest health specialist Bill Seybold boards a small plane for a sky-high view of the First State. The annual aerial survey is specifically designed to detect potential threats that can only be seen from the air. Fortunately, early results from the 2018 aerial forest survey indicate no major outbreaks of tree diseases or insect pests.
Investigation of animal cruelty at Delaware Park concluded
Department of Agriculture | Date Posted: Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Following a starting gate incident related to the fifth race on June 14, 2018, the Delaware Department of Agriculture opened a full animal cruelty investigation into the treatment of the horse, “Accolade.” Based upon a thorough investigation at both the state and track levels, the assistant starter was cleared of any wrong doing.
Police partnership key to reopening historic pavilion at Redden State Forest
Delaware State Police | Department of Agriculture | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Department of Safety and Homeland Security | Division of Fish and Wildlife | Forest Service | Sussex County | Date Posted: Tuesday, June 26, 2018
A partnership with the Delaware State Police and the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police is helping the Delaware Forest Service reopen its historic picnic pavilion at Redden State Forest that was closed in early 2017 due to persistent illegal activity. The parking lot and rest area – popular with hikers and horseback riders – now features bright lighting, 24-hour video surveillance, and regular patrols by both marked and undercover law enforcement personnel. Along with these enhanced security measures, new signage reminds visitors that the site is closed from dusk to dawn.
Delaware requests emergency declaration from USDA for crop damage due to recent storms
Department of Agriculture | Former Governor John Carney (2017-2025) | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Friday, June 22, 2018
DOVER, Del. — Too much rain at the wrong time, like Delaware experienced in April and May, has destroyed several high dollar crops and threatens the yield of many others, leaving farmers to wonder what the future holds. In surveying the state and listening to farmers, Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse made a request […]
Woodbridge FFA takes first in forestry career development event
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Kent County | New Castle County | Newsroom | Sussex County | Date Posted: Thursday, June 21, 2018
Woodbridge High School’s FFA took the top spot at the 2018 Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) held in Camden, Delaware this week. Woodbridge was followed by Middletown, Smyrna, and Sussex Central. Woodbridge will now go on to represent Delaware at the 91st Annual FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis from October 24 to 27, 2018. For the first time, the 2018 challenge included a total of eight middle and high school teams competing in separate events at the same location. Smyrna Middle School’s FFA took first place in their event, beating out teams from Walters Middle School (Appoquinimink), Meredith Middle School (Appoquinimink) and Millsboro Middle School.
