DNREC provides virtual environmental and educational content

DOVER, Del. – 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 historical areas by video and more.

A few online resources and services include:

  • Daily Delaware State Parks Virtual Content: Dive into Delaware State Parks from the comfort of home with videos and interactive blog posts shared with the public every day at 11 a.m. Park interpreters provide virtual programs through a new series of videos posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Delaware State Parks’ Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts. History lessons, scavenger hunts, virtual hikes and other activities are featured on the Delaware State Parks Adventure Blog every Tuesday and Thursday. In addition, each state park now has a designated day of the week to post special content on their individual Facebook pages. All virtual content will remain online for the public to view at any time.
  • DNREC YouTube Channel: Explore the world of DNREC through video. From barn owls to snowy owls, Mirror Lake to Massey’s Landing, recycling tips and environmental education. DNREC has lots of engaging content to share with kids and adults alike. One recent video is an overview of the Fort Miles area of Cape Henlopen State Park, a good way to see and learn the history of Delaware’s critical World War II military installation with tours currently not taking place.
  • Outdoor Delaware: Enjoy the digital Outdoor Delaware. In the spring edition, read about the red knot’s migration from South America to the Delaware Bay, cleaner alternatives to gas-powered cars, and how to create backyard habitats without breaking the bank.
  • Turkey Hunting Safety Classes: Delaware’s annual wild turkey hunting season will run April 11 to May 9, with a special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory disabled hunters on April 4. Before hunting turkeys in Delaware for the first time, hunters must pass a turkey hunting course approved by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. An online class is now available until May 17 on YouTube. After watching the full course, candidates should take a 20-question exam, available on DNREC’s Fish and Wildlife webpage.
  • Boating Safety Education: Although in-person classes have been canceled, DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife offers four online options to complete the Delaware Boating Safety Education, required for boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1978. Choose an option – there’s even a free course – and get ready to enjoy the First State’s waterways today.

DNREC also provides online options for doing business with the department during the coronavirus period, including obtaining licenses and permits, attending virtual public hearings and contacts for various regulatory programs.

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Delaware, visit de.gov/coronavirus.

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. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Contact: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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Smyrna man arrested on drug charges

DOVER, Del. – A Smyrna man was arrested Feb. 25 on drug charges following a traffic stop and vehicle search in Dover conducted by the Delaware Natural Resources Police – Environmental Crimes Unit, in which officers seized as evidence 322 grams of marijuana, 66 Xanax pills, $1,225 in cash, a digital scale, and drug packaging materials.

Andrew Burns, 23, was charged with one count of each of the following:

  • Manufacture/deliver/possession with intent to deliver controlled substance Tier 2 quantity

  • Manufacture/deliver/possession with intent to deliver controlled substance
  • Possession of controlled substance Tier 2 quantity
  • Possession of controlled substance Tier 1 quantity
  • Conspiracy second degree – agreement to engage in felony criminal conduct
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia not related to personal use quantity marijuana
  • Failure to have insurance identification in possession
  • Operation of an unregistered motor vehicle
  • Display of license plate
  • Unsafe passing on the left
  • Duty to sign and carry driver’s license

Burns was arraigned via video phone in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance, pending a court date.

Delawareans are encouraged to report environmental violations to DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit by calling the 24-hour environmental complaints line at 800-662-8802.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, Joanna.wilson@delaware.gov


DNREC Environmental Crimes Unit arrests two Wilmington men on multiple drug and weapon-related charges

DOVER – DNREC’s Delaware Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit arrested two Wilmington men Dec. 31 and charged them with numerous drug- and weapon-related crimes after a traffic stop on Route 1 southbound led to discovery of crack cocaine in their possession. One of the men arrested had multiple warrants outstanding with the Wilmington Police Department, including first-degree robbery, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and resisting arrest.

After pulling over the vehicle and making contact with the driver, Jamar Smith, 30, and passenger Joseph B. Coverdale, a DNREC ECU officer detected an odor of marijuana. An ECU search of the vehicle and the two occupants yielded 27.39 grams of crack cocaine and 1 gram of marijuana.

In connection with the traffic stop, Smith was charged by DNREC ECU with one count each of the following: manufacture/delivery of, or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in a tier 3 quantity; conspiracy second degree – agreement to engage in felony criminal conduct; possession of drug paraphernalia not related to personal use quantity of marijuana; possession of marijuana, and failure to signal continuously when moving right, left, or turning.

In connection with the traffic stop, Coverdale was charged with one count of each of the following: manufacture/delivery of, or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in a tier 3 quantity; tampering with physical evidence; conspiracy second degree – agreement to engage in felony criminal conduct; possession of drug paraphernalia not related to personal use quantity of marijuana; and possession of marijuana. Coverdale had multiple warrants outstanding with the Wilmington Police Department for the following charges: robbery first degree; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; carrying a concealed deadly weapon – firearm; conspiracy first degree; burglary second degree; and resisting arrest.

Following the traffic stop and initial charges, the Delaware State Police Governor’s Task Force and Delaware Probation and Parole conducted a search of a residence on Deville Circle in Wilmington that yielded 11 bags of heroin and a loaded 9-mm handgun.

In connection with the Deville Circle residential search, Smith was also charged by Delaware State Police with one count each of the following: possession, purchase, own or control of a deadly weapon, semi-automatic weapon, or automatic weapon by a person prohibited, who also possesses a controlled substance; possession, purchase, own or control of a firearm/destructive weapon if previously convicted of two violent felonies on separate occasions; possession, purchase, own or control of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited due to a prior violent crime or felony conviction; and possession or consumption of a controlled or counterfeit substance except human growth hormone without a prescription; and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child by committing a Title 16 offense with a child in the dwelling.

Both men were video-arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover. Smith was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown on $26,226 secured bond. Coverdale was committed to the same facility on $78,400 cash bond.

Delawareans are encouraged to report environmental violations to DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit by calling the 24-hour environmental complaints line at 800-662-8802.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

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DNREC’s Natural Resources Police deliver 585 toys to U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program

Pictured aboard Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Marine Patrol vessel Alpha, are Fish & Wildlife Officer Billy Adkins (in back); Environmental Crimes Unit’s Lt. John McCarty; Delaware State Parks’ Cpl. Andrew Manning and Lt. Bryan John; Fish & Wildlife Chief Drew Aydelotte and Sgt. Brooke Mitchell; ECU Officer Rebecca Schuman; Fish & Wildlife Lt. Casey Zolper; and special guest Santa Claus (Fish & Wildlife Cpl. Josh Hudson), with K-9 Officer Rosco. DNREC photo/Shauna McVey.

DOVER – After a statewide gift-giving campaign throughout the holiday season, DNREC Natural Resources Police units from Delaware State Parks, the Division of Fish & Wildlife, and the Division of Community Affairs’ Environmental Crimes Unit have delivered 585 toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program in Delaware to provide gifts for less fortunate children in local communities for the holidays.

“Toys for Tots ensures that less fortunate children can awaken to presents in this season of giving, and I am proud that DNREC’s three Natural Resources Police units stepped up to make that a reality for hundreds of Delaware families,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Thanks to the dedication of Cpl. Andrew Manning of our Parks Natural Resources Police and all the other officers who took part in this campaign, DNREC has helped make a difference.”

The three Natural Resources Police units placed Toys for Tots donation boxes in locations statewide, including DNREC offices and state parks, to collect new, unwrapped toys suitable for boys and girls of all ages.

In Sussex County Dec. 13, DNREC Natural Resources Police officers met Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Marine Patrol vessel Alpha at the Indian River Marina to pick up toys collected from six Sussex donation locations and deliver them to the Sussex Toys for Tots facility. They collected 315 toys, which will be among those distributed to children in 1,038 Sussex families.

A total of 270 toys collected in Kent and New Castle counties were delivered Dec. 16 to the Dover Toys for Tots facility for distribution. The Kent County facility is serving more than 1,200 children, with a waiting list.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.


DNREC’s Natural Resources Police team up with U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Cpl. Andrew Manning of Delaware State Parks Natural Resources Police, and 6-year-old zoo visitor Huxley Young prepare to add presents to the Toys for Tots donation box at the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington. Secretary Garvin and DNREC Natural Resources Police officers gathered at the zoo today to encourage the public to donate toys as gifts to less fortunate children at DNREC locations statewide by Dec. 12/ DNREC photo: Joanna Wilson

DOVER – DNREC Natural Resources Police units from Delaware State Parks, the Division of Fish & Wildlife, and the Environmental Crimes Unit within DNREC’s Division of Community Affairs have teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program to provide toys for children in local communities for the holidays.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys suitable for boys and girls of all ages, and distributes those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in communities nationwide.

Toys will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 12 at the following drop-off locations:
• All Delaware State Park offices statewide, including the Brandywine Zoo, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Natural Resources Police office in Sussex County at 23530 Campbell Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Environmental Crimes Unit offices at 715 Grantham Lane, New Castle, DE 19720, and 97 Commerce Way, Suite 106, Dover, DE 19904, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• DNREC Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Various locations and events throughout the state attended by Natural Resources Police officers.

For more information, or for the dates and locations of upcoming events where toys can be donated, please contact Delaware State Parks Cpl. Andy Manning at andrew.manning@delaware.gov or 302-855-2113, Sgt. Brooke Mitchell at brooke.mitchell@delaware.gov or 302-739-9913, or PFC Rebecca Schuman, at Rebecca.schuman@delaware.gov, or 302-739-9401.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

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