A Delaware State Parks fee booth. Annual passes can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative for daily fees. /DNREC photo

Annual Passes a Convenient Way to Access Delaware’s Award-Winning State Parks System During Spring, Summer and Fall

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds visitors to Delaware State Parks that 2025 entrance fees will be in effect starting Saturday, March 1 through Nov. 30.

State park entrance fees for vehicles registered in Delaware are $4 at inland parks and $5 at ocean parks. Fees for out-of-state vehicles are $8 at inland parks and $10 at ocean parks. Daily fees for Deauville Beach are $15 for weekdays and $20 for weekends. Entrance fees will remain in effect through Nov. 30, which is the normal fee season end date.

Annual passes are a convenient and cost-effective way to access all 17 Delaware State Parks for the entire fee season. Multiple types of annual passes are available, including resident, non-resident, active-duty military, veterans and Deauville Beach. Discount passes may also be available to qualifying individuals, groups, athletic teams, or families. For a complete list of discount programs and to purchase your pass today visit destateparks.com/passes-permits-and-fees. Those who purchase annual passes online will receive a virtual pass that can be used up to 30 days from the date of purchase until the actual pass is received via mail.

Additionally, annual and two-year surf fishing permits provide year-round drive-on beach access, including weekends and holidays. Off-peak surf fishing permits provide year-round access, excluding weekends and holidays from May through Labor Day weekend. Both kinds of surf fishing permit decals also enable the vehicle to gain entrance into the other state parks without paying the daily entrance fee.

A reservation is required for permitted vehicles to access any of the seven Delaware State Parks multi-use drive-on beaches for weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Visit destateparks.com/surf-fishing-permits for information on the reservation process.

Revenue generated from annual pass and permit sales is used to manage 17 state parks, the Brandywine Zoo and more than 26,500 acres of state park lands. Park users generate 70% of the revenue utilized to operate and maintain the parks. The revenue is used for trail maintenance, environmental and recreational programs, historic preservation, natural resource protection, visitor amenities, guarded beaches, campgrounds, cabins and more.

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.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Ritter, Cole and Boyle Named to Key Roles

Secretary Greg Patterson today announced leadership appointments at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, naming three new officials to key roles to advance the Department’s mission and strengthen intergovernmental coordination and policy.

Matthew Ritter has been named the director of DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, bringing two decades of experience within the Department. Most recently serving as director of the Division of Community Affairs, Ritter has also held leadership roles in park operations, planning and interpretation. Ritter succeeds longtime director Ray Bivens, whose 21-year tenure, including 11 as director, helped earn Delaware State Parks a national Gold Medal for excellence. Ritter earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Frostburg State University.

Kimberly B. Cole is now director of the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, following more than 25 years of service at DNREC. She has held roles ranging from environmental scientist to deputy director of the division. Her experience spans projects on coastal water quality, conservation, shorebird monitoring, among others. She succeeds Dayna Cobb who was recently appointed DNREC deputy secretary. Cole has a bachelor’s degree from Ursinus College.

“Having Matt and Kim – who have each come up through the department – ready to take these leadership roles is a testament to the incredible talent of our DNREC workforce,” Secretary Patterson said. “I am grateful to have them serve in these positions, and I am excited for what we will accomplish together.”

Brian G. Boyle was appointed DNREC chief of staff. Boyle most recently served as policy director for New Castle County government from January 2017 until last month. Prior to that, he managed Matt Meyer’s successful campaign for New Castle County Executive in 2016. Before his work with New Castle County, Boyle was the executive director of the Delaware Democratic Party from April 2014 to September 2015. His background also includes work on multiple political and advocacy campaigns. A graduate of the University of Delaware, Boyle holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations.

In his new role, Boyle will serve as a senior advisor to Secretary Patterson and act as a liaison between the department and other state agencies. He fills a position once held by Patterson before the secretary moved to the governor’s office.

“In Brian Boyle, DNREC has a veteran policy advisor and strategist with environmental bona fides, including leading initiatives to electrify New Castle County’s vehicle fleet, install electric vehicle charging stations at county parks and libraries, and pass environmental and gun safety ordinances,” Patterson said. “His background in policy and advocacy, as well as his proven leadership in government, make him an excellent fit for DNREC at a time when effective interagency coordination is essential.”

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. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

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

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Secretary Patterson and Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb toured the north side of the Indian River Inlet with DNREC colleagues and local and state officials with contractors from DredgeIt. DNREC Photo

First Field Trip Friday Brings State Leaders Together to Discuss Coastal Restoration Efforts

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is nearing completion on the state’s phase of an emergency dredging and beach nourishment project for the north side of the Indian River Inlet. The project, launched in late November, is on schedule for completion by mid-February and will add almost half a million cubic yards of sand to the beach and dunes.

The announcement follows DNREC’s inaugural Field Trip Friday, an initiative launched by new Secretary Greg Patterson to engage colleagues, elected officials and stakeholders and to see DNREC’s key projects and programs.

During today’s site visit, Secretary Patterson and Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb joined DNREC experts from the Division of Watershed Stewardship and the Division of Parks and Recreation to review the progress of the beach restoration and discuss next steps. The tour included officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Lt. Col. Jeffrey Beeman, commander of the Philadelphia District; Nate Barcomb, deputy commander for Programs and Project Management; Monica Chasten, project manager; and, Pete Gori, project manager. It also included state Sen. Russell Huxtable as well as staff for U.S. Senator Chris Coons.

“DNREC’s intensive work over the last several months at the Indian River Inlet is an example of the outstanding teamwork across our entire Department,” said Secretary Patterson. “This project exemplifies how we address challenges and mobilize our resources to strengthen Delaware’s coastal resilience. It’s also a great way to kick off our Field Trip Fridays, showcasing the vital work DNREC does every day. We’re proud to advance this restoration effort before turning the next phase over to our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”

DNREC’s portion of the project is pumping and placing 480,000 cubic yards (CY) of sand to restore the severely eroded beach and dune, protecting vital infrastructure including State Route 1, after a dune breach last summer followed by months of trucking in sand on an emergency basis. The amount is about 100,000 more CY of sand than the original plan.

DNREC’s restoration efforts at the inlet are focused on strengthening the dune against storm inundation while reshaping the beach to reduce erosion. The project has restored the dune to a width of 25 feet at its crest, with a height of 6 to 8 feet relative to beach elevation. The nourished beach now extends at least 150 feet wide along more than 5,000 linear feet of shoreline.

While DNREC nears completion of its work along the north side of the inlet, the USACE is preparing to initiate the a complementary phase of the dredging and beach nourishment project later this year, with a target of 800,000 cubic yards of sand total between the two projects. Both agencies are working in tandem to ensure the long-term stability of the beach, dune and surrounding infrastructure.

As Field Trip Fridays continue throughout the year, DNREC looks forward to fostering stronger connections between leadership, staff and community partners — highlighting the Department’s work and ensuring meaningful conversations about Delaware’s environmental future.

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. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

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

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DNREC reminds residents and visitors not to sled or snowboard on the State’s fragile dune system, which covers coastal areas at Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park /DNREC photo

With winter weather ahead, including snow in the immediate forecast, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds residents and visitors that sledding, snowboarding and other recreational activities are not allowed on Delaware’s sand dunes.

Dunes contain fragile wildlife habitat and provide protection for the beaches and the communities they border.

In addition to asking the public to help protect the dunes, the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation also advises that, except for at marked crossings, pedestrian traffic and recreation activities are prohibited on dunes in Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks.

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.

Media Contacts: Greg Abbott, greg.abbott@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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DNREC’s emergency dredging project to repair and restore the beach and dune at the north side of the Indian River inlet has made continuous and consistent progress since the pumping and placement of sand began Dec. 2. The contractor for the project, DredgeIt, is working 24/7 with the State, including throughout the holiday season, to deliver 380,000 cubic yards of sand to the inlet beach and dune by late February 2025. /DNREC photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced significant progress has been made by the emergency dredging and beach nourishment project underway at the north side of the Indian River Inlet. The project, launched in late November with the mobilization of dredging equipment, aims to restore the severely eroded beach and protect critical transportation infrastructure.

The actual dredging and sand placement began Dec. 2, and since then the contractor, DredgIt Corp., has achieved a highly-efficient work rate, as reflected in the current daily dredging volumes. As of Dec. 22, the contractor reported a cumulative total of 130,737 cubic yards (CY) of sand has been dredged and placed toward a targeted total of 380,000 CY to be reached by late-February 2025. During the latest 24-hour period for which volume is available, almost 10,000 CY of sand were pumped onto the inlet’s north side beach and dune.

DredgIt has committed to operating 24/7, including throughout the upcoming holidays, to meet project goals and ensure the beach and dune are restored as quickly as possible.

“This project reflects a great team effort, from the time we began hauling sand by truck in the summer to now maintaining efficient round-the-clock operations,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We remain committed to getting the work done while continuing to keep the public informed about the project.”

The DNREC-led phase of the project will conclude in February, followed by a second phase of the emergency dredging project to be led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2025. Both DNREC and the Corps of Engineers believe this approach will continue to provide long-term protection of both the beach and dune, and critical infrastructure, including State Route 1, for the Indian River Inlet area.

During the project, DNREC also reminds beachgoers and outdoors recreationalists, including surfers, that because of the dredging and beach nourishment work, the north side beach at Delaware Seashore State Park will be temporarily closed to ensure public safety. DNREC continues to monitor the situation and will coordinate with the contractor on reopening this popular area when it can be deemed safe for park visitors and surfers. For more updates, visit de.gov/irnorth.

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 Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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