The multiple-site Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve – with components at St. Jones in Dover and Blackbird Creek near Townsend (the aerial photo above) – includes both private and state-owned land managed by DNREC in conjunction with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). /DNREC photo

Components Include St. Jones in Dover, Blackbird Creek Near Townsend

The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve will mark its 30th anniversary on Friday, July 21.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of 30 coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems. Established through the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, the reserves represent a partnership program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the coastal states. Combined, the research reserves cover nearly 1.4 million acres of estuaries and are focused on stewardship, research, training and education.

The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, otherwise known as DNERR, consists of two sites that were selected and nominated for inclusion in the national research reserve system by then-Governor Michael Castle. The multiple-site reserve – with components at St. Jones in Dover and Blackbird Creek near Townsend – includes both private and state-owned land managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in conjunction with NOAA.

In 1993, following NOAA’s approval of the submitted management plan, DNERR became the 22nd reserve in the system, encompassing 3,800 acres. Then-Governor and current U.S. Sen. Thomas Carper signed the designation on July 21, 1993.
Currently, the reserve protects 6,364 acres, with 1,245 acres of freshwater wetlands, ponds and forest lands in Blackbird Creek, and 5,119 acres of salt marsh and open water habitats on the St. Jones River on Delaware Bay.

“Delaware is proud to be a part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve system and to contribute to their efforts at aiding conservation and management on both the local and national levels,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The diverse range of habitats in Delaware makes our state an ideal location for research and training, and the initiatives undertaken there provide valuable information on keeping estuaries healthy.”

The Blackbird Creek Reserve boasts several miles of trails through uplands and along the marsh, a canoe/kayak launch, restoration demonstration areas, as well as a variety of programs and volunteer opportunities for the community, teachers, students, and families. It also supports ongoing research and monitoring, field studies, citizen monitoring programs and training opportunities for coastal decision-makers.

The St. Jones component includes a visitors center that is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays (closed on weekends and holidays). It also features hiking trails, hands-on interactive activities and exhibits, restoration demonstration areas, St. Jones boat trips and a variety of programs throughout the year.

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 Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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Meetings Planned in Each of Delaware’s Three Counties

Balancing how to best protect our marine resources while considering the needs of people who use or make their livelihood in Delaware’s Bay and ocean waters is the goal of an ocean and bay plan being developed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

To help develop the plan, DNREC is hosting three open house listening sessions to get feedback on how people use the ocean and bay, and to learn what is important to them.

“From our long-established fishing industry and commercial transport to tourism businesses to recreation and the emerging needs of clean energy, the Delaware Bay and ocean are key components of Delaware’s economy,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “At the same time, the ocean and bay are essential components of Delaware’s ecosystem that directly impact human well-being, from food security to public health. This plan will help us identify priorities and balance these sometimes competing interests.”

The listening sessions will take place in each of the three counties.

• Wednesday, June 28, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle
• Wednesday, July 12, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes
• Sunday, July 23, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover

Displays will highlight the resources and activities that contribute to Delaware’s vibrant coastal economy, healthy environment and core foundation. Attendees will be provided an introductory presentation on the goals and expected outcomes of the ocean and bay plan, as well as an overview of the anticipated development process.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to share what kind of needs they have to be able to use and enjoy ocean and bay resources responsibly, as well as resource management issues that are important to them.

While there will be no virtual component to the meetings, all session materials will be available on the Delaware Ocean and Bay Plan webpage, as well as a link to provide comments online.

When completed, the plan will serve as a reference document for existing and potential new ocean and bay users, identify and characterize ocean and bay uses and serve as an inventory of ocean and bay resources.

The plan will also describe the impacts of each water-dependent human activity on other uses and identified resources, as well as provide recommendations for best practices for balancing ocean and bay activities with the conservation of marine resources.

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 Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Jim Lee, jamesw.lee@delaware.gov

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DNREC photo: Errol Ebanks

Winner to be Featured in Outdoor Delaware Article

To celebrate the ocean and the countless benefits it provides us, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is seeking entries for a Delaware Ocean Photo Contest.

June is National Ocean Month and June 8 is World Ocean Day. Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long have proclaimed June as Ocean Month in Delaware.

DNREC’s Delaware Ocean Photo Contest runs from June 8 through August 31, and the winner will be featured in an Outdoor Delaware article.

As a coastal state, Delaware depends on the ocean and marine resources for its economic prosperity, particularly in terms of tourism, commercial fishing, recreation and shipping industries. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Economics: National Ocean Watch data, the total economic value of Delaware’s ocean-related activities is estimated at approximately $1.4 billion annually.

In celebrating all the benefits the ocean contributes to our lives and livelihood, the DNREC contest seeks photos that show a personal connection to the ocean.

“The state’s rich history has direct ties to the ocean, culturally, economically and as a destination for millions of visitors each year,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Protecting and preserving these resources through active stewardship is essential to ensuring their viability for generations, and this photo contest is one way that we can help increase awareness of the importance of the ocean to Delaware.”

Potential photo contest subjects may include, but are not limited to, marine wildlife and habitat, recreation, fishing and marine transportation. Complete rules and a photo release form are available online.

All images must include the photographer’s name, a short description of what is shown in the photo, where and when the photo was taken. Submitted entries must include a completed photo release form. A legal parent or guardian must complete the release form for contestants under the age of 18. The deadline for submissions is 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2023.

Photographs must have been taken within the state of Delaware, or offshore of Delaware, and they must be original, previously unpublished and created solely by the submitting entrant(s). Only photos that meet the criteria, along with a completed release form, will be eligible.

Entries will be judged for composition and theme. Preference will be given to clear, good quality photographs.

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 Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Jim Lee, jamesw.lee@delaware.gov

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State Rebate and Federal Tax Credit Can Save Buyers Thousands of Dollars

Delawareans purchasing new electric vehicles will continue to get state rebates on qualifying makes and models with the extension of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

“Electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, with many manufacturers committing to transition their fleets to zero emission vehicles.” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Additionally, electric vehicle adoption is a key strategy for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in our state, our country and the world.”

Since the program began in July 2015, it has provided more than $9 million in rebates to more than 4,000 electric vehicle purchasers. Since January 2023, the program has issued 391 rebates for a combined $923,500.

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides rebates for the lease or purchase of qualifying electric vehicles. The program extension runs through April 30, 2024. In addition, there are a few enhancements to the program for vehicles purchased or leased on or after May 1, 2023:

• A new application portal will make it easier for car shoppers to redeem the rebate at the dealership or up to 90 days after their purchase.
• New price limits are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), instead of total price, to ensure additions like trailer hitches won’t affect rebate eligibility.
• A regularly updated list provides car shoppers a quick reference to the 30+ Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) eligible for the rebate.

The program includes:

• $2,500 for BEVs with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less.
• $1,000 for PHEVs with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less.

DNREC’s rebate program is in addition to federal tax credits that are available for many models of electric vehicles. With a cash rebate from the Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, purchasers can save up to $10,000 on qualifying electric vehicles.

DNREC will also continue to offer rebates for Level 2 charging stations through the Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebate program. The program provides rebates for electric vehicle charging stations for public access, workplaces and for fleets. Enhanced rebate amounts are now available to incentivize the installation of charging stations at multi-family dwellings.

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 Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@Delaware.gov

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DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy Director Dayna Cobb, right, and DNREC Energy Efficiency Planner Keri Knorr, left, present the overall winner’s trophy for the 2023 Junior Solar Sprint competition to Veraj Mehta and Chetan Kasukurthi from the Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington. The Junior Solar Sprint competition was live for the first time since 2019 and held for the first time at Delaware State University. /DNREC photo

Middle School Students Design, Build and Race Solar Vehicles
During DNREC-Sponsored Event at Delaware State University

A team from Cab Calloway School of the Arts was crowned overall champion of the 2023 Junior Solar Sprint competition held on the campus of Delaware State University today.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control teams up with the Delaware Technology Student Association for the event each year. Students in grades 5 through 8 work with classmates and teacher advisors over the course of several months to build model cars powered by solar photovoltaic cells, better known as solar panels.

“While the virtual events of the past couple years showcased each team’s abilities to adapt to changing circumstances – much like we are learning to adapt to a changing climate – nothing compares to the excitement of the head-to-head racing competition,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “These students, like many others across the First State, are laying the groundwork to ensure a clean, healthy Delaware for future generations.”

Today’s competition marked the first time since 2019 that the event was held live. The Junior Solar Sprint was canceled due to the COVID pandemic in 2020, and was held virtually the past two years. This is also the first time the event was held on the DSU campus.

Dayna Cobb, Director of DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, said the competition showcases the talents of all the students participating. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders,” she said. “The teamwork, problem-solving and creative scientific thinking they employ for this competition demonstrates their commitment to taking on the environmental challenges we face today, and will continue to face in the future.”

Students received points for project portfolios, overall design and fastest speed in a timed competition. The team accumulating the most points wins – today that honor went to Team 2 made up of Veraj Mehta and Chetan Kasukurthi from Cab Calloway School of the Arts. Technology Student Association-affiliated teams also can earn the opportunity to represent Delaware against other students from around the country in the national TSA conference, which is to be held in Louisville, Ky. in June.

Schools participating in this year’s event included Las Americas ASPIRA Academy, Cab Calloway Middle School, Las Americas ASPIRA Academy, Newark; Gauger-Cobbs Middle School, Newark; Holy Cross School, Dover; and May B. Leasure Elementary School, Newark.

Competition results from the Delaware State campus today were:

The all-around winners for combined speed, design and portfolio presentations

• 1^st place: Team #2 – Veraj Mehta and Chetan Kasukurthi from Cab Calloway School of the Arts
• 2^nd place: Team #5 – Jha’san Clark and Daniel Coleman from Gauger-Cobbs Middle School
• 3^rd place: Team #6 – Veronica Morales-Garcia and Len Ojeda from Las Americas ASPIRA Academy

Top results from the double-elimination races

• 1^st place: Team #2 – Veraj Mehta and Chetan Kasukurthi from Cab Calloway School of the Arts
• 2^nd place: Team #9 – Vishal Karthikeyan and Vedic Mukherjee from Cab Calloway School of the Arts:
• 3^rd place: Team #7 – Andrew Russom, Favor Chucks, Lillian Poliquin, and Seyram Tackey from Holy Cross School

Top results from the design competition

• 1^st place: Team #5 – Jha’san Clark and Daniel Coleman from Gauger-Cobbs Middle School
• 2^nd place: Team #2 – Veraj Mehta and Chetan Kasukurthi from Cab Calloway School of the Arts
• 3^rd place: Team #6 – Veronica Morales-Garcia and Len Ojeda from Las Americas ASPIRA Academy

Top results from the portfolio competition were

• 1^st place: Team #5 – Jha’san Clark and Daniel Coleman from Gauger-Cobbs Middle School
• 2^nd place: Team #2 – Veraj Mehta and Chetan Kasukurthi from Cab Calloway School of the Arts
• 3^rd. place: Team #4 – Johnathan Cruz and Sean Andrews from Las Americas ASPIRA Academy

DNREC would also like to thank the 2023 Junior Solar Sprint sponsors: Chesapeake Utilities, Energize Delaware, the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, KW Solar Solutions, Clean Energy USA and CMI Solar and Electric.

For more information, visit de.gov/solarsprint.

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 Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov.