‘Wetlands of Wonder: The Hidden World of Vernal Pools,’ a 54-minute nature documentary produced by DNREC in partnership with 302 Stories and filmmaker Michael Oates, will air starting today on DNREC’s YouTube Channel

Free Admission Through DNREC’s YouTube Channel

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has partnered with the production company 302 Stories and writer-director Michael Oates to produce and premiere the nature documentary “Wetlands of Wonder: The Hidden World of Vernal Pools.” The 54-minute film features a panoramic voyage into Delmarva Bays called vernal pools, unique wetland ecosystems found in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The film began airing today on DNREC’s YouTube Channel.

Vernal pools – also known as Coastal Plain seasonal ponds – are small, isolated wetlands that usually emerge in shallow depressions in the ground around forests, seasonally-flooded woodlands or floodplains. Though seasonally inundated, these ecosystems seldom hold water year-round, yet provide important habitat for amphibians and invertebrates, particularly for breeding purposes. Vernal pools, like other wetlands, also provide critical benefits to water quality and function for sustaining fauna and flora across the Delmarva Peninsula.

“Vernal pools are typically small in size, but provide enormous ecological value to a wide variety of species,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “This film captures the uniqueness of this little-known wetland type, by putting audiences in contact with rare species found in and around forests, woodlands, floodplains and even underwater.”

The film features a journey through the seasons in vernal pools spanning a year in the life of the species that call these habitats home. Filmmaker Oates and partners including DNREC’s Wetland Monitoring and Assessment program and DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife staff provide up-close views as well as rare underwater footage of the daily behavior of species that inhabit vernal pools. Included in this hidden world are some of Delaware’s rare and endangered species, such as the Eastern tiger salamander and the barking tree frog, and from the plant world yellow-eyed grass and bog button.

Also featured in the film are monitoring efforts by DNREC scientists and biologists to track environmental changes that impact the function of animal and plant species in these natural areas. “Wetlands of Wonder” also boasts interviews with a range of environmental staff and students from across Delmarva who work to improve research that can lead to a better understanding of this rare natural resource.

Additional production partners for the film include the Delaware Forest Service, University of Delaware, Delaware Nature Society, Eastern Mennonite University and Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC. Funding to produce the documentary was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through DNREC.

More information about “Wetlands of Wonder: The Hidden World of Vernal Pools” can be found at 302stories.com. The full-length documentary is available from today on DNREC’s YouTube Channel.

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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will hold its annual auction of low-digit surf fishing plates starting Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m., at usgovbid.com. The online auction benefits Delaware State Parks.

Between Nov. 22 and Dec. 9, bidders will have the option to bid on 15 tags including Nos.

32, 58, 143, 226, 355, 488, and on eight “choice” categories, ranging from tags 51 to 9999. For the choice tags, the highest bidder in each range can choose a number, if it’s not already sold, within that category.

The minimum bid for a low-digit surf fishing plate is $250. By state law, surf-fishing tags numbered 1 through 200 are limited to vehicles registered in Delaware.

The auction of low-numbered plates was authorized by the Delaware General Assembly in 2015 and allows the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation to auction low-digit tags to the highest bidder.

A low-digit surf fishing tag does not allow drive-on surf fishing access — a valid surf fishing permit is still required. Annual and two-year surf fishing permits from DNREC are expected to go on sale within the next few weeks.

For more information about the low-digit surf fishing plate auction, visit destateparks.com/LowDigitTags.

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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Instant Recycling Info, Waste Disposal Help at Delawareans’, Visitors’ Fingertips

In recognition of America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control today relaunches an improved online resource to assist Delawareans and visitors alike in knowing what is acceptable for recycling in the First State. Recyclopedia, administered by the DNREC Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances, helps users determine the best way to manage waste, whether by recycling or proper disposal. Recyclopedia can be an environmental asset for residents and visitors, whether at home, work, school or while on vacation.

The web-based application at de.gov/recyclopedia offers an easy-to-navigate, pictorial guide for more than 375 common items – providing an instant response on how and where these items can be most efficiently recycled or disposed of, and directing app users to the nearest locations for either consumer action. Recyclopedia information can be retrieved by PC, tablet, cell phone, or other devices.

“The updated Recyclopedia search tool continues to leverage the latest technology enabling DNREC to help residents and Delaware visitors reduce the amount of recyclables and other waste sent to our landfills,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “One of our continuing challenges in improving the recycling rate in Delaware is the uncertainty about where, what and how to recycle. The new state-specific Recyclopedia helps us meet that challenge with better guidance for Delawareans on knowing what, how and where to recycle or to properly dispose of waste.”

Using Recyclopedia helps with citizens adhering to Delaware’s Universal Recycling Law on whether items should be placed in a curbside recycling cart, taken to a drop-off location, or put in the trash or dumpster. For example, typing “milk jugs” into the Recyclopedia product slot will get a reply that they are “Acceptable” to be put in the curbside recycling cart – Recyclopedia also informs the user to keep the cap on the jug when recycling it. Meanwhile, a search for “coffee cups” and what should be done with them in Delaware results in “Not Acceptable” for the recycling cart and that these cups should go in the trash.

Delaware’s Recyclopedia tool is dynamic and will be updated based on both user interaction and DNREC staff research. For more information, visit de.gov/recyclopedia.

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 Waste and Hazardous Substances ensures Delaware’s wastes are managed to protect human life, health, safety and the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Department of Transportation will hold a series of public meetings this month on electric vehicle infrastructure and clean transportation initiatives.

To be Highlighted by DNREC, DelDOT Between Nov. 14 and 17

Delawareans can learn more about two key strategies – electric vehicle infrastructure and clean car regulations – the state is pursuing to reduce transportation-related emissions at virtual public meetings between Nov. 14 and 17 to be held jointly by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT).

Transportation is a leading cause of smog forming air pollutants in Delaware, including nitrogen oxides. It is also the leading contributor of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change. Delaware’s Climate Action Plan outlines several strategies the state can use to reduce those emissions, including adoption of Advanced Clean Cars vehicle requirements, transitioning to zero emission vehicles and ensuring the state has the infrastructure in place to handle the growth in numbers of electric vehicles on the road.

“Delaware is preparing for a transition to a clean transportation future,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “More choices from manufacturers, longer range and affordability are making it easier for consumers to switch to cleaner vehicles, including electric vehicles. DelDOT and DNREC are moving forward together with parallel efforts to assure a smooth transition.”

Those parallel efforts include developing an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan for the state and adopting California’s Advanced Clean Cars II Program.

Delaware’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan
Information on the state’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan will be presented at two one-hour-long sessions Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. The sessions are the same as those held by the two state agencies on Oct. 24, repeated this month as opportunity for anyone who missed the previous sessions. Topics to be covered are the plan’s purpose, current electric vehicle infrastructure, and how future EV infrastructure locations could be prioritized. Participants also can have their questions about EV infrastructure answered by state experts and provide feedback for the next phase of the planning process.

Visit DelDOT’s website to learn more about the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, explore information in the virtual meeting room, or to get meeting login information.

Delaware’s adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Cars II Program
DNREC’s Division of Air Quality will also host a virtual workshop on amending 7 DE Admin. Code 1140 to update the adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Car II low-emission vehicle and greenhouse gas standards and add requirements for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) for model year 2027 and beyond. In March, Gov. John Carney directed DNREC to begin the process for adoption of the Advanced Clean Car II amendments, which include the ZEV standards. The workshop will be held on the dates and times as follow:

• Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. Register
• Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. Register
• Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Register

For more information about the adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Car II regulations, visit DNREC’s Division of Air Quality webpage.

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 Air Quality monitors and regulates all emissions to the air. 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: Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

 The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation worked with stakeholders in 2022 to find best practices to allow more anglers to drive-on surf fish at Delaware State Parks beaches while protecting the natural resource. Recommended changes to the program will be piloted in 2023.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today changes are to be piloted for the 2023 surf fishing permit program after record interest in the program in 2022. One of the biggest changes will be the elimination of a cap in effect since 2019 on the number of permits sold annually. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation will replace the cap for 2023 with a technology-based reservation system for managing capacity on summer weekends, when the state’s surf fishing beaches are in highest demand.

Last spring, the Division of Parks and Recreation initiated a comprehensive review of the program in response to unprecedented permit sales for the 2022 season –  including the opening day for sales, when the online permitting system was temporarily overwhelmed and surf fishing permits sold out in just a few hours. The historic sales volume peaked at 742 permits being issued per minute, with the sales cap of 17,000 permits reached in under four hours. DNREC’s review of the program looked nationally at best practices and other states’ models for viable solutions to improve the sales process, delivery of permits, compliance with surf fishing regulations, enforcement and public safety – all with a goal of providing access to surf fishing on state park multi-use beaches while protecting the natural resource.

“Over the last few years, we have implemented changes such as single-stack parking and increased surf fishing check points at the beach crossings, which have improved public safety and the visitor experience. Piloting the changes of dropping the cap requirement, implementing a reservation system for summer weekends, and adding an educational component was the next logical step to better manage the program for the future,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.

DNREC’s surf fishing permit program review and evaluation also included gathering data and information about the existing surf fishing program from staff and permit-holders, and researching best practices to identify potential strategies. The Division of Parks and Recreation sent surveys to more than 30,000 current and previous surf fishing permit holders, and received more than 7,000 responses.

A stakeholder workgroup was formed in May to evaluate the data and provide feedback on potential solutions. The workgroup comprised members from various backgrounds including four members of the Delaware General Assembly, leadership of a homeowner’s association for a neighborhood bordering state park land, Department of Transportation, Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Delaware Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, Delaware Mobile Surf Fishermen, a bait and tackle shop owner and experts in environmental science from Delaware universities.

The recommendations were presented and endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Council in August 2022. The Council was formed in 1968 with the purpose of advising the Director of Parks and Recreation concerning matters related to the planning, acquisition, development, management, conservation, and programming of lands and services under the jurisdiction of the Division.

DNREC will implement the following recommendations for the 2023 Surf Fishing Program:

• Remove the existing 17,000-permit sales cap.
  • “The stakeholder committee did a thorough job of evaluating potential solutions and I am pleased that the existing 17,000 sales cap is being removed,” said State Representative Ron Gray.
  • “Removal of the cap will eliminate the rush that has occurred in recent years while allowing everyone equal access to purchase a surf fishing permit over a prolonged period,” said State Senator Gerald Hocker.

• Pilot the new surf fishing permit reservation system.
  • Reservations will be required Saturdays, Sundays and holidays starting the third weekend in May through Labor Day weekend, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Peak holidays are: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4^th of July and Labor Day.
  • Reservations will be $4 per day and will reserve access from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Reservations will not be available for Off-Peak surf tag permit holders.
  • Reservations will be for a specific beach location and can be made for one of seven different locations.
  • Reservations can be made conveniently online (desktop and mobile) or through the Division of Parks and Recreation’s call center. Reservations cannot be made in-person at the state parks or at the DNREC central office in Dover.
  • Reservations must be printed and displayed in the vehicle for enforcement verification. Mobile verification may be used as a backup.
  • Weekend reservations will be made available weekly. Reservations will be first-come, first-served and will open the same week for the coming weekend, including holidays. Reservations will be accepted starting on the same weekday throughout the peak surf fishing season. The day of the week will be announced by DNREC before the reservation system is launched in May.
  • Reservations will continue to be taken through 4 p.m. on the day-of if space allows to accommodate same-day reservations.
  • One reservation will be allowed per surf tag permit holder per day, and reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Even after a park reaches capacity, anglers with surf fishing reservations will be allowed into the park,
  • Annual surf fishing permit holders can access the beach without a reservation on weekends and holidays after 4 p.m., but must be off the beach by 8 a.m. the next morning.
  • Anglers who previously purchased a two-year permit (2022-23) will be subject to the new reservation system. A full refund of the second year will be available to permit holders upon request no later than March 31, 2023.
  • “The reservation system will eliminate delays and access issues when state park day-use lots reach capacity by still allowing surf fishing permit reservation holders to access the drive-on beaches. It also allows someone with a reservation to leave and return later if they choose. Reservation systems are being utilized by many state and national park systems as a means to manage overcrowding or capacity concerns,” said Joseph Smack, chair of the state’s Parks and Recreation Council.
• Require viewing an instructional surf fishing video for permit holders.
  • Anyone purchasing a surf fishing permit will be required to acknowledge they have watched an instructional video with beach driving tips, including requisite understanding of airing down vehicle tires, in-vehicle mandatory equipment, and safety requirements for surf fishing on state park beaches.

The surf fishing permit fee remains unchanged for 2023 and sales are anticipated to start in December.

For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.destateparks.com/SurfTagSales.

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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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