DOVER – Charter School of Wilmington Team B is the winner of the 2016 Delaware Envirothon competition held April 28 at Brecknock Park in Camden, marking the school’s 17th win in the event’s 20-year history, including an unbroken winning streak since 2002. Charter’s Team A finished second and Middletown High School placed third in the Envirothon competition.

The 20 competing Envirothon teams worked hard all school year to prepare for the environmental challenge. Each team answered questions, reviewed specimens and took measurements in topics dealing with aquatic ecology, soils/land-use, wildlife, forestry, air quality and the current environmental issue of invasive species. Teams also had to give a five- to seven-minute oral presentation on a scenario on effectively managing the invasive species emerald ash borer, which attacks and kills native ash tree species in Delaware. After more than three hours of testing, Charter School of Wilmington Team B was crowned the 2016 state champion.

Each member of the winning team earned a $500 scholarship from the Delaware Envirothon, a $100 gift card and other prizes. The winning team will also receive an award plaque for their school. The second, third and fourth place teams received more than $1,670 in special team awards and cash prizes.

Prizes in the form of gift cards and ribbons were awarded to the top seven teams. The official results are as follows:

• First place: Charter School of Wilmington, Team B – Siddharth Gangrade, Allen Wang, Catherine Yu, Helen Xu and Connor Sweeney. Team advisors: Rose Lounsbury and Greg Darone
• Second place: Charter School of Wilmington, Team A – Gina Zhu, Janya Lennon, Silvana Alfieri, Alana Duke and Advaitha Anne. Team Advisors Rose Lounsbury and Greg Daron
• Third place: Middletown High School, Delaware “BAES” Team – Brandon Dawson, Ariana Gaston, Erin Fogarty, Josh Housler and Will Nylander. Team advisor:Jeff Billings
• Fourth place: Polytech High School, Cotyledons – Matthiew Erickson, Marie Medina, Kyrstal Mendez, Amanda Phillips and Zackary Hardy. Team advisors: Susan Wujtewicz and Sally Bowman
• Fifth place: Delaware Military Academy, Seahawks 3 – Ava Rice, Tajaii Furrowh, Andrew Malone, Emily Harvie and Greg Fraczkowski. Team advisors: Paul Long and Tammy Averell
• Sixth place: Charter School of Wilmington, Team C – John Garcia, Maitreyi, Erin Warren, AJ Yuan and Ashley Pennington. Team advisors: Rose Lounsbury and Greg Darone)
• Seventh place: Polytech High School, FFA Team – Wyatt Olivarez, Racquel Crego, Mikayla Jacobsen, Nicole Woods and Krista Anderson. Team advisors: Sue Wujtewicz and Sally Bowman

Since its inception, the Delaware Envirothon has awarded $52,500 in scholarships to 105 students. It is hosted by the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts (DACD), a voluntary, non-profit association that coordinates conservation efforts statewide to focus on natural resource issues identified by Delaware’s three local districts.

For more information about the Delaware Envirothon, please visit www.delawareenvirothon.org or contact Rick Mickowski at 302-832-3100, ext. 113.

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

Vol. 46, No. 157

DOVER – Students from around the state will meet at Brecknock Park in Camden on April 28 to compete in the 21st annual Delaware Envirothon. This year, 100 students representing nine high schools and one 4-H Club will compete for more than $5,700 in college scholarships and cash awards.

The Envirothon is a team-based outdoor academic competition which challenges high school students’ knowledge and practical application of aquatic ecology, forestry, soils/land use, wildlife, air quality, special environmental topics and public speaking. This year’s special topic is “Invasive Species: A Challenge to the Environment, Economy and Society.” The teams come from the following high schools: A. I. DuPont High School, Delaware Military Academy, Charter School of Wilmington, Hodgson Vo-Tech High School, Middletown High School, MOT Charter School, Lake Forest High School, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Polytech High School and Sussex Tech High School.

Hosted by the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts (DACD), the Envirothon offers students monetary awards for higher education. Twenty teams, consisting of five students each, will compete for college scholarships and special team awards, including a $500 scholarship for each student on the first place team. In addition, cash awards totaling approximately $2,200 are given to the top seven teams.

The goal of the Delaware Envirothon is to prepare students to be future leaders in environmentally-related careers and enhance their knowledge of our environment. The competition provides experience in real world situations, which fosters sound decision making, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Teams will be tested at outdoor eco-stations located throughout designated areas of the event site.

The DACD is a voluntary, non-profit association that coordinates conservation efforts statewide to focus on natural resource issues identified by Delaware’s three local districts in Sussex, Kent and New Castle counties. For more information on the Delaware Envirothon and the North American Envirothon, please contact Delaware Envirothon Chair Rick Mickowski at 302-832-3100 ext. 113 or 302-602-2664.

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

Vol. 46, No. 132

DOVER – Governor Jack Markell and DNREC Secretary David Small were joined by DelDOT Deputy Secretary Nicole Majeski, EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialist Jake Schmierer, state legislators, business developers, environmental groups, and members of the community today to announce revitalization milestones at the former NVF manufacturing site in Yorklyn. The event highlighted site remediation – including toxics removal and flood mitigation – along with new public amenities and plans for continued redevelopment.

“Yorklyn’s revitalization is a shining example of how much we can accomplish when we roll up our sleeves, work across public agencies, and engage with non-profit and private sector partners,” said Governor Markell. “The result of this collaboration and shared investment is a mixed-use residential, commercial, and recreational neighborhood that will help drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in our state.”

The redevelopment of the site creates an innovative model whereby the state and private sector are co-developing under a single master plan, resulting in a residential and destination community where the state retains ownership of a portion of the site dedicated to recreational use.

“Yorklyn is being revitalized as a vibrant and scenic centerpiece while still retaining its mill town heritage,” said DNREC Secretary Small. “We have made major strides in transforming the area while removing nearly of century of contamination. We’ve also reduced flooding in the area while preserving and restoring historic features. The partnerships and business opportunities being forged are a testament to the tremendous support and commitment of everyone involved.”

The partnership includes private developers, neighboring organizations, and DNREC’s Divisions of Parks & Recreation, Waste & Hazardous Substances, Watershed Stewardship, and Water. Partners include the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the EPA, local, state and federal legislators, business developers and strong support from neighboring property owners, as well as conservation and recreational organizations in the Yorklyn area. The collaboration is one of the most inventive undertaken in Delaware and can serve as a national model for other similar projects.

“Some people might think that Delaware is at a disadvantage because of our small size, but in fact that is what gives us a great advantage when it comes to getting things done,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “The coordinated effort to clean up and revitalize the NVF site in Yorklyn is a true example of what happens when the public and private sector come together for the good of the community.”

“This partnership between both public and private entities is outstanding evidence of what can be accomplished when they work together for the good of the public,” said Sen. Chris Coons. “The project also exemplifies our state’s commitment to our state’s greatest resources, nature.”

“Today’s event is about new opportunities in a changing economy,” said U.S. Rep. John Carney. “For more than a century, Delawareans came to work here every day making paper and specialty products for NVF. When the facility closed in 2009, NVF left a crumbling building and years of environmental damage. The amount of work that’s gone into cleaning this site up by federal, state, and private partners is remarkable. And we’re on the cusp of some very exciting housing and business development. I’m looking forward to seeing this as a clean, vibrant, and revitalized community once again.”

Environmental Clean-up, Reducing Flooding and Improving Water Quality
The site is undergoing an environmental cleanup of nearly a century of historic contamination, the creation of a series of wetland and flood mitigation sites, and a comprehensive stream restoration that will not only improve water quality and protect fish in the Red Clay Creek, but will also remove contaminant sources and reduce severe flooding that has resulted in significant economic impacts to Yorklyn.

DNREC’s Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances’ Site Investigation and Restoration Section is leading the remediation of the brownfield site, including building demolition, asbestos removal and cleaning up decades of zinc contamination in the soil and groundwater. More than 233 tons of contaminants have been removed from the property.

Flooding problems are being addressed by the Divisions of Parks & Recreation and Waste & Hazardous Substances through the creation of several wetlands this year and into 2017 that will filter contaminants and lessen the effects of flooding.

DNREC’s Divisions of Watershed Stewardship and Water are assisting in the efforts, working with FEMA, monitoring flood-reduction efforts and water quality of the Red Clay Creek.

“This project represents collaboration between federal, state and local partners to make a substantial impact in the state of Delaware,” said FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “By working with our partners at DNREC, as well as the state of Delaware, the US Environmental Protection Agency and others, we were able to mitigate the flood risk to this property, acquire and demolish an office building in the flood plain, and assist with site restoration to help transform the NVF site into a beautiful public space.”

To date, more than $7 million has been spent to remediate the site, including almost $5 million in state funding, about $1.6 million from FEMA for property acquisition, building demolition and site restoration of an office building, and $426,000 from EPA for asbestos removal.

“EPA is pleased that our Brownfields grant to DNREC facilitated the cleanup of part of this site,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “Through true collaboration, this site will become a brownfields success model that stimulates the local economy and creates jobs while improving the quality of life for the local community.”

New Projects and Amenities
With the protection of 119 acres of the former NVF property, major steps have been taken toward transforming the area into a residential, commercial, conservation and recreation area.

NVF lands have been combined with adjacent state park preserve lands encompassing more than 400 acres. Approximately 90 percent of the land will be open space with a roughly six-mile country-road style trail that will be used for walking, biking, jogging and horseback riding. A new access road into the site has been completed.

Already, 1.5 miles of trails have been constructed for use by hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and vintage car enthusiasts. DNREC and DelDOT are updating plans to add new trails to the site, which will connect to nearby communities, under Gov. Markell’s Statewide Trails Initiative – the goal of which is to connect communities, reduce emissions and increase healthy lifestyles. A new trail will also be built connecting NVF with the Center for Creative Arts.

“The specific contribution DelDOT is making to the NVF partnership today is presenting a concept plan for the construction of a multiuse path along Yorklyn Road that will connect the NVF site to the intersection with Yorkridge Trail and Spring House Lane,” said DelDOT Deputy Secretary Nicole Majeski. “When complete, it will connect the NVF site to the Red Clay Creek Valley Byway with its recreational and natural assets.”

The town center will remain intact as many of the existing historic buildings are being renovated. The design and redevelopment of new buildings includes the reuse of wood, stone and other existing materials that will blend with the 1920s architectural style of the area – complementing the existing Marshall Steam Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of steam-powered cars in the country, and other landmarks. In addition, arrangements have been finalized for relocating three repurposed historic bridges from sites around the country for use on the property.

Soon to come:

• Railbikes – a recreational offering from the Rail Explorers company – will be available to the public beginning April 21. The pedal-powered bikes offer a unique and healthy experience found nowhere else in the state.
• A core residential area offering townhouses compatible with the site and the surrounding area is under contract to be constructed by DC Squared, a company owned by Drake Cattermole, Partner, Tresid Group, LLC. “Converting a contaminated and visually unpleasant factory into this wonderful concept would never occur without the forward-thinking, logical vision and private/public cooperation of Governor Markell and DNREC,” said Cattermole. “I am proud to contribute to Yorklyn Village.”
• Deteriorating buildings have been removed as part of the commercial development of the plan. Other businesses that will serve new residents, attract visitors to the area and create local jobs are in the planning stages.
• The new Dew Point Brewery Company, a micro-brewery, is already on-site, soon to be open to the public.
• Restauranteur Dan Butler, owner of the well-known restaurants Toscana, Tonic and Brandywine Prime, is developing a concept for a destination restaurant.
• The Delaware Symphony Orchestra and DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation are collaborating on plans for an amphitheater that will serve as the Symphony’s home base for summer outdoor concerts. DSO will manage the scheduling and production of presentations, including bringing other local, regional and national acts, and other artistic activities to the site. “We are excited about this partnership between the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and the Division of Parks and Recreation,” said DSO Executive Director Alan Jordan. “The project conjures images of Ravinia (summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1936), where patrons can hop on a train to escape daily trials and land in an environment of fine dining, recreation, and great culture.” DSO Music Director David Amado added, “Beautiful New Castle County will have a place where people can gather under the stars listening to the wonderful Delaware Symphony play great music. How wonderful it is to know that the state and our Governor recognize the importance of the arts and culture in making our communities vital.”
• A public equestrian center adjacent to the NVF site is being planned, as the result of a10-acre land donation by local residents.
• Renovations of a new Delaware State Parks office will be complete in August.

Other new amenities will be announced as they become finalized.

An updated version of the Auburn Valley Master Plan for recreation, conservation and redevelopment, along with DelDOT’s proposed trail linking NVF to Hockessin is under consideration, and the first round of the public’s input will be gathered later today at an Open House hosted by DNREC and DelDOT.

Media Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No.133

DOVER – The results are in, and two artists have won top honors in the state’s sporting stamp art contests. A painting of canvasback ducks with a Chesapeake Bay retriever by Catherine Temple of Clarkston, Wash., will grace the 2017/18 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp, and a painting of a brown trout by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind., will adorn the 2017 Delaware Trout Stamp.

The paintings won top honors in the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s annual stamp art competition, held April 14 at the Dover Public Library. This year’s competition drew 13 entries for the 2017/18 Waterfowl Stamp and 10 entries for the 2017 Trout Stamp. This year’s 37th anniversary Waterfowl Stamp contest specified that artwork chosen must include a canvasback duck and a Chesapeake Bay retriever.

As the 2017/18 Waterfowl Stamp winner, Catherine Temple receives a $2,500 prize and 150 artist’s proofs of the limited edition print series of her first place entry. Temple is an artist pursuing her passion for painting dogs and birds in the outdoors. As an avid outdoorswoman and self-taught artist, she uses her natural talents to create realistic portraits of hunting dogs and wild creatures in the mediums of acrylic, watercolor and gouache for clients and collectors across the country. The goal of her art is and has always been to tell a story, capture a memory or stir the heart and to bring to light that which is unseen in the world.

As the 2017 Trout Stamp winner, Jeffrey Klinefelter receives $250 and retains the rights to reproduce and sell prints of the stamp. After developing an interest in drawing and painting at a young age, Klinefelter graduated from Indiana University’s Herron School of Art. His interest in wildlife art came a few years later when he entered the federal duck stamp and Indiana stamp contests. Since then, he has won numerous stamp contests, including three Delaware Duck Stamp contests and five Delaware Trout Stamp contests. His most recent awards include winning the 2016/17 Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp Competition and the 2015 Connecticut Duck Stamp contest.

Other winners included:

• 2017/18 Waterfowl Stamp: Second place – Robin Myers of Bloomfield, Ind.; Third place – Paul Makuchal of Pocomoke, Md.; Honorable mentions – George Bradford of Georgetown, Del.; Daniel Allard of Marengo, Ohio; and Mark Thone of Shakopee, Minn.
• 2017 Trout Stamp: Second place – Matt Patterson of New Ipswich, N.H., brown trout; Third place – George Bradford of Georgetown, Del., brown trout; Honorable mentions – Charles Rondeau of Port Angeles, Wash., rainbow trout; Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind., rainbow trout; and Paul Fenwick of Hillsborough, N.J., rainbow trout.
  The winning 2017/18 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp will be available July 1, 2017, and the winning 2017 Delaware Trout Stamp will be available Jan. 1, 2017.

Waterfowl and Trout Stamp entries are on display through Friday, April 29 at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, please call 302-653-9345.

The 2017/18 Waterfowl Stamp judges were: Lou Caputo, Delaware Ducks Unlimited representative; Lloyd Alexander, art collector and retired wildlife professional; Paul Shertz, artist; Anthony Gonzon, wildlife biologist; and David Saveikis, Director, Division of Fish & Wildlife.

The 2017 Trout Stamp judges were: Noel Kuhrt, Delaware Trout Association; Leon Spence, artist; Cathy Martin, fisheries biologist; Charlie Miller, fisheries biologist; and Craig Karsnitz, member, Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, started the Delaware Waterfowl Stamp (formerly known as the Delaware Duck Stamp) and print program in 1980 to raise funds for waterfowl conservation, including acquiring and improving wetland habitats vital to the survival of migratory waterfowl. To date, more than $2.6 million has been raised. Waterfowl Stamps go on sale July 1 of each year. Residents age 16 and older are required to purchase a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp, which costs $9, for hunting migratory waterfowl in Delaware. Delaware resident hunters age 65 and older are not required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl stamp.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife began requiring trout stamps in the 1950s, and a trout stamp and a general fishing license are required to fish in designated trout waters during certain seasons. Trout stamp art was first used in 1977. The fees paid for Trout Stamps are used to purchase rainbow and brown trout from commercial hatcheries, with the purchased trout stocked in two downstate ponds and selected streams in northern New Castle County for Delaware’s trout seasons. Trout stamps go on sale January 1 of each year. Residents 16 through 64 years of age are required to have a Delaware Trout Stamp, which costs $4.20. Residents ages 12 through 15 years old are required to have a Young Angler Trout Stamp, which costs $2.10. Non-residents 12 years of age and older are required to have a Non-Resident Trout Stamp, which costs $6.20.

Delaware hunting and fishing licenses, as well as Waterfowl Stamps and Trout Stamps, are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase licenses or stamps online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware hunting and fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on Delaware’s sporting stamp art competitions, please call DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at 302-739-9912.

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

Vol. 46, No. 134

‘Spring Aboard’ campaign: Great days on the water start with boating safety education

DOVER – The Delaware Office of Boating Safety and Education, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, joins the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to encourage boaters to “Spring Aboard,” an April 17-23 national campaign to prepare for boating season by enrolling in a boating safety course.

“Our boating safety education program plays a significant role in Delaware’s strong boating safety record,” said David Saveikis, director of DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife. “As a life-long boater myself, I encourage boaters to learn the boating ‘rules of the road’ and to practice safe boating each and every time they head out to enjoy our beautiful waterways.”

“Though some accidents are unavoidable, we need everyone on our waterways to be alert, use common sense and avoid actions that will put themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk,” added Chief Robert Legates, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police.

“Education is the key to Delaware’s success in boating safety,” Chief Legates said. Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat or personal watercraft in Delaware waters. In 2015, 2001 students took boating safety courses online or in a classroom.

“Last year, we had one boating-related fatality and 25 reportable boating accidents, which, while unfortunate, still puts Delaware below the national average based on the relative number of boaters. We’d like to see the number of accidents go down,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator, noting that to date this year, Delaware has had one reported boating accident and no fatalities. “To help maintain Delaware’s boating safety record, we recommend that everyone planning to operate a boat in Delaware waters take a safety course first, whether they are required to or not.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics from 2014, the most recent year available, indicate that when the level of operator education was known, 80 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction. Forty-nine states and U.S. territories require proof of completion of a boating education course for operators of some powered vessels, and many states, including Delaware, require completion of a course verified by NASBLA as meeting the national boating education standard for powerboat rental or operation.

“We know from many years of experience that an educated boater is safer, and boating is a lot more fun if you aren’t confused or worried the whole trip,” said NASBLA President Col. Darren Rider. “Boating isn’t like driving a car, and many boaters – both new and experienced – are uncertain about how to boat safely. The Spring Aboard campaign is our big, unified effort to get all boaters educated. Take a little time now so you are ready when that warm weather starts.” Rider also noted most states offer classroom courses. In Delaware, DNREC offers classroom boating safety courses in partnership with local boating safety organizations, such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons.

Delaware’s 8-hour basic boating safety course, which fulfills Delaware’s mandatory boating safety class requirement, is offered in multiple locations statewide in one to four sessions. Upon completing the course, boaters receive a boating safety certificate, which they must carry with them while boating as proof of course completion.

Courses cover the rules and regulations of Delaware’s waterways including appropriate speed limits, responsible boating skills and awareness and how to distinguish navigational aids and water depths. Also covered are weather tips, information about basic engine mechanics and required and/or recommended safety equipment, what to do if a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer stops your vessel and the dangers of boating under the influence.

Several providers also offer a Delaware-approved online version of the boating safety course. As an added incentive during NASBLA’s “Spring Aboard” campaign, BOATERExam.com will offer a 50 percent discount to students who complete their online boating safety course between April 17 and 23. For more information, visit www.boaterexam.com/usa/.

Delaware’s Office of Boating Safety and Education also provides volunteer instructors to private and non-profit organizations, schools, clubs and the general public to educate boaters on skills and seamanship and to encourage them to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible.

For more information, including Delaware’s boating safety course schedule, access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook and other boating information, please click Delaware Boating Safety, or contact Sgt. John McDerby at 302-739-9913 or email john.mcderby@delaware.gov.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Pages/OpGameTheft.aspx.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The association offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, NASBLA affects the lives of over 73.5 million American boaters.

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 128