DNREC-Sponsored Poetry Contest Seeks Entries Focused on ‘What I Love About the Ocean’

What Better Way of Celebrating June as National Ocean Month Than by Haiku?

Tell us what you love about the ocean in 17 syllables, spanning three lines of poetry.

In celebration of National Ocean Month coming up in June, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), in partnership with libraries in each county, is conducting a haiku poetry contest.

According to the Academy of American Poets, a traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with 17 syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. The academy says the brief poems “often focus on images from nature, while emphasizing simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression.”

“A poetry contest provides an opportunity for creative wordsmiths to shine, and we are thrilled to partner with libraries across Delaware in recognition of the wonders of our ocean as part of National Ocean Month,” said Kristi Lieske, Ocean Planner in DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy.

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 $1.9 billion annually.

Haikus submitted for the poetry contest should express, in the author’s view, “What I love about the ocean.”

Prizes will be awarded in categories for K-12 (ages 5 through 18) and adult (ages 19 and above). The deadline to enter is 4 p.m. June 4. Complete rules, an entry form and other information is available online at de.gov/ocean575.

Winners will be announced on June 8, World Ocean Day.

Selected poems will be displayed in the following participating libraries throughout the state during Ocean Month in June:

Route 9 Library and Innovation Center
Appoquinimink Library
Dover Public Library
Georgetown Public Library
Lewes Public Library

Winning pieces will also be displayed at the Delaware State Fair.

The winning poem and poet in each age group category will be featured in an Outdoor Delaware online article. Additionally, each 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner will receive a DNREC prize pack.

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, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

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

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DNREC Announces Fees, Passes for Use of Deauville Beach

Following a virtual community meeting and public input through a survey, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s proposed user fees for Deauville Beach have been approved by the Parks and Recreation Council and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. A daily entrance fee or a Deauville annual pass will be required for use of the beach from Memorial Day weekend though Nov. 30 in 2024. Deauville Beach annual passes will be available for sale starting Wednesday, May 15.

Daily and weekend entrance fees remain unchanged from what the City of Rehoboth Beach charged in 2023 at $15 for weekday and $20 for weekend. DNREC will also have a Deauville Beach annual pass for $115; those who have a Delaware State Parks annual pass, lifetime pass or surf fishing permit will receive a $25 discount, making it $90 for the entire fee season. Walk-ons and bicyclists will continue to use the beach without paying a daily entrance fee.

Daily entrance fees will be collected via two automated fee machines and fee booth attendants. Annual passes will be sold in person at Deauville on the weekends of May 25, June 1 and June 8. In addition, they will be available at the Cape Henlopen State Park and Indian River Lifesaving Station offices as well as online at destateparks.com/PassesTagsFees throughout the entire fee season.

The Deauville Beach annual pass will not be accepted at other Delaware State Park locations. City of Rehoboth Beach permits will no longer be honored at Deauville Beach as Delaware State Parks does not accept municipal passes or permits.

Delaware Natural Resources Police will be responsible for enforcement of state park rules and regulations at Deauville Beach. Delaware State Beach Patrol will provide lifeguard service starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Concessions will be available for tennis, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and limited food service.

For more information about the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s management of Deauville Beach, including a list of frequently asked questions and the latest updates, go to destateparks.com.

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

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Delawareans Can Buy Discounted Compost Bins Online Through State-Initiated Program

Composting food scraps along with yard waste not only reduces the amount of waste going to Delaware’s landfills, the process also produces organic material that can be used to enrich garden soil. Encouraging residents to make use of this natural, low cost resource, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is promoting a community sale of compost bins online. Through strategic bulk purchasing, DNREC is able to offer compost bins, rain barrels and accessories at reduced prices, just in time for International Composting Awareness Week, May 6 to 12.

“If you have been thinking about trying composting in your garden, this is a great opportunity to purchase a composter,” said DNREC Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances Director Tim Ratsep. “In addition to sending less to our landfills, you’ll have less trash to haul to the curb and, with a little time and effort, you’ll be making your own soil to help your garden grow without a trip to a home improvement store to purchase bagged soil or use of chemical fertilizers.”

DNREC’s Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances has engaged BrandBuilders, a vendor contracted by the state, to administer the sale. The vendor has launched a dedicated website, delaware.compostersale.com, where Delawareans can choose from a variety of rain barrels and composter models and order their choices online now through Thursday, July 11.

Residents will be able to pick up their purchases on Saturday, July 13, times to be announced, at these three locations:

New Castle County: 391 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE
Kent County: 155 Commerce Way Suite B, Dover, DE
Sussex County: 901 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE

DNREC also offers a backyard composting guide online, with easy to follow instructions and tips for success, and more information about composting at de.gov/composting.

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

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DNREC, City of Wilmington Unveil Revamped 7th Street Boating and Fishing Access Area

DNREC and the City of Wilmington formally reopened the 7th Street Boating and Fishing Area as the culmination of a $2.9 million project using Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funds plus settlement money from a 2004 oil spill on the Delaware River. At the ribbon cutting ceremony today were, left to right: City of Wilmington Parks Director Ian Smith; Wilmington City Councilman Vincent White; Delaware State Senator Darius Brown; DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Construction Manager Jeremey Ashe; U.S. Senator Tom Carper; DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin; Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Biologist Joshua Newhard; Wilmington City Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fish Restoration Center Environmental Engineer Mary Andrews, and Delaware Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police Cpl. Bryan Whittington. /DNREC photo

$2.9 Million Project Benefits Eastside Community

The 7^th Street Boating and Fishing Area on the Christina River has officially reopened to the community. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, in partnership with the City of Wilmington, celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held within the city’s John Barbiarz Park, where the facility is located. The $2.9 million revitalization project, primarily funded by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funds plus a portion of settlement money for the state from the 2004 Athos I oil tanker spill in the Delaware River, features a reconstructed boat ramp and courtesy dock, refurbished fishing pier and an expanded parking lot for trailers.

The investment focused not only on renovation and restoration but also to significantly improve urban outdoor recreational opportunities for one of the city’s underserved communities, Eastside. Specifically, a portion of the $1.2 million in settlement money Delaware received from the spill was earmarked for the 7^th Street boat ramp in 2010 after the ramp had been partially destroyed over the years by strong tidal currents.

“Anglers and boaters have waited a long time for this day to have water access restored within the city of Wilmington,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “And, we also celebrate benefiting Eastside residents with this upgrade to the city’s John Barbiarz Park, as part of DNREC’s commitment to provide healthy outdoor spaces for all Delawareans to enjoy throughout the state.”

“Over the past seven years we have invested heavily in our outdoor spaces and recreational facilities,” said Mayor Mike Purzycki. “From a renovated Hicks Anderson Community Center in West Center City to the new Urban Artist Exchange Amphitheater on the East Side, from a revamped Eden Park and new Abessinio Stadium to upgraded playgrounds and splash parks all across our City, we strive to provide the highest quality infrastructure for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. This project is another example of fulfilling our obligation to all of the varied communities that make Wilmington such a wonderful city in which to live, work, and play.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife and the City of Wilmington on this exciting project to help connect people with nature,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Director Wendi Weber. “Nearly $2 million in federal funds helped support this project with funds from the Boating Access program within Sport Fish Restoration Program, which comes from excise taxes on fishing equipment, tackle, and the portion of the federal fuels tax attributable to motor boats. It is an investment that will have positive returns for years to come.”

With the ramp open at the end of 7^th Street, boaters and anglers heading out on the water now have easy access to the Delaware River from the confluence of the Christiana River and the Brandywine, as the fishing access area is less than two miles from the river. In addition to the boating access improvements, the city and state partnership also replaced the decking and refurbished the handrails on the fishing pier, which had been closed for many years. In addition to reviving fishing and boating access, the area also features new lighting for public safety.

Created by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funds are generated by excise taxes on sportfishing equipment and a portion of the federal gasoline tax. The funds are then distributed to the states by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Delaware uses its annual apportionment for access projects like the 7^th Street Boating and Fishing Area, and for DNREC’s ongoing research toward maintaining healthy fisheries in state waters.

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 Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. 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: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

Nominate a Young Environmentalist for DNREC Awards

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin congratulates recent Youth Environmentalist elementary honoree Ty Le Marchand with Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. /DNREC photo.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is calling for nominations for its 2024 Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards. The awards program recognizes Delaware students who have shown a commitment to environmental advocacy and conservation efforts.

“DNREC’s Young Environmentalist awards provide an opportunity to spotlight student leaders who are working to protect, restore and enhance Delaware’s natural resources and environment,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “These young people are claiming a place at the table to help ensure the future of Delaware – and our Earth. We welcome them and support the work they are doing every day.”

Nominations will be accepted through Friday, June 28, 2024. A winner will be chosen from each of the following categories: elementary grades 1 to 4, middle school grades 5 to 8, and high school grades 9 to 12. Each category winner will receive a certificate, gift card and prize pack in recognition of his or her contribution to the community.

Now in its 31^st year, the Young Environmentalists program recognizes Delaware students who have initiated an innovative project, increased public awareness and/or demonstrated environmental ethics and stewardship. Nominations must be based on actions or projects which have taken place between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

An awards ceremony is scheduled for Governor’s Day, Thursday, July 25, at the Delaware State Fair. Details will be announced in the summer.

Teachers, peers, club leaders and family members are encouraged to nominate standout students. More information, including the nomination form, is available on the DNREC website at de.gov/youngenvironmentalists.

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