New law benefits Delaware craft breweries, liquor stores

(Dover, DE) Flanked by liquor store and Delaware craft brewery owners at Fordham & Old Dominion Brewing companies in Dover, Governor Markell signed into law House Bill 31, which allows Delaware liquor stores to fill and sell growlers of draught beer on site. A growler is a glass or ceramic jug filled with draught beer, typically sold in a 64-ounce (half gallon) size. Until today, craft breweries can only sell growlers at their breweries or brewpub. Neighboring states Pennsylvania and New Jersey already allow liquor stores to sell growlers, while Maryland’s law is on county-by-county basis.

With beer aficionados celebrating American Craft Beer Week, liquor store owners and local breweries toasted the legislation for its benefit to craft beer makers and consumers.

“While it’s nice to recognize American Craft Beer week, this bill is part of a larger effort to move Delaware small and medium-sized businesses forward,” said Governor Markell. “Until today, Delawareans who own craft breweries or liquor stores were at a disadvantage compared to their competitors across our borders. As a result of the efforts led by Representative Heffernan and Senator Sokola, these businesses can compete and expand on market opportunities, which is good for their bottom lines and good for our state’s overall economy.”

Breweries often produce draught beer varieties that are only available at their brewery or brewpub, which limits craft beer drinkers’ ability to purchase certain varieties. By allowing liquor stores to sell growlers, Rep. Debra Heffernan said that Delaware’s small craft breweries will be able to expand their market and reach more customers, while liquor stores will be able to compete with stores in neighboring states.

“It didn’t make sense to me that I could drive right over the Pennsylvania state line to buy a growler of Delaware-made craft beer but would have to drive the length of the state if I wanted to buy the same growler in Delaware,” said Representative Deb Heffernan, D-Brandywine Hundred South. “Craft beer drinkers enjoy the taste of these small-batch beers and love trying different varieties. This is an economic development bill that increases access to fresh, locally brewed beer across Delaware. By allowing Delaware liquor stores to sell growlers, we will be helping two industries increase sales and expand their customer base. It truly is an economic development win-win for everyone involved.”

According to the Brewers Association, craft brewers and brewpubs provide nearly 110,000 jobs in the U.S.   Delaware ranks 10^th in the nation for capita per brewery with nine breweries operating throughout all three counties.  The craft beer industry exploded during the past 20 years, with the number of breweries operating in the U.S. mushrooming from about 300 in 1990 to more than 2,400 as of March, with 2,360 being defined as craft breweries, according to the Brewers Association.  The craft brewing industry grew 15 percent by volume and 17 percent by retail dollars in 2012, while overall beer sales in 2012 were up 0.9 percent by volume. The Delaware Brewers Guild estimates that state craft brewers produced about 250,000 barrels of beer last year.

“We are beyond excited about the passage of HB 31. Growlers are something our customers have been asking about for a while now and it is great to be able to fill that demand,” said Peco’s Liquor Store owner Ed Mulvihill. “Not only will this new law make beer lovers around the state happy, it will also give more exposure to our fantastic local brewers. A very special thank you to Rep. Debra Heffernan for all she has done in support of this bill. She realized the importance of this legislation to Delaware and worked tirelessly until it became a reality. I know that customer excitement is high for growlers and we will be up and running the moment the green light is given to us.”

“We are excited that the growlers will allow us to share draft-only beers, that had been previously only available to bars, with many of our loyal drinkers,” said Jim Lutz, president and CEO of Fordham & Dominion Brewing. “We appreciate the community that comes along with these. Not only do they connect us to beer history, they provide us a means of commemorating special occasions.”

Under House Bill 31, liquor stores will be able to purchase a growler filler permit for $150 every two years, allowing them to fill, cap and sell growlers to go.

“This is a change that just makes a lot of sense,” said Senator David Sokola, D-Newark, the bill lead sponsor in the Senate. “Delaware beer lovers shouldn’t have to go to Pennsylvania or Maryland to get a growler of their favorite Delaware brews refilled, and now they won’t have to do that. Our craft breweries are a growing industry and often set the standard for the rest of the industry, so I’m glad we were able to get this done to support our craft brewing community, both the brewers and the beer lovers who support them.”

Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner Jack Cordrey said he expects that his office will be able to start issuing growler filler permits within a week.

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Photos from the event are available online.

REHOBOTH BEACH (May 16, 2013) – Effective immediately, the northwest portion of Love Creek, a tributary of Rehoboth Bay, is closed to all commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting. DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara signed the Secretary’s Order after routine water quality sampling of shellfish harvesting areas in and around Love Creek found an increase in the level of an indicator bacteria in these waters. NOTE: Shellfish include clams, oysters and mussels; the harvest of crabs is not affected by this closure.

The affected waters are monitored for total coliform, an indicator of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. Clams, oysters and mussels are filter feeders and can accumulate bacteria, viruses and other pollutants.  The risk of illness from contaminated shellfish is much greater than other seafood, because they are frequently eaten raw. However, even cooking does not eliminate the risk of illness from consumption of tainted shellfish.

The shellfish harvesting closure area includes the northwest portion of Love Creek beginning near where Love Creek and Arnell Creek meet to just south of Boathouse Lane. The coordinates for the closure area include: 38⁰ 41’ 21.14” N, -75⁰ 8’ 2.74” W and 38⁰ 40’ 59.85” N, -75⁰ 8’ 22.33” W.

The Department is still investigating to determine the precise cause of the deterioration of water quality at Love Creek.

DNREC’s Shellfish Program performs shoreline surveys as part of its public health protection activities. Staff surveys all properties adjacent to shellfish harvesting areas and documents potential sources of contamination.  Although a small number of septic systems were identified as potential sources, these systems alone could not possibly contribute enough bacteria to cause the significant increase detected by DNREC.

Based upon clam surveys conducted by Shellfish Program staff, the clam population in the portion of Love Creek now closed is not sufficient to support a commercial or recreational harvest. However, the downstream portions of Love Creek and Rehoboth Bay are very productive clamming areas and will be sampled often and with increased vigilance given the nearby increase in levels of indicator bacteria. DNREC’s Watershed Assessment and Management Section Shellfish Program will continue to monitor water quality in the area to protect public health.       

The Secretary’s Order on the shellfish harvesting area closure at Love Creek can be found on the DNREC website.                                                                             

Vol. 43, No. 201
Contact: Debbie Rouse or Michael Bott, Shellfish Program, Division of Watershed Stewardship, 302-739-9939; or Melanie Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

DOVER – More than 800 acres of valuable coastal lands in the Delaware Bayshore, will be conserved and protected thanks to a federal grant awarded to DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act award of $1 million will be used, along with matching funds from the state Open Space Program, conservation partners and private contributors, to acquire property along the Bayshore in Kent County.  Nearly ten conservation partners have pledged matching funds that helped to make the grant award possible.

“Our appreciation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, our Congressional Delegation and our partners for their tireless efforts in protecting our precious Bayshore lands and providing access to premier Bayshore habitat,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “By conserving this land, we can offer world-class outdoor experiences supporting ecotourism, helping to ensure a diverse natural legacy for future generations.”

The grant and support from critical partners will conserve lands that will fill a gap in a network of more than 4,000 acres of protected wetlands and uplands in the St. Jones River watershed. The conservation of these lands is a key priority of the Delaware Bayshore Initiative that protects coastal wetlands and globally significant wildlife habitat and expands public access and low-impact recreational opportunities. The conserved lands will provide opportunities for hunting, fishing, birding and other wildlife watching, photography and nature study activities.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous financial support of Mt. Cuba Center and the hard work of DNREC’s team in securing this important grant that will help preserve critical lands along the Delaware Bayshore,” said Richie Jones, state director of The Nature Conservancy’s Delaware Chapter.

Delaware’s matching cost share for the grant is anticipated to be about $2.2 million in Open Space Program Funds and partner contributions. Partners include: Mt. Cuba Center; The Nature Conservancy, Delaware Chapter; Ducks Unlimited; Delaware Wild Lands; Delmarva Ornithological Society; DuPont Company; the Town of Bowers Beach and Mayor Ron Hunsicker; Delaware Greenways; and Kent County Conservancy.

“Delaware’s Bayshore is a precious environmental resource and it is vital that we act as good stewards to protect and preserve these important areas for generations to come,” said Senator Tom Carper. “Striking a balance between economic development and environmental protection for Delaware’s coast has been a guiding principle that has proven successful for the First State, and I hope our approach can be a model for other coastal states.”

“Delaware’s majestic wetlands are a source of great beauty and pride in our state and it’s important that we protect them for future generations to enjoy,” Senator Chris Coons said. “With this federal grant, DNREC, the Mt. Cuba Center, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Delaware Wild Lands, the Delmarva Ornithological Society, and many other private conservation organizations have significantly advanced the Delaware Bayshore Initiative. The nearly 800 acres that will be acquired will link some of the most beautiful pieces of coastal Delaware, and the land will allow sportsmen, sportswomen and farmers in the future to continue enjoying this undeveloped corner of land.”

“Delaware is blessed with a beautiful natural habitat that draws residents and visitors from across the region.  It is our responsibility to care for this resource and preserve areas like the Bayshore for future generations to enjoy,” said Congressman John Carney.  “Thanks to this federal funding, the support of DNREC, and many other partners throughout the state, we can meet this challenge, while supporting the businesses in our ecotourism industry.  I’m glad to see this project is moving forward and excited for more people to discover the tremendous beauty that’s right in our backyard.”

The Delaware Bayshore Initiative builds on the state’s long-standing commitment to conserving our coastal zone and on the Delaware Bayshore’s reputation as a unique and beautiful natural resource, worthy of protection. The Initiative received national recognition as one of 100 projects included in the U.S. Department of Interior’s America’s Great Outdoors 50-State Report highlighting some of the country’s most promising ways to reconnect Americans to nature. Launched last May at an event in Slaughter Beach, former U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar called the Delaware Bayshore a “landscape of national significance.”

“This North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant builds upon a half-century of public-private partnerships that have conserved more than 115,000 acres along the Delaware Bayshore,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “By leveraging federal, state and private resources to meet the goals of the Delaware Bayshore Initiative, we are connecting wildlife areas and enhancing ways for the public to experience our precious natural lands.”

Lands that will be conserved include coastal salt marshes that provide important year-round habitat for waterfowl like American Black Duck as well as nesting habitat for Saltmarsh Sparrow, Seaside Sparrow and Black Rail, a species of high regional importance. Much of the East Coast’s population of the Red Knot feed along central Bayshore beaches during spring migrations and will benefit from protected roosting habitat resulting from this federal grant and key partner contributions. The Bayshore’s coastal forests and wetlands also provide valuable foraging and resting habitat for songbirds during spring and fall migrations.

“Ducks Unlimited is excited to partner with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife and others on the Delaware Bayshore Land Conservation Initiative,” said Ducks Unlimited (DU) Regional Biologist Jake McPherson.  “The acquisition of significant coastal wetlands into the existing state lands network not only ensures quality habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, but also offers increased recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts; both of which are imperative to DU’s mission.”

“The natural beauty, abundant open space, and diversity of habitat along Delaware’s coasts are the result of a long-standing tradition and generations of dedicated commitment to land conservation,” said Kate Hackett, executive director of Delaware Wild Lands. “The award of this highly-competitive federal grant highlights the critical importance of protecting Delaware’s coastal resources and exemplifies what can be achieved when public and private interests work together. Delaware Wild Lands is pleased to work in close partnership with the state and others to protect nearly 800 acres of crucial wildlife habitat, expand networks of conserved lands and natural resources, and foster a greater appreciation and awareness of the defining natural beauty and character of Delaware’s coastal resources.”

“Delmarva Ornithological Society is proud to join the State of Delaware and other partners in supporting the Delaware Bayshore Land Conservation Initiative,” said Society President Matthew Sarver. “The society’s many volunteers raise thousands of dollars for bird conservation through our annual Bird-A-Thon event.  We are pleased to see these hard-earned donations leveraging significant funding for conservation of our coastal marshes, including many bird species most threatened by loss of habitat to sea level rise.  We need to invest now in land conservation to ensure the Delaware Bayshore continues to provide the resources that these birds need into the future.”

The Delaware grant was part of $19.5 million in grants announced today by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe awarded through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The funding will support 18 U.S. projects in 15 states and seven projects in Mexico that will protect, restore, or enhance more than 170,000 acres of habitat for migratory birds. The grants will be matched by $57 million in partner contributions.

“Protection of wetlands ensures that hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers and photographers can continue to enjoy these precious resources,” Director Ashe said.  “Wildlife recreationists make up nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population and contribute more than $100 billion to our economy.”

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act is the only federal grant program dedicated to the conservation of wetland habitats for migratory birds. Through the Act’s U.S. Standard Grants Program, 3,300 partners have been involved in 910 projects affecting more than 7 million acres of habitat.

For more information on the Delaware Bayshore Initiative, contact Karen Bennett, Delaware Bayshore Initiative Coordinator at 302-739-9124 or visit DNREC’s website by clicking Delaware Bayshore.

Vol. 43, No. 198                                                                                   -30-

This project is part of DNREC’s Delaware Bayshore Initiative, a landscape approach to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat, increase volunteer participation in habitat stewardship projects, enhance low-impact outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities, and promote associated environmentally compatible economic development.

Wilmington, Del. May 7, 2013 – Delaware businesses will find topical information about issues affecting their bottom line at the Delaware Department of Labor 10^th Employer Conference, May 16, 2013 at Chase Center on the Riverfront. This includes a look at “Delaware’s economy: where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going,” information about an improved process for accessing quality workers through Delaware-Job-Link, and current information on the Affordable Care Act, workers compensation, anti-discrimination and labor law.

The conference, on hiatus for about five years, will update businesses about labor law, workers compensation, anti-discrimination, the Affordable Care Act, and other issues affecting the business bottom line.

DOL decided to hold the conference because of several new initiatives. Among these is the newly designed resume builder at Delaware JobLink (www.joblink.delaware.gov), the state’s web-based job search and information portal. This will make it easier and faster for employers and skilled workers to find each other.

“As our economy becomes more global, more productive and more competitive, we want our employers and our workforce to be ready for the opportunities and the challenges ahead,” said Governor Jack Markell. “This is about informing and supporting employers in ways that help them strengthen, grow and hire for the future.”

“This conference provides employers an opportunity to discover the many tools and program resources available to support their employment needs,” said Delaware Department of Labor Secretary John J. McMahon Jr. “It’s important to remember the Department of Labor is much more than the unemployment office and has wide ranging services. We look forward to answering questions and introducing business leaders to our very talented and dedicated staff.”

Registration for the conference is $125 and the form is available online at delawareworks.com/events/2013-EmployerConference/DOL%20Brochure_Electronic.pdf. Exhibitor opportunities, at $250 are also available delawareworks.com/events/2013-EmployerConference/Exhibitors%20Form_Electronic.pdf.

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The Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice and a strong economy.

WILMINGTON (May 15, 2013) – The four peregrine falcon chicks given starring roles on the DNREC Falcon Cam  – sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society and DuPont’s Clear Into the Future initiative – were outfitted for their own ornithological future this week. They were banded Tuesday by the US Fish & Wildlife Service so as to enable the gathering of biological and biographical data from them as they spread their wings into adulthood.

USFWS raptor biologist Craig Koppie gave the chicks colorful leg-bands Tuesday that will further knowledge about the regional peregrine population. Resightings of banded birds has provided valuable information on their movements, ancestry and adaptability to changing environments. “This data becomes even more important when we consider that the peregrine, once an endangered species, now inhabits more urban and suburban areas than natural cliff sites where it once resided,” said DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife biologist Anthony Gonzon. “Resightings of these colored and numbered bands help us to identify individual birds that may have travelled several hundred miles from their birthplaces to new nesting locations.”

The fourth chick born from this year’s clutch to Red Girl, the female adult peregrine on the DNREC Falcon Cam, is on the right in the photo – and is the only chick not yet displaying colorful downy feathers. The chick hatched more than two days after its siblings. Facing a perilous possibility of survival because of its late arrival, the chick was removed from the nest box on the 19^th floor of the Brandywine Building by Mr. Koppie, nurtured by him for two weeks, then returned to the nest box where it has since thrived.

CONTACT:  Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902, or Bill Stewart, Delaware Ornithological Society, email: bird-del@earthlink.net

Photo: USFWS/Craig Koppie

Vol. 43, No. 197