June 21 deadline for nominations fast approaching

DOVER – Do you know a Delaware student who is striving to make a difference for the environment? The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is encouraging teachers, classmates, parents, club or group leaders, and others to nominate these students for the 2019 Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards. Nominations for the 26th annual awards must be based on actions or projects which have taken place between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.

Nominations will be accepted through Friday, June 21, 2019. A winner will be chosen from each of the following categories:

• Elementary (grades 1-4)
• Middle School (grades 5-8)
• High School (grades 9-12)

The Young Environmentalist program honors Delaware students who have helped protect, restore or enhance Delaware’s natural resources through one or more of the following actions:

• Demonstrating Environmental Stewardship
• Initiating an Innovative Project
• Increasing Public Awareness
• Demonstrating Environmental Ethics

Winners will be honored in a special ceremony on Governor’s Day at the 2019 Delaware State Fair Thursday, July 25. Each category winner will receive a certificate, gift card and prize pack in recognition of his or her contribution to the community.

Nominations may be submitted online on the DNREC website, or by U.S. mail to Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or by email to joanna.wilson@delaware.gov.

For more information, including nomination forms, please visit https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/young-environmentalists, or contact Joanna Wilson at 302-739-9902.

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

Vol. 49, No. 149

Reminder for the week: Paddle sports and vessel safety courses available

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Oct. 1-7 made 2,469 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 35 citations. Officers responded to 34 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

• On Oct. 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions and displayed marine patrol vessel Bravo while attending the Clayton Fire Department open house.
• On Oct. 4, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended an event held on the Mike Castle Trail announcing the installation of a bicycle air pump and repair station donated by Bike Delaware and Grain HTO at the St. George’s Trailhead.
• On Oct. 6, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions and displayed marine patrol vessel Romeo while attending the Houston Volunteer Fire Department’s Safety Day.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

• On Oct. 3, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Brandon James, 33, of Dover, for one count each of dumping on a state wildlife area and driving with a suspended or revoked license at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area near Smyrna. James was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover and released on a $600 unsecured bond pending a future court appearance.
• On Oct 5 (and Oct. 8 outside this reporting period) Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested two individuals in separate incidents for possession of a firearm by person prohibited. The following press release was issued regarding the incidents: Firearm possession arrests.
• On Oct. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers investigated a vessel accident with injuries that occurred at the south Reedy Point Jetty on the C&D Canal. The vessel operator was cited for inattentive operation of a motor vessel after striking the jetty.
• On Oct. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers assisted Maryland Natural Resources Police on the C&D Canal just over the state line with a water rescue after a vessel had run aground and sank along the shoreline.
• On Oct. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers rescued a kayaker from a culvert pipe near Delaware City. The following press release was issued regarding the incident: Kayaker rescued.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Undersize white perch (3), unlicensed fishing (2), and trespass to fish (3).

Boating and Boating Safety: No fire extinguisher on board (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (4), inattentive operation of a motor vessel (1), and no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (1).

Public Safety: Failure to display required hunter orange (1), public intoxication (1), possession of drug paraphernalia – marijuana related (3), possession of a firearm by a person prohibited (1), and possession of marijuana – civil (1)*.

Other: Camping on division lands (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (5), dumping on a state wildlife area (2), damaging state property on a state wildlife area (1), operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (2)*, unlawful entry of the C&D Canal dog training area (1)*, and driving with a suspended or revoked license (1).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

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, 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 http://de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?
Did you know that there is a FREE Paddle Sports Safety Course available online through BOATERexam? If you plan to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, consider visiting this link to learn before you go!

Also, for those planning to take a motorized vessel out on the water, consider taking a boater safety course. These courses provide great safety tips and an overview of navigational aids, boating, and safety laws, as well as weather considerations that will come in handy with colder weather approaching. Reminder: if you were born on or after January 1, 1978, by Delaware law you are required to take a boater safety course before legally operating a motorized vessel.

For more information on boating safety classes, please visit http://de.gov/boatsafety or call Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Office of Boating Safety & Education at 302-739-9915.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Sgt. Brooke Mitchell, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship is now accepting project proposals for matching grants for community water quality improvement projects. Delaware non-profit organizations, conservation districts, community organizations and homeowner’s associations are eligible to apply. Proposals must be received by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24.

Community Water Quality Improvement Grants assist in implementing projects or programs to improve water quality on developed lands consistent with specific plans developed for watershed improvements. Programs and projects selected will demonstrate innovative and sustainable methods, techniques, and/or practices for water quality improvements, with cost effective and measurable results. Projects will be recommended for funding by the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council through a competitive grant process.

Funding for projects receiving a grant award in this cycle is anticipated to range from $25,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum. This grant requires a 25 percent cash match which may be federal, state, or local cash. Applicants may submit up to two project proposals per grant cycle.

Proposals should be submitted by email to Sharon.Webb@delaware.gov (Subject: Community Water Quality Improvement Grant). Proposals submitted by email must be less than 10MB. Project guidelines and the application can be found on DNREC’s website on the Environmental Finance webpage.

For more information, please contact Sharon Webb at 302-739-9922.

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

Vol. 48, No. 256

Reminder for the week: Anglers need fishing license, FIN Number

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 11-17 made 2,827 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 50 citations. Officers responded to 74 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

• On June 16, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions during the annual Lowe’s Safety Day near Lewes.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (6), no F.I.N. (3), possession of undersized oysters (1), possession of sponge crabs (1), possession of undersized blue crab (7), possession of flounder parts (1), no oyster harvester license (1), crab pot tampering (1), possession of undersized white perch (1), and possession of undersized summer flounder (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: No boating safety certificate (4), negligent operation of a motor vessel (1), operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (1), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (2), and operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (2).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana (3) and littering (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4)*, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (1)*, unattended vehicle in a wildlife area (2), parking violation (5), and passing in a no passing zone (1).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

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, 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 http://de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind recreational anglers that a Delaware fishing license is required for fishing, crabbing, and clamming in both tidal and non-tidal waters statewide.

A resident annual Delaware recreational fishing license, which covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Persons under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware. For non-resident anglers age 16 and older, a Delaware fishing license costs $20.

Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older also are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free FIN number.

Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing office 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 a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and from license agents throughout the state.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Sgt. Brooke Africa, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

The Delaware Department of Education will host community meetings across the state in preparation for redesigning the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early childhood education providers.

 

The meetings aim to gather input from early learning center administrators, owners and teachers as well as families and community members.

 

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the state’s quality rating and improvement system, Delaware Stars for Early Success, commonly referred to as Delaware Stars. Delaware Stars serves more than 450 early learning centers and family child care homes, helping to improve the quality of care for Delaware’s youngest learners.

 

“We are proud of the work that these programs do every day and to support early learning professionals in their efforts to provide high-quality early learning services for children and families,” said Kimberly Krzanowski, executive director of the department’s Office of Early Learning. “As we think about the next phase of support, we want to redesign Delaware Stars as a part of our own continuous quality improvement efforts.”

 

The first step of this process is this series of listening sessions across the state.  These sessions, tailored to specific audiences, will allow an opportunity for participants to share their experiences participating in Delaware Stars. 

 

In addition to these public meetings, an online survey will launch soon. Information collected from the surveys and listening sessions will help shape recommendations that the department will share for feedback in the fall. 

 

The upcoming sessions are listed below.

 

Early learning center administrators

·         1 to 2:30 p.m., June 18, Milford Public Library, 11 S.E. Front St., Milford

·         1 to 2:30 p.m., June 19, Carvel State Building, 820 N French St., Wilmington

·         1 to 2:30 p.m., June 25, Dover Public Library, 35 E. Loockerman St., Dover

 

Early learning center teachers

·         3 to 4:30 p.m., June 18, Milford Public Library, 11 S.E. Front St., Milford

·         5:30 to 6:45 p.m., June 19, Carvel State Building, 820 N French St., Wilmington

·         5:30 to 6:45 p.m., June 25, Dover Public Library, 35 E Loockerman St, Dover

 

Family child care owners/staff

·         5 to 6:30 p.m., June 18, Milford Public Library, 11 S.E. Front St., Milford

·         5:30 to 7 p.m., June 19, Carvel State Building, 820 N. French St., Wilmington

·         5:30 to 7 p.m., June 25, Dover Public Library, 35 E. Loockerman St, Dover

 

Families/guardians

·         6:30 to 7:45 p.m., June 18, Milford Public Library,  11 S.E. Front St., Milford

·         6:45 to 8 p.m., June 19, Carvel State Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington

·         6:45 to 8 p.m., June 25, Dover Public Library, 35 E. Loockerman St, Dover

 

All stakeholders

·         1:30 to 3:30 p.m., June 25, Dover Public Library,  35 E Loockerman St., Dover

 

Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006.