DOVER – Registration closes Wednesday, Jan. 24 for the 2018 Delaware Wetlands Conference, so those who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so now. Organized by DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship, the conference will be held Wednesday, Jan. 31 and Thursday, Feb. 1 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. Online registration and information about the event, including sponsorships, can be found at http://de.gov/dewetlandsconference.

DNREC’s Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program and the Delaware Coastal Training Program have planned a two-day event that showcases the importance of wetlands. Each day includes invited speakers, poster sessions, networking time, lunches and a total of 62 presentations that cover wetland restoration, climate change, mapping, education and outreach, planning and conservation and plants and animals.

More than 400 wetland experts and enthusiasts from the Mid-Atlantic area are expected to gather at the biennial conference to share the latest innovations in wetland research, outreach and conservation programs. The conference brings together scientists, planners, county and federal representatives, community leaders, educators and natural resource managers to discuss current research on tidal and non-tidal wetlands, the value of the region’s wetlands and the impact their management has on the community.

Featured speakers include Dr. Lenore Tedesco from The Wetlands Institute, who will address resiliency-driven coastal wetland restorations, and special guests Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.

For more information on the 2018 Delaware Wetlands Conference, including the agenda, please visit Delaware Wetlands Conference, or contact Brittany Haywood at Brittany.Haywood@delaware.gov, or 302-739-9939.

Vol. 48, No. 11

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

Reminder for the week: Take the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police survey today

DOVER – To achieve public compliance 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 Nov. 27- Dec. 3 made 1,590 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 120 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing and hunting regulation compliance checks, issuing 52 citations. Officers responded to 32 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 Actions

Incidents of note:

• On Nov. 28, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Kimberly T. Jackson, 57, of Millsboro, for one count each of firearm possession by a person prohibited, aggravated menacing, terroristic threatening, impede lawful hunting, and unlicensed hunting following an investigation into a confrontation that occurred between hunters near Millsboro. Jackson was arraigned at Sussex County Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on a $22,150 unsecured bond pending a future court appearance in Sussex County Court of Common Pleas.
• On Nov. 28, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources police officers arrested three downstate men for multiple deer hunting violations. The following press release was released in regards to the incident: DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrest three downstate men on multiple deer hunting violations

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlered deer (3), failure to retain tag on antlered deer (3), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (3), removing antlered deer parts prior to checking (3), hunt antlered deer during archery season with a weapon other than a bow and arrow (3), impede lawful hunting (1), kill any antlered deer without first purchasing a hunters choice tag (3), illegal method of take (3), failure to complete mandatory hunter education (1), and unlicensed hunting (4).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: possession of over the limit shad (4) and possession of undersize tautog (1).

Public Safety: Firearm possession by person prohibited (1), aggravated menacing (1), terroristic threatening (1), possession of drug paraphernalia (2), and possession of marijuana-civil (1)*.

Other: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1)*, operating an unlicensed or unregistered vehicle on a wildlife area (1)*, trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (10)*, littering/dumping on a state forest area (1), and parking violation for unattended vehicle (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 value your opinion. Have you had contact with one of our officers? If so, please let us know about it. Your responses to this brief survey will help us serve you better in the future. Thank you to all Delaware hunters, anglers, boaters and outdoors recreationalists who have taken the time to answer the survey.

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: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386 or Sgt. Brooke Africa 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913

DOVER – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested two New Castle County men June 24, following an investigation into multiple crabbing and crab pot theft violations that occurred on Herring Creek in Sussex County.

Michael T. Schenck, 29, and Leon Gardner, 20, both of Wilmington, were each charged with two counts of felony theft under $1,500 against a victim 62 years of age or older, three counts of theft under $1,500, five counts of criminal mischief under $1,000, one count of conspiracy third degree, and 54 counts of possession of undersized blue crabs.

Both men were arraigned at Sussex County Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown and released on $6,554 unsecured bond each after transferring their cases to the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas.

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 de.gov/ogt.

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

Like Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Fish-Wildlife-Natural-Resources-Police.

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

Vol. 47, No. 148

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Registration open for June-July events in Smyrna, Dover, Georgetown

DOVER – Do you know a child or young teen who might enjoy learning about fishing and delight in having the opportunity to catch a fish? DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife invites budding anglers age 6 through 15 to come out and learn to fish with a parent/guardian on three upcoming “Take a Kid Fishing!” dates.

“Take a Kid Fishing!” events will be held on the following dates:

• 9 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, June 21, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
• 5-7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 13, Silver Lake Park, Dover
• 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, July 15, Redden State Forest, Georgetown

To ensure enough supplies are on hand for these free programs, pre-registration is required. To pre-register for “Take a Kid Fishing!”, or for more information about the program or about volunteering as an instructor, please email Mary Rivera at mary.rivera@delaware.gov.

“Take a Kid Fishing!” teaches young people fundamental fishing skills and conservation concepts including catch-and-release. Along with the angling experience, these free-admission fishing days also feature activity stations and prizes. Fishing equipment is provided, but participants may want to pack a picnic.

Grandparents, parents, or others age 16 and older who wish to fish with “Take a Kid Fishing!” participants must have a current Delaware fishing license and 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.

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, although exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses if they choose to help support fisheries management efforts. Delaware fishing licenses 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 a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For more information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on the 2017 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and from license agents throughout the state.

“Take a Kid Fishing!” is sponsored by the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Aquatic Resources Education Center, with host sites provided by DNREC’s Divisions of Fish & Wildlife and Parks & Recreation, the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the City of Dover Parks and Recreation. Some of the fishing tackle for these events has been donated by Cabela’s at Christiana Mall.

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

Vol. 47, No. 136

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Reminder for the week: Wearing life jackets saves lives in boating emergencies

DOVER – To achieve public compliance 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 May 8-14 made 2,398 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 94 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 16 citations. Officers responded to 29 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 associated recreational trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

• On May 13, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed a patrol vessel and presented information on fishing and boating safety during the Boy Scout Fishing Tournament at Akridge Scout Reservation near Dover.

• On May 14, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed patrol vessels MP-Mike and MP-November and presented information on boating safety during a boating safety event at Vines Creek Marina near Dagsboro.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

• On May 9, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Nicholas Howe, 29, of Dover, for one count of cause or contribute to the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials. The arrest was made following an investigation into a derelict vessel found abandoned in the Simons River, near Leipsic. The 18-foot vessel was partially submerged and was a hazard to navigation. Howe was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 where he pled guilty and was fined $652, including court costs. Howe was also ordered to remove the vessel from the river.

• On May 14, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers responded to a fatal boat accident that occurred on the Delaware River in New Castle County. The accident occurred just off shore of Penns Grove, N.J. and is still under investigation. See DNREC press release: Victim identified from Sunday’s fatal boating accident in Delaware River .

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (9), possession of undersized white perch (1), and recreational crab pot tampering (1). Commercial: Possession of undersized knobbed conch (1).

Public Safety: Improper lane change failure to signal (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2), and cause or contribute to the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials (1).

Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to DNREC 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 spring boaters and anglers of the importance of carrying and wearing life jackets when boating on our waterways. In Delaware, life jackets are the law – and the law requires that owners/operators of recreational vessels carry one readily accessible life jacket for each person on board, and that children age 12 and younger wear a life jacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters. Minimum fine for violations is $107.

“Statistics show that where cause of death was known, 76 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket,” said Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator. “Like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that life jackets save lives.”

“Vessel operators are responsible to make sure that children aboard their boat are wearing life jackets – and they can set the example by also wearing one,” Lt. McDerby continued. “Although the law does not require ages 13 and older to wear a life jacket, we strongly recommend life jacket use by everyone boating in Delaware waters, especially anyone with limited swimming skills. It’s a smart choice that can prevent an unnecessary tragedy.”

Lt. McDerby added these tips:
• If you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your boat for a better chance of being found sooner.
• Keep your cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag.
• Carry a personal position locator beacon, a personal emergency locator light and/or flares, and a whistle to make noise and attract the attention of rescuers.
• Pack a set of dry clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
• File a float plan with a responsible friend or family member. Include a description of your boat, when you plan to head out, who is going with you, where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

“Filing a float plan is always a good idea, because unforeseen circumstances can hit boaters in any season at any time, including a storm, engine problems, swamping, and injuries or other health issues,” Lt. McDerby said. “With your plans in hand, a friend or family member can call for help if you’re overdue and tell searchers where to begin looking for you, saving precious time.”

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, including access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook, please click Delaware Boating Safety, or contact the Boating Safety Office at 302-739-9915. To download a float plan form, click here.

Contact: Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386

Like Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Fish-Wildlife-Natural-Resources-Police.

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

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