Volunteers picked up trash at Fox Point State Park, one of 45 sites cleaned during the 2022 Delaware Coastal Cleanup. /DNREC photo.

Volunteers throughout the state are encouraged to join the 2023 Delaware Coastal Cleanup, the annual one-day coordinated statewide trash cleanup event on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon, with online volunteer registration opening today. Hosted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and now in its 36th year, the event will be held at 45 sites to help keep Delaware’s beaches and waterways free of trash.

In addition, Delawareans and visitors are invited to join the month-long campaign starting Sept. 1 to clean up neighborhoods, green spaces and waterways statewide on days, times and at locations of their choice. The coordinated event and month-long campaign support Governor John Carney’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative.

“Four years after the launch of our Keep DE Litter Free initiative, we are seeing Delawareans of all ages and communities coming together to keep our neighborhoods, coastlines and outdoor spaces clear of litter,” Governor Carney said. “Over 1,200 volunteers came out to last year’s Delaware Coastal Cleanup to help in our statewide cleanup efforts. Thank you to all volunteers who participate in our efforts to keep our state beautiful.”

“Last year, the number of volunteers who joined us to pick up trash from our beaches, waterways and wetlands doubled. This year, we hope that even more Delawareans and visitors of all ages will give their time for one day to make a difference,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We also continue to encourage volunteers to make every day a cleanup day in Delaware during the month of September – and throughout the year.”

For the Sept. 23 coordinated cleanup, volunteers should sign up by Friday, Sept. 1 for their choice of sites through the Coastal Cleanup page at de.gov/coastalcleanup. Walkups are not encouraged due to volunteer site capacity limitations.

Site captains with supplies will be on site to sign in volunteers and provide supplies, trash bags and directions. Although gloves, paper data cards and pens will be available upon request, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and to use the online Coastal Cleanup reporting tool, when it goes live Sept. 1, to share their findings. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own five-gallon buckets to collect trash, emptying the buckets into consolidated trash bags to reduce the number of plastic bags going to landfills.

Find ideas about how to get involved in the 2023 Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Facebook and Twitter. Volunteers in both the coordinated event on Sept. 23 and the month-long campaign can post photos on facebook.com/DelawareDNREC for a chance to win a 2023 Delaware State Parks pass and a prize bag. Volunteers can post photos as often as they like throughout the month, with each photo counting as a one entry. All volunteers should also report their findings and are invited to share photos through the Coastal Cleanup page. Results will be updated during all month long and will appear on an interactive map.

Last year, 1,180 volunteers cleaned up 6,248 pounds of trash from waterways, wetlands and other natural areas. The top five trash items collected were: 12,280 cigarette butts; 4,986 plastic and glass beverage bottles and cans; 4,852 food wrappers and containers; 300 balloons, and 459 plastic bags, half the number from the year before.

Cleaning up locally makes a big difference statewide and keeps trash from entering waterways and making its way to beaches and beyond. DNREC suggests several ways to help make a difference all year long:

• Be proactive by picking up trash near your home to keep your neighborhood clean.
• Follow a carry-in/carry out plan and take all trash with you when visiting outdoor spaces, like Delaware State Parks, DNREC wildlife areas, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve locations, and county or local parks.
• Pack a bag and rubber gloves when you take a walk, go for a hike, go hunting or fishing, etc., to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.
• Recycle applicable items through in-home recycling or designated drop-off locations. Learn more at de.gov/recycling.

DNREC reminds everyone to wear gloves when picking up trash, wash hands thoroughly after cleanup activities. More information and volunteer registration can be found at de.gov/coastalcleanup. Volunteers also can email questions to DNREC_Coastal_Cleanup@delaware.gov.

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. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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 The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation worked with stakeholders in 2022 to find best practices to allow more anglers to drive-on surf fish at Delaware State Parks beaches while protecting the natural resource. Recommended changes to the program will be piloted in 2023.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today changes are to be piloted for the 2023 surf fishing permit program after record interest in the program in 2022. One of the biggest changes will be the elimination of a cap in effect since 2019 on the number of permits sold annually. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation will replace the cap for 2023 with a technology-based reservation system for managing capacity on summer weekends, when the state’s surf fishing beaches are in highest demand.

Last spring, the Division of Parks and Recreation initiated a comprehensive review of the program in response to unprecedented permit sales for the 2022 season –  including the opening day for sales, when the online permitting system was temporarily overwhelmed and surf fishing permits sold out in just a few hours. The historic sales volume peaked at 742 permits being issued per minute, with the sales cap of 17,000 permits reached in under four hours. DNREC’s review of the program looked nationally at best practices and other states’ models for viable solutions to improve the sales process, delivery of permits, compliance with surf fishing regulations, enforcement and public safety – all with a goal of providing access to surf fishing on state park multi-use beaches while protecting the natural resource.

“Over the last few years, we have implemented changes such as single-stack parking and increased surf fishing check points at the beach crossings, which have improved public safety and the visitor experience. Piloting the changes of dropping the cap requirement, implementing a reservation system for summer weekends, and adding an educational component was the next logical step to better manage the program for the future,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.

DNREC’s surf fishing permit program review and evaluation also included gathering data and information about the existing surf fishing program from staff and permit-holders, and researching best practices to identify potential strategies. The Division of Parks and Recreation sent surveys to more than 30,000 current and previous surf fishing permit holders, and received more than 7,000 responses.

A stakeholder workgroup was formed in May to evaluate the data and provide feedback on potential solutions. The workgroup comprised members from various backgrounds including four members of the Delaware General Assembly, leadership of a homeowner’s association for a neighborhood bordering state park land, Department of Transportation, Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Delaware Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, Delaware Mobile Surf Fishermen, a bait and tackle shop owner and experts in environmental science from Delaware universities.

The recommendations were presented and endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Council in August 2022. The Council was formed in 1968 with the purpose of advising the Director of Parks and Recreation concerning matters related to the planning, acquisition, development, management, conservation, and programming of lands and services under the jurisdiction of the Division.

DNREC will implement the following recommendations for the 2023 Surf Fishing Program:

• Remove the existing 17,000-permit sales cap.
  • “The stakeholder committee did a thorough job of evaluating potential solutions and I am pleased that the existing 17,000 sales cap is being removed,” said State Representative Ron Gray.
  • “Removal of the cap will eliminate the rush that has occurred in recent years while allowing everyone equal access to purchase a surf fishing permit over a prolonged period,” said State Senator Gerald Hocker.

• Pilot the new surf fishing permit reservation system.
  • Reservations will be required Saturdays, Sundays and holidays starting the third weekend in May through Labor Day weekend, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Peak holidays are: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4^th of July and Labor Day.
  • Reservations will be $4 per day and will reserve access from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Reservations will not be available for Off-Peak surf tag permit holders.
  • Reservations will be for a specific beach location and can be made for one of seven different locations.
  • Reservations can be made conveniently online (desktop and mobile) or through the Division of Parks and Recreation’s call center. Reservations cannot be made in-person at the state parks or at the DNREC central office in Dover.
  • Reservations must be printed and displayed in the vehicle for enforcement verification. Mobile verification may be used as a backup.
  • Weekend reservations will be made available weekly. Reservations will be first-come, first-served and will open the same week for the coming weekend, including holidays. Reservations will be accepted starting on the same weekday throughout the peak surf fishing season. The day of the week will be announced by DNREC before the reservation system is launched in May.
  • Reservations will continue to be taken through 4 p.m. on the day-of if space allows to accommodate same-day reservations.
  • One reservation will be allowed per surf tag permit holder per day, and reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Even after a park reaches capacity, anglers with surf fishing reservations will be allowed into the park,
  • Annual surf fishing permit holders can access the beach without a reservation on weekends and holidays after 4 p.m., but must be off the beach by 8 a.m. the next morning.
  • Anglers who previously purchased a two-year permit (2022-23) will be subject to the new reservation system. A full refund of the second year will be available to permit holders upon request no later than March 31, 2023.
  • “The reservation system will eliminate delays and access issues when state park day-use lots reach capacity by still allowing surf fishing permit reservation holders to access the drive-on beaches. It also allows someone with a reservation to leave and return later if they choose. Reservation systems are being utilized by many state and national park systems as a means to manage overcrowding or capacity concerns,” said Joseph Smack, chair of the state’s Parks and Recreation Council.
• Require viewing an instructional surf fishing video for permit holders.
  • Anyone purchasing a surf fishing permit will be required to acknowledge they have watched an instructional video with beach driving tips, including requisite understanding of airing down vehicle tires, in-vehicle mandatory equipment, and safety requirements for surf fishing on state park beaches.

The surf fishing permit fee remains unchanged for 2023 and sales are anticipated to start in December.

For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.destateparks.com/SurfTagSales.

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 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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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 Starting Monday, Aug. 29, those looking to swim at Delaware State Parks are encouraged to utilize guarded beaches, including the main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park and the South Indian River Inlet side of Delaware Seashore State Park.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will reduce the lifeguarding hours at Delaware State Parks ocean swimming beaches starting next week. Smaller or limited guarded swimming areas at all Delaware State Parks swimming beaches will be available through Labor Day.

Those looking to swim at Delaware State Parks are encouraged to utilize guarded beaches, including the main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park and the South Indian River Inlet side of Delaware Seashore State Park, which will be guarded every day through Labor Day with limited staff.

From Monday, Aug. 29 through Friday, Sept. 2, Fenwick Island State Park’s Fenwick Lot swimming area will be unguarded during the week but will remain guarded on the weekends.

All Delaware State Parks swimming areas will be guarded Labor Day weekend.

Reductions in hours are a result of lifeguards leaving the area to return to high school, college, sports camps and other staffing shortages.

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 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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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 The widespread beach erosion and storm damage along Delaware’s Atlantic Coast as seen at Rehoboth Beach. /DNREC photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that multiple Delaware State Parks drive- and walk-on crossings will be closed this Memorial Day Weekend due widespread erosion along Delaware’s coastline sustained during a May 8 nor’easter.

Unsafe drop-offs along the dunes where the crossings meet the beach necessitated the closures. Additionally, very little beach is available for drive-on surf fishing even during low tide at the closed locations.

As of Thursday, May 26, the following beach access points remain open:

• The Point, Herring Point and Gordons Pond crossings at Cape Henlopen State Park. The northernmost pedestrian crossing at The Point parking lot is closed.
• 3Rs crossing at Delaware Seashore State Park.
• North (York), Middle and South crossing at Fenwick Island State Park.

The following beach access points are closed:

• Navy crossing at Cape Henlopen State Park.
• Keybox, Conquest and Faithful Steward crossings at Delaware Seashore State Park. The Conquest pedestrian crossings are also closed.

DNREC’s Shoreline and Waterway Management Section beach crew is working to reopen drive-on and pedestrian crossings along the coastline, including at other damaged beaches.

Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks Facebook pages will be updated regularly with what crossings are open or closed.

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 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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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Drivers Needed for DART’s Upcoming Beach Bus Season

Dover – May has arrived and the beginning of DART’s Beach Bus season is just a few weeks away. After a successful 2021 season with almost 160,000 riders, DART’s contractor, First Transit, is in need of drivers to meet the demand as residents and visitors take advantage of this convenient service to avoid traffic and parking challenges.

With First Transit, Drivers can earn $20 per hour and receive a signing bonus of $3,000 if they have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); $2,000 without a CDL. For those without a CDL, First Transit will provide CDL training.

“First Transit currently has 44 of the needed 62 drivers to operate our Beach Bus service and need several more qualified drivers to meet our scheduled service needs for the upcoming summer season to avoid any reduction in service,” said Delaware Transit Corporation CEO John Sisson.

Those interested in the position can apply at workatfirst.com, and search Rehoboth Beach.

Starting May 23, DART’s daily Beach Bus service will be on the road to provide convenient, safe and clean rides to visitors and residents. The bus routes serve Rehoboth Beach and the Boardwalk, Lewes, Long Neck, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City, MD, Millsboro and Georgetown through September 11.

With the free DART Transit app, riders can plan their trip, view bus stops, get real-time bus information, and track the bus along its route. And, for faster boarding and convenience, riders can pay their fare with DART Pass, a contactless mobile payment app.