DNREC Surf Fishing Permits, Annual Passes on Sale Nov. 28

 Low-Digit Surf Fishing Tag Auction Now Live Through Dec. 7.

 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will begin sales of 2024 Delaware State Parks annual passes and surf fishing permits starting at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Annual passes and surf fishing permits may be purchased at any state park office and DNREC’s Dover campus Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Passes and permits may also be purchased online at destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees, with an estimated timeframe for delivery of two to three weeks.

Annual passes are a convenient way to access Delaware’s state parks throughout the entire fee season from March 1 to Nov. 30. The annual pass costs $35 for Delaware residents and $70 for non-residents. Those ages 62 and older receive a discounted rate of $18 for residents and $35 for non-residents. A $65 lifetime pass is available for Delawareans 65 and older, the Delaware Military Pass is available for $17.50, and an Assistance Program Pass is available for $10.

Delaware firefighters and emergency medical technicians can obtain an annual pass or surf fishing permit for free. Those who qualify must first obtain an application from their fire company or the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association. The completed form must be taken to a state park office to receive the pass or permit.

The daily advanced drive-on reservation program which was piloted in 2023 for peak days during the summer has become permanent. Those who wish to fish on peak weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a total of 33 days, must secure a reservation for one of the seven locations where surf fishing is permitted. Peak weekend reservations for Saturday, May 25, 2024, will go on sale May 21, 2024, in the same way reservations were offered in the 2023 season. The weekend before Memorial Day will no longer be considered a peak weekend. DNREC will continue to evaluate and make improvements to the surf fishing program as needed moving forward.

A calendar shows peak surf fishing program days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Both one- and two-year annual surf fishing permits enable year-round drive-on access to Delaware State Parks multi-use beaches, including peak weekends and holidays with a reservation. For visitors not interested in visiting during peak times, off-peak permits will be available at a lower cost.

Surf fishing permit rates remains unchanged for 2024. The surf fishing permit fee for Delaware residents is $90 and $180 for out-of-state residents. Delaware residents ages 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $80. The off-peak permit fee for Delaware residents is $70, while the fee for out-of-state residents is $140. For off-peak permits, Delaware residents 62 and older will get a discounted rate of $60.

For more information on the surf fishing program, go to www.destateparks.com/SurfTagSales.

DNREC’s annual auction of low-digit surf fishing license plates started Nov. 21 and will remain live at usgovbid.com through Thursday, Dec. 7. The online auction benefits Delaware State Parks.

Bidders will have the option to bid on 15 tags including Nos. 37, 49, 120, 244, 366, 422 and on nine “choice” categories, ranging from tags 38 to 9999. For the choice tags, the highest bidder in each range can choose an available number. The minimum bid for a low-digit surf fishing plate is $250. By state law, surf-fishing tags numbered 1 through 200 are limited to vehicles registered in Delaware.

The auction of low-numbered plates was authorized by the Delaware General Assembly in 2015 and allows the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation to auction low-digit tags to the highest bidder.

A low-digit surf fishing tag does not allow drive-on surf fishing access — a valid surf fishing permit is still required.

For more information about the low-digit surf fishing license plate auction, visit https://destateparks.com/LowDigitTags.

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, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

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


DNREC’s Brandywine Zoo Welcomes Baby Crowned Lemur

 The birth of a Crowned lemur at the Brandywine Zoo is welcome news for this globally endangered species. DNREC/Linnea Hummel photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Brandywine Zoo are excited to announce its newest addition, a baby Crowned lemur, which recently was welcomed into the zoo. The lemur baby was born to Sophie and Kipp, Crowned lemurs that came to and were paired at the Brandywine Zoo in October 2020 as part of an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is the second SSP birth from a breeding pair at the zoo this summer – a Southern pudu fawn was welcomed in July.

The lemur baby born at the Brandywine Zoo is a significant contribution to the Crowned lemur population in North America. This birth brings the total number of Crowned lemurs in AZA institutions nationally to 35, which includes the Brandywine Zoo’s recent arrival as the only crowned lemur baby born this year. SSPs are conservation breeding programs where vulnerable species in human care are optimally matched for genetic diversity to increase the population. Kipp was born at the Duke Lemur Center in 2016, while Sophie was born at Zoo Atlanta in 2018.

Crowned lemurs are an endangered species and their population is in decline. They are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss caused by other land use conversion, such as charcoal production and mining for sapphires and gold; the illegal pet trade; and hunting for bushmeat.

The Brandywine Zoo is one of only 12 locations in North America where Crowned lemurs can be viewed by the public. Sophie and Kipp joined two other species of lemurs – the Black and White Ruffed and Ring-Tailed lemurs – and Radiated tortoises when the zoo’s Madagascar exhibit opened in 2020. That new exhibit is part of the Brandywine Zoo’s master plan, which focuses on improved animal welfare and guest experiences, species of conservation concern and the inclusion of more mixed species exhibits. In addition to the Madagascar habitat, the master plan includes the already-completed condor viewing area, honeybee display and play area, goat barnyard experience and Animal Care Center.

Sophie and her baby are not yet on exhibit at the zoo and won’t be for some time – probably into the fall. Staff are closely monitoring Sophie and her as yet unnamed infant and will be able to identify the newborn’s sex and weight once the infant is old enough to venture away from its mother.

A name for the baby lemur will be chosen soon. Check the Delaware State Parks and Brandywine Zoo Facebook pages for updates as the baby progresses.

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation with support by its non-profit partner, the Delaware Zoological Society (DZS). DZS supports the mission of the Brandywine Zoo and is raising funds for more upgrades to the zoo that include updated animal habitats, infrastructure, and guest services. For  more information about or to donate to the Our Zoo-Re-imagined Capital Campaign, visit https://brandywinezoo.org/reimagined/ or email Mark Shafer, Delaware Zoological Society executive director, MShafer@brandywinezoo.org

 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, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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DNREC to Reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sept. 1

The Point’s ocean beach will reopen Sept. 1 while the bayside beach will remain closed until Oct. 1 for use by shorebirds migrating south for the winter.

 

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half-mile along the bay shoreline on Friday, Sept. 1. The bayside beach will remain closed until Oct. 1 for use by shorebirds migrating south for the winter.

The area to reopen includes a stretch of ocean beach and dunes that was previously closed on March 1. Since 1993, The Point has closed annually each March for the benefit of threatened and endangered beach-nesters and migratory shorebirds, including red knot, piping plovers, oystercatchers, least terns and other species.

The DNREC Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Watershed Stewardship have worked together since 1990 to implement a management plan to increase beach-nester and migratory shorebird populations. 

For more information, contact Cape Henlopen State Park at 302-645-8983, or stop by the park office.

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, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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DNREC Designers Win National Award

DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation graphic designers Jamie Fritchman and Sarah Sellers show their national award-winning designs, which are part of a series of three commemorative posters that won the 60th Graphic Design USA InHouse Design Award this summer. Not pictured, Orlando Short, who also designed one of the commemorative posters in the winning series.

 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is proud to announce the Division of Parks and Recreation’s Marketing and Creative Services team was awarded the 60th Graphic Design USA InHouse Design Award. The design team’s series of posters to commemorate division projects was chosen out of more than 5,000 entries into the InHouse Design Award competition.

The team of designers were recognized for their designs of commemorative posters to mark Division of Parks and Recreation capital projects and special events. “Delaware State Parks Commemorative Poster Series,” the three posters highlighted in the award, were created in 2022 and 2023 and are the latest in a series of 15. The posters include the Jason Beach Historical Marker Dedication at Trap Pond State Park by former Creative Services team member Orlando Short, the rehabilitated WWII Tower 3 at Delaware Seashore State Park by Jamie Fritchman and Fort Delaware State Park renovations and additions by Sarah Sellers.

 

Three posters are arranged from left to right. The first poster features the Jason Beach Historical Marker, the second features World War II Tower 3 along Route 1 in Delaware Seashore State Park. The third photo features Fort Delaware State Park's grounds and buildings.

 

“We are thrilled that DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s Creative Services team was recognized for this prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to the creativity, dedication and passion of our in-house artists,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The commemorative posters serve as visual tributes to the division’s capital projects and special events, capturing the essence of our beautiful state parks and the memories they create.”

The winning series was chosen out of more than 6,000 entries and was the only artwork by Delawareans to receive an award during this year’s competition. Most entrants are private corporations and brands, large institutional non-profits and educational institutions, which further highlights the talent of the three-person Creative Services team. The only other park, recreation or natural resources entity to receive recognition during this year’s awards was Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department in Florida.

The Creative Services team is a crucial function of the Division of Parks and Recreation and is behind many of the visual elements featured in Delaware State Parks. They produce projects like park signage, educational materials, digital design assets, banners, posters, advertisements, reports, decals and forms. The Creative Services team is managed by Shirley Blankers, who is also an award-winning graphic designer. In 2014, the team began to produce commemorative posters to give to guests at special events. The series has proven so popular the posters are now sold in select park gift shops. 

Graphic Design USA has been a source of news and information for graphic designers and the broader creative community since 1963. The GDUSA “has long sponsored competitions that focus on excellence and opportunity,” and their “lnhouse Design Awards is the original and premier awards program and showcase for excellence by inhouse designers and their departments.”

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, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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Delaware Bans Trail Cameras for Recreational Use on State Wildlife Areas, State Forests, and State Parks

After extensive interagency review and discussion, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) have determined that trail cameras for recreational use are no longer to be permitted on state wildlife areas, state parks, or state forests. The ban on trail cameras on state lands is effective immediately.

In announcing it today, DNREC and DDA emphasized that the ban on recreational trail cameras – which are most often used in Delaware by hunters during the state’s extended deer season – is for state lands only and does not apply to use of trail cameras on private properties.

Delaware’s ban on recreational trail cameras is only the latest such action to be taken curtailing their deployment on public land. Both Prime Hook and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuges have previously prohibited the recreational use of trail cameras. At least five states besides Delaware have now banned recreational-use trail cameras on public land, while several other states are currently considering the ban.

Before imposing the ban on recreational-use trail cameras on state lands, DNREC and DDA gave consideration to a number of factors, including:

  •  Acknowledgement that trail cameras are a technological advancement in hunting and are used successfully by many Delaware hunters for harvesting deer.
  • A proliferation of the cameras deployed on public lands. Based on a 2021/2022 survey of Delaware hunters, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife estimates that approximately 11.1% of the hunters on state wildlife areas use trail cameras and deploy on average 2.3 cameras per hunter.
  • An increasing number of complaints from hunters about trail camera use on public lands. Many of these complaints are associated with the “ownership/exclusive use” of a particular portion of state land once cameras are established there, thus excluding other hunters from using that area. Other complaints are about the constant disturbance of an area by hunters frequently checking and moving their trail cameras.
  • Illegal activities that include the cutting and removal of vegetation from state land, when installing a trail camera. Trail cameras also interfere with habitat management and maintenance, during which time they either must be avoided or may be inadvertently destroyed.
  • Privacy concerns due to documented use of trail cameras for monitoring human behavior at public parking areas and on popular hiking trails.
  • Ethical issues associated with using cellular trail cameras for “trophy hunting” to the extent that the Boone & Crocket Club, keeper of “big game” records, does not recognize animals taken by hunters helped in their harvest by cellular trail cameras.

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

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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