New superintendents announced by DNREC for Delaware State Parks are (left to right) Kathleen Crane, Killens Pond State Park; Robert Brokus, Bellevue and Fox Point State Parks; and Mathew Smith, Brandywine Creek State Park. /DNREC photos 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has announced three new superintendents at Delaware State Parks: Robert Brokus at Bellevue and Fox Point State Parks in northern New Castle County; Kathleen Crane at Killens Pond State Park near Felton; and Mathew Smith at Brandywine Creek State Park just outside Wilmington.

All three have extensive experience within Delaware’s National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal-winning state parks system:

◊ Robert “Bob” Brokus has been with the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation since 2014, working as a physical plant maintenance trade mechanic and plant maintenance supervisor at Bellevue and Brandywine Creek State Parks until he was promoted to the position of park superintendent at Bellevue State Park. Brokus is a certified park and recreation professional, a certified playground safety inspector, and has completed the NRPA-accredited Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, W.Va. Brokus is responsible for the day-to-day management and supervision of Bellevue and Fox Point State Parks.

◊ Kathleen “Kate” Crane worked in various Maryland state parks before coming to the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation in 2019 where she served as a seasonal naturalist and trainer/educator until she was promoted to park superintendent at Killens Pond State Park. Crane has a bachelor’s degree in biology/environmental studies from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and she is responsible for the day-to-day management and supervision of Killens Pond State Park.

◊ Mathew “Mat” Smith has been with DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation since 2016, working as a maintenance team member at Wilmington State Parks, a seasonal assistant superintendent and conservation technician at Brandywine Creek State Park, and Wilmington State Parks until he was promoted to park superintendent at Brandywine Creek State Park last June. Smith, a certified playground safety inspector, is responsible for the day-to-day management and supervision of Brandywine Creek State Park.

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

Media contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov 

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Delaware Natural Resources Police State Parks officers arrested Eric Allan Davidson II and Jacob Tyler Flannery, both of Felton, on burglary and vandalism-related charges following an incident at Killens Pond State Park water park on Sunday, Aug. 21.

During the early morning hours, Flannery, 23, and Davidson, 21, trespassed into the water park and then accessed park facilities to burglarize the Killens Pond State Park lifeguard office and locker room, and the park’s concession stand/swim shop. They also caused damage at the park by throwing food, drinks and other items while in the swim shop and then into the main swimming pool at the water park complex.

The two men also stole bathing suits for swimming in the pool and sliding down the Killens Pond waterslide. Investigation by Delaware Natural Resources Police also determined that a 50-lb. bag of sugar had been taken from the concession stand and dumped into the pool. Damages to the facility and swimming pool caused the water park to remain closed Sunday until 2 p.m. Killens Pond State Park was forced to refund prepaid waterpark reservations for the morning and early afternoon session.

Both men were charged with the following: two counts of Burglary 3rd Degree (Class F Felony), Theft Under $1500 (Class A Misdemeanor), Criminal Mischief (Class A Misdemeanor), Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree (Misdemeanor) Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree (Violation) and Possession of Alcohol in a Prohibited Area (Violation). In addition, Davidson was also charged with Graffiti (Class A Misdemeanor) and Flannery was charged with Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Class G Felony).

Davidson and Flannery turned themselves into Felton Police Department following their investigation into a burglary of Lake Forest North High School that also occurred early Monday morning. Both were video-arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and were issued a no-contact order by the court for all Delaware State Parks and with each other. Both were released on their own recognizance pending a later court date.

Defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

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: Capt. John McDerby, john.mcderby@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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 Gov. John Carney joined Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse and volunteers April 11 to plant trees on farmland recently acquired by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation for Killens Pond State Park. Pictured, from left to right, STRIVE program student Richard Bebber, Sen. Dave Lawson, Secretary Scuse, Gov. Carney, Bank of American volunteer Crystal Clough and Secretary Garvin plant a ceremonial white oak tree on the property.

In recognition of Earth Month and as part of the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative, Gov. John Carney joined Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse and volunteers Monday to plant trees on land recently acquired by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation in Felton.

In November, Gov. Carney kicked off the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI) with the goal of planting 1 million trees – or one tree for every Delaware resident. DNREC and DDA are adding hundreds of trees to that number through multiple TEDI plantings this spring, with several happening at Delaware State Parks.

Gov. Carney encouraged all Delawareans to join the fight against climate change by planting trees this spring.

“Delaware is not only a coastal state, it is also the country’s lowest-lying state and climate change is a very real threat to our future,” said Gov. Carney. “We need your help to reduce our carbon footprint and accomplish our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26% by 2025. One simple yet effective way you can help reach that goal is to plant trees in your yards, public spaces, schools and other places in their communities, the benefits of which will be seen for generations to come.”

Volunteers from Bank of America and Dover High School yesterday planted about 100 trees funded by the initiative on the property, which expands Killens Pond State Park west to Route 13 and protects the main water source that feeds the pond at Killens – the Murderkill River. The Governor and Secretaries planted a ceremonial white oak tree, which is commonly found along the river.

“Trees play a crucial role in combating climate change and this TEDI planting is the perfect way to get new trees in the ground while recognizing volunteerism, the preservation of natural areas and open spaces, and Earth Month, which we celebrate every day at DNREC,” Secretary Garvin said. “I am grateful for the Bank of America staff and Dover High School STRIVE students who volunteered their time today to help expand Delaware’s tree canopy for the benefit of our planet and enjoyment of visitors to Killens Pond State Park.”

“Since its inception, the Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program has provided almost $1.85 million in matching tree grants for more than 585 projects in the First State – with more than 16,500 trees planted,” Secretary Scuse said. “This year, thanks to our cooperative partnerships with DNREC and the Governor’s Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative, it is my pleasure to announce we will be providing almost $137,000 to fund 23 community tree projects resulting in the planting of 2,950 trees.”

The 52-acre property, comprised of farmland and natural areas, lies within the riparian buffer of the Murderkill River and was purchased in 2020 through Delaware’s Open Space Program, administered by the Division of Parks and Recreation. The land grows Killens Pond State Park to nearly 1,500 acres and expands recreational opportunities for the park’s visitors.

Downstream and within the riparian buffer is the 540-acre Murderkill River Nature Preserve, which is managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation Office of Nature Preserves and protects essential wetlands.

The trees planted April 11 will further enhance the river’s water quality by expanding its protective buffer and will help Delaware reach its TEDI goal. TEDI is one key strategy of Delaware’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to offset the carbon emissions that are driving the climate change.

The Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative is a partnership between DDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, the DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy and other stakeholders.

Delawareans can add any trees they plant to the online TEDI Tracker, which shows location and other information about trees planted around the state since 2020. The web page, de.gov/tedi, also provides information on TEDI tree planting volunteer opportunities.

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 Enjoy the natural diversity of Delaware’s 17 state parks. 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:

DDA: John Petersen, John.Petersen@delaware.gov or Stacey Hofmann, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov

DNREC: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov or JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin led the ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the new DNREC Killens Pond State Park boardwalk near Felton. Pictured, left to right, are: State Representative Charles Postles; Louise Warfield, Friends of Killens Pond State Park; Frank Newton, Friends of Killens Pond State Park; Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens; Wendy Aycoth, Friends of Killens Pond State Park; Governor Carney; Secretary Garvin; and State Senator Dave Lawson. /DNREC photo

Walkway Provides Safer Trail Connection, More Fishing Opportunities

To celebrate Earth Day today, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control cut the ribbon on its new Killens Pond State Park pedestrian boardwalk. The boardwalk will provide a safer trail connection along the eastern edge of Killens Pond, more appealing views while walking along the pond, and new fishing opportunities.

Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin hosted a small group to celebrate the grand opening of the boardwalk. The event is viewable on the Delaware State Parks YouTube page.

Previously, pedestrians and bicyclists attempting to navigate around the east end of pondside trail had to use the narrow shoulder of Killens Pond Road, which often has fast-traveling vehicles and was unsafe for those attempting to navigate the shoulder to the other side of the pond. It also provides a safer connection for campers to visit the Nature Center.

The boardwalk cost approximately $2.1 million, with 80% of that funding coming from the Federal Recreational Trails Program. Planning and design of the boardwalk began in 2017; construction began in November 2020 and the project was finished in early April. As part of this project, the boat launch parking lot at the southern end of the boardwalk was completely removed and replaced, creating a much nicer space for boaters, anglers and kayakers to launch.

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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Access to Boat Launch, Fishing to be Restricted During Construction

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will soon break ground on construction of an elevated walkway at Killens Pond State Park that will provide a safer trail connection along the pond’s eastern edge. The elevated pathway will also provide visitors more appealing views while walking along the pond and new fishing opportunities.

Currently, pedestrians and bicyclists attempting to navigate around the east end of pondside trail must use the narrow shoulder of Killens Pond Road. While pedestrians and bicyclists will still be able to complete the loop along the eastern portion via Killens Pond Road during construction, there may be temporary delays at times. Pedestrians and bicyclists should use caution in this area during construction.

The public boat ramp and its associated parking lot on the south side of the pond will be closed to all boat launching Thursday, Nov. 12 and Friday, Nov. 13 for equipment staging, and again from Monday, Nov. 23, through the duration of construction. As part of the project, the boat ramp parking lot will be repaved.

Fishing will not be permitted from the shoreline along Killens Pond Road during construction. Anglers can locate nearby DNREC-managed public fishing ponds online at https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/fishing-ponds. The site also has an interactive map, information for each pond and fishing community.

During construction, which is expected to finish in April 2021, visitors to the park may experience periods of very loud noise and vibrations from equipment.

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 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 DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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