Seaford-area residents are asked to review and comment on proposed floodplain mapping changes in the Clear Brook watershed by visiting a new website managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The proposed floodplain map changes for Clear Brook are being made because a recent evaluation found the Hearns Pond area floodplain is receding and areas downstream are slightly expanding.

The new wesbsite includes a helpful video that provides important information for residents about how the proposed changes may affect their properties and flood insurance rates. Visitors to the website can also record their comments on the proposed revisions. Any comments must be received by May 31.

“DNREC and its consultant performed updated watershed modeling, which included recent improvements to the Hearns Pond Dam to produce more detailed and accurate flood risk assessments and maps for the Clear Brook watershed,” said Michael Powell, administrator for the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship. “This improved study and map will ultimately be adopted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to produce updated federal floodplain maps for the watershed.”

DNREC partners with FEMA to improve the accuracy of flood risk maps statewide. Delaware’s current flood risk maps are used by FEMA to set flood insurance rates and enforce local floodplain codes. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program makes flood insurance available to property owners. Mortgage lenders require borrowers whose properties are located in a designated flood hazard area to buy flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally-backed mortgage loan.

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding, but all property owners and renters can buy flood insurance. Homeowners interested in how the proposed changes could impact the cost of their flood insurance premium should contact their insurance agent.

For information on flood risk maps, contact Gina Tonn or Michael Powell, with the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship, at 302-739-9921. The Division has also posted more information about the flood mitigation program on the Department’s website.

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 DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

###

DNREC Deputy Secretary Lisa Borin Ogden, State Senator Bryant Richardson, State Representative Timothy Dukes, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens, Trap Pond Partners President Chase Cline, and other members of the Trap Pond Partners and friends brave the rain to unveil the new playground at Trap Pond State Park.

LAUREL – DNREC officials today unveiled a new playground at Trap Pond State Park during a dedication ceremony also attended by state Senator Bryant Richardson, state Representative Timothy Dukes, Trap Pond Partners President Chase Cline, and a host of other local officials.

“This new playground is an excellent example of how the Trap Pond Partners, the state, and local legislators can partner to provide exceptional recreational opportunities for park visitors,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “I thank the Trap Pond Partners for their passion and leadership in raising funding for this project. I also recognize the support of Senator Richardson and Representative Dukes. In addition, it is important that we acknowledge that our parks continue to create opportunities for exercise and play for our young people.”

The playground showcases 13 new play features, including a mountain cabin play structure with slides, and climbing structures in the shape of trees, honeycombs, and a bee.

“The Trap Pond Partners are thrilled to have been able to build a new playground for Trap Pond with the help of the grand writers of DNREC, local politicians, and through fundraising,” said Chase Cline, President of Trap Pond Partners. “With the help of many, we were able to provide a great play space for children for years to come – one of our goals is to get kids outside and enjoy and explore nature.”

The funding for the new playground was raised by the Trap Pond Partners, the friends group of Trap Pond State Park. They raised $50,000 for the project through private fundraising and grants secured. Legislators Dukes and Richardson provided nearly $50,000 in Community Transportation Funds, and DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation provided the remaining third.

Established in 1997, the Trap Pond Partners have provided resources for the park, including fundraising for the park’s new nature center, scholarships for programming, food service, and funding for the park’s summer concert series. They also provided funding for construction of a storage building for the free bike program in the campground, and host this year’s 15th annual bike rally. Two years ago, the partners established a popular wine and beer festival, which will be held on Sept. 22.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 251

LEWES – DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Fort Miles Historical Association (FMHA), will begin construction on a new outdoor event and programming venue at the Fort Miles Museum and historical area beginning Sept. 4.
The overlook at the top of the park’s bike trail will be closed during the two-month construction period. However, the main bike trail, the cantonment area, Tower 3, and the artillery park will remain open. The timing of the construction was determined by the Division of Parks & Recreation to have the least impact on visitors’ experiences, events and programming.

The construction is the result of fundraising by FMHA, which includes foundation grants totaling more than $600,000 from the Longwood Foundation and the Crystal Trust. The venue work will be followed by a new entrance and parking lot for the Fort Miles Museum, along with accessibility upgrades. That work will begin in the fall.

The work is a continuation of a series of projects spearheaded by FMHA, totaling more than $1 million in public and private investment over the last eight years, to enhance the experience of visitors to historic Fort Miles.

For more information, contact the Division of Parks & Recreation’s Operations Section at 302-739-9200.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 238