DOVER – One of First State Heritage Park’s most popular events returns to The Green at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 for the Halloween weekend. During the park’s Dark Dover program, visitors will witness firsthand the chilling true stories of gruesome murders and public whippings, and encounter characters whose legends have left their sinister imprint on The Green in Dover. Eighteenth-century judge Samuel Chew and the murdered servant Cooch Turner are just two of the specters who will make their appearance on this most unusual tour through Dover’s Green.

Unusual twists include an unexpected retelling of the “Poison Candy Murder” tale from the point of view of the victim’s deceitful and philandering husband, who attempts to clear his name. The mid-20th-century “Lonely Hearts” murder case adds a grisly but humorous touch to the tour.

Admission is $10 per person. Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required by calling 302-739-9194. Tours will meet at the John Bell House on The Green in Dover.

For more information, call the First State Heritage Park at 302-739-9194 or visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.

The First State Heritage Park at Dover is a partnership of state agencies, under the leadership of Delaware State Parks, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector to create Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777.

Media Contact: Sarah Zimmerman, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194

Vol. 46, No. 361

DNREC will partner with commercial crabbers to remove “ghost pots”

DOVER – DNREC’s Delaware Coastal Programs has been awarded $90,000 in funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program for a project that will remove thousands of derelict or “ghost pots” and other debris from the bottom of heavily-fished areas of the Delaware Bay.

“We appreciate the partnership with NOAA and participating watermen to help reduce the adverse impacts of marine debris – which will benefit the ecological restoration of the Bay, watermen and the state’s commercial crabbing industry,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “Recovering derelict crab pots and other debris from the Delaware Bay will reduce mortality of crabs, fish and other marine species inadvertently trapped in derelict pots. We hope to learn from this experience and apply that knowledge to future management efforts.”

The study includes an assessment that will help identify locations and the abundance of “ghost pots,” and yield important scientific data on their impacts to benthic habitat and marine animals that play an intrinsic role in the ecology of the Bay. Benthic habitat, the ecological region that includes the Bay’s sediment surface and some sub-surface layers, provides spawning and nursery grounds, refuge and foraging areas for blue crab and other commercially-important marine species. Restoring benthic habitat can increase populations of blue crabs, financially benefiting watermen through increased harvests and the potential reuse of derelict crab pots removed from the Bay.

“This project will also advance our understanding of how marine debris impacts the ecology of the Delaware Bay,” said Delaware Coastal Programs Acting Administrator Dr. Robert Scarborough. “Delaware Coastal Programs greatly appreciates this NOAA grant that will not only be used to remove ‘ghost pots,’ but will allow us to gather important scientific data that will guide our efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of marine debris and help us better protect resources in the Delaware Bay.”

The identification and removal of debris will be undertaken during the commercial crabbing off-season from December through February and will rely on partnerships with commercial crabbers. Watermen will be provided with equipment, funded through the grant, to identify and remove pots.

The project represents the first large-scale marine debris removal effort conducted in Delaware waters of the Delaware Bay. This project will run in tandem with a similar crab pot removal project being conducted by the New Jersey Audubon in the New Jersey waters of the Bay, also funded through NOAA’s Marine Debris Program.

“Derelict crab pots can create navigational hazards, damage habitats and capture marine species, including harvestable crabs, resulting in lost catch opportunities and financial losses for watermen,” said Nancy Wallace, director of the NOAA Marine Debris Program. “We are proud to support Delaware Coastal Programs and their partners to reduce the adverse environmental and economic impacts of derelict pots in the Delaware Bay.”

NOAA’s Marine Debris Program has funded similar projects in neighboring states, including Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia.

For more information contact Nicole Rodi, Delaware Coastal Programs at 302-739-9283.

Media Contact: Melanie Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 360

Reminder for the week: Wildlife area visitors encouraged to know and follow rules

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 Oct.10-16 made 1,577 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 74 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 33 complaints received from the public regarding possible violations of laws and regulations.

An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail.

Incidents of note:

• On Oct. 11, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Raymond C. Coppage, 72, of Dagsboro and charged him with five counts of possession of unlawful killer traps, three counts of set or use metal trap without metallic plate or tag and license, one count of no trapping license and one count of trapping out of season near Dagsboro. Coppage pled guilty at Justice of the Peace Court # 3 to one count of possessing unlawful killer traps, one count of set or use metal trap without metallic plate or tag and license, one count of no trapping license and one count of trapping out of season and was fined $780, including court costs. All but one of Coppage’s traps were confiscated permanently.

• On Oct. 12, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resource Police officers arrested Steven D. Chisenhall, 47, and Ralph E. Tucker II, 63, both of Delaware City, for drug violations and fishing offenses at the Biddle’s Point parking lot on the C&D Canal Conservation Area near Delaware City. Chisenhall was charged with one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of possession of heroin and one count of failure to possess a fishing license. He was video-arraigned at Delaware State Police Troop 9 for JP Court #2 and released on $2,200 unsecured bond. Tucker was charged with one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of failure to possess a fishing license. He was issued a mandatory appearance in the Court of Common Pleas and released.

• On Oct. 12, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Richard W. Marion, 52, of New Castle for one count of terroristic threatening after he was involved in a domestic incident at the Biddle’s Point parking lot of the C&D Canal Conservation Area near Delaware City. Marion was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court # 9 and released on his own recognizance.

• On Oct. 13, Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited Jonesha Knight of Smyrna for possession of marijuana at the Blackbird State Forest’s Shaffner Tract parking lot near Townsend. Knight was fined $272 and released.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Set illegal body gripping traps – prohibited trap size (5), no metal tags on traps (3), no trapping license (1), trapping out of season (1), removal of antlerless deer parts prior to registering (3), and failure to attach antlerless deer tag (3).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2)*, and possession of undersize tautog (1).

Public Safety: Possession of controlled substance – heroin (1)*, possession of drug paraphernalia (2)*, loaded firearm in a vehicle (1), no insurance on a vehicle (1), operating a motorcycle without a license (2), and terroristic threatening (1)*.

Other: Entering a state wildlife area after hours (3), wildlife area map violation (2), driving with a suspended license (1), and camping illegally on Division of Fish & Wildlife property (1).

*Citations issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community
• On Oct. 9, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed the Operation Game Theft Trailer and spoke to attendees about the Natural Resources Police Youth Academy at a Ducks Unlimited event at the Leipsic Fire Hall.

• On Oct. 13, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended a “Dover Welcomes You” event held at the Dover Air Force Base. Officers talked to new military personnel about Delaware’s hunting, fishing and boating opportunities and how to obtain permits and licenses.

• On Oct. 14, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended a meet-and-greet for the Weimaraner Dog Club of Washington D.C. at the C & R Center on the Norman Wilder Wildlife Area near Viola. Officers spoke about state wildlife areas and regulations regarding dog training.

• On Oct. 16, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended a hunter education class at the Little Creek hunter education training center, presenting hunting legal requirements and what to expect when checked by a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer. Approximately 50 people were in attendance, ranging in age from youth to adults.

Are you AWARE?
With cooler fall temperatures settling in, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind visitors to enjoy our state wildlife areas while complying with established rules and regulations.

General wildlife area rules and regulations include:
• State wildlife areas are open from sunrise to sunset and closed to public access from sunset to sunrise, with the exception of those lawfully engaged in hunting or fishing. Anyone not engaged in these activities when found in state wildlife areas between sunset and sunrise will be cited for trespassing after hours.
• Camping, swimming, dumping and littering, target shooting (including paintball) and fires are prohibited in state wildlife areas.
• Dog training is permitted only within established dog training areas or during open hunting seasons for the game animals that the dog is being trained to hunt.
• Hunting is permitted only in specified areas and only when in season.
• Firearms are prohibited on state wildlife areas from March 1 through Aug. 31, except as otherwise authorized by the Division of Fish & Wildlife for hunting or dog training.
• Operating vehicles off-road, including ATVs, is prohibited; all vehicles must be licensed, remain on designated roads and not exceed a speed of 20 mph.
• All state wildlife areas are designated carry-in, carry-out for trash.

“We encourage Delaware residents and visitors to enjoy our beautiful wildlife areas by engaging in a host of low-impact activities, including hunting and fishing in season, hiking, wildlife and bird watching, photography, kayaking, canoeing and enjoying established trails,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “To protect our wildlife areas and enhance their enjoyment for the many visitors who follow the rules, however, we strictly enforce state regulations, as well as Delaware criminal law.”

For more information on regulations for specific wildlife areas, click Delaware Hunting Maps. Printed copies of the maps are also available at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or by calling the Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.

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.

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.

Contact: Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913, Lt. Carl Winckoski, 302-542-2115 or Sgt. John McDerby, 302-354-1386; or  Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 46, No. 356

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DOVER – October is “Children in Nature Month,” and to celebrate, the Delaware Children in Nature Coalition is launching a new statewide outdoor activity program for kids – “Children in Nature Prescription for Health.”

More than 3,000 “Prescription for Health” cards have been distributed so far in communities throughout the state. They are being offered in schools, doctors’ offices and other organizations and businesses that take part in the state’s Children in Nature Coalition. Kids pick up the “prescription” cards, which list numerous healthy activities and where those activities are being offered. Children who participate in the activities fill in their cards and are then eligible to win free prizes in a monthly drawing. The activities are free of charge.

The program will remain in effect beyond Children in Nature month,  and new cards will be available at any time.

The Delaware Children in Nature Coalition is a group of more than 19 partner organizations, including DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, that are Delaware’s leaders in child health and welfare, and environmental education. The coalition identifies and promotes outdoor programs and activities designed to get children to participate in outdoor activities.

Children in Nature Month was first declared by Governor Markell in 2014. That year, more than 219,000 kids and families took part in programs at 16 sites across the state. That number increased to more than 228,000 at 31 sites last year. This year, more than 40 programs have taken place throughout October in all regions of the state. The Children in Nature initiative provides meaningful outdoor experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles for children.

For more information, or to download a “Prescription for Health” card, visit dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/children-in-nature/, or call Franchesca Garland, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9221.

DOVER – To help hunters whose largesse supports DNREC’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program continue to provide sustenance for needy Delawareans, the Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced the list of private butcher shops accepting donated deer during the state’s 2016/17 deer hunting season. All donated venison will be distributed to charitable groups participating in the program.

Last year, 16,800 pounds of venison from 586 deer donated by hunters was divided among 32 food pantries and shelters statewide, providing more than 67,000 meals for hungry Delawareans. Since it began in 1992, the Sportsmen Against Hunger program has provided more than 1.8 million meals for Delawareans in need.

Successful hunters can take their deer directly to participating private butcher shops, or they may drop off their deer at any of the DNREC-maintained walk-in coolers, also listed below.

Participating Butcher Shops

Sussex County
Dave’s Cut ‘Em Up
6854 Delmar Road
Delmar, DE 19940
302-381-7257

Ole McDonald’s
Farm Fresh Meats & Produce
8977 DuPont Boulevard
Lincoln, DE 19960
302-265-2321

Kent County
Miller’s Butcher Shop
577 Morgans Choice Road
Wyoming, DE 19934
302-697-8278

D&J Custom Cutting
89 Myers Drive
Hartly, DE 19953
302-492-0323

New Castle County
Townsend Deer Butchering
1300 Dexter Corner Road
Townsend, DE 19734
302-378-3268

Marks Butcher Shop
7296 Grantham Lane (River Road Industrial Park)
New Castle, DE 19720
302-229-0897

DNREC-maintained coolers for donated deer

Sussex County
Assawoman Wildlife Area, near Frankford
Gumboro Community Center, Gumboro
Redden State Forest Headquarters, near Georgetown
Trap Pond State Park, near Laurel

Kent County
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, near Smyrna
Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area, near Viola
Mosquito Control Office, Milford

New Castle County
Augustine Wildlife Area, Port Penn

Hunters donating deer at a DNREC-maintained cooler are to please call the phone number posted on the cooler so that the deer can be transported for processing in a timely manner. Hunters are reminded that any deer dropped off at a cooler also must be field-dressed and registered by the hunter donating it, with the registration number also written on the field tag attached to the animal. Coolers are checked frequently, with donated deer taken to the Sussex Correctional Institution’s deer butchering program or to participating private butcher shops for processing.

All deer harvested in Delaware must be registered through the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Hunter and Trapper Registration (HTR) system. Deer hunters are encouraged to access the system online using a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. Those who prefer to talk to a live customer service representative can call 855-DELHUNT (855-335-4868).

For more information on hunting in Delaware, click on 2016-2017 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and from license agents statewide.

For more information on the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program, please visit Sportsmen Against Hunger, or contact Bill Jones, Kent County Regional Wildlife Manager, 302-284-4795. For deer information, please contact Deer and Furbearer Biologist Emily Boyd, at 302-735-3600.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302.739.9902

Vol. 46, No. 354

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