Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Sept. 26-Oct. 2

Reminder for the week: Boaters advised to use caution in bad weather, carry safety items

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 Sept. 26-Oct. 2 made 1,226 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 24 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 39 complaints and issued 21 citations, two of which were related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there is an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.DE F&W Natural Resources Police logo

Incidents of note:
• On Oct. 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited two Millsboro men in connection with a complaint about trespassing on a property adjoining the Ingrams Pond public boat ramp parking lot near Millsboro. Thomas B. Phillips, 53, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and third degree criminal trespass; Dylon H. Phillips, 45, was charged with third degree criminal trespass. Both were released pending a mandatory appearance in Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown.

• On Sept. 30, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Ronald K. Poulin, 49, of Townsend, for criminal impersonation after repeatedly giving officers false names during a routine investigation at the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area near Smyrna. Poulin was taken into custody on a $10,000 secured bond out of New Castle County Family Court and transported to Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover. He was later released after posting bail.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlerless deer (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2), and operating a motor vehicle off established roadways in a state wildlife area (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2), possession of undersized blue crabs (5), possession of undersized striped bass (2), and possession of undersized white perch (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation of a vessel (1), and operating a vessel with insufficient number of lifejackets (1).

Public Safety: Criminal impersonation (1), third degree criminal trespass (2), possession of drug paraphernalia (1), and failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (1)*.

*Citations issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
With hurricane season bringing the potential for high tides and winds to Delaware’s waterways, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police offer some fall boating safety tips.

“Fall typically brings some beautiful days for boating, but boaters should always check the forecast before heading out on the waterways, as the weather can change quickly even on what starts out as a nice day,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator. “On an obviously stormy day, recreational boaters must always consider the risks before going out. Not only are you putting yourself and your passengers at risk, but you unnecessarily put the lives of first responders at risk if you need assistance when you shouldn’t have been on the water in the first place.”

Also, in the event of predicted severe weather, recreational boaters are advised to secure their vessels well in advance of the rain and wind. “Do not wait until the middle of a storm to pull your vessel from the water,” Sgt. McDerby said. “Again, a boat that’s broken away from its moorings puts you as well as any rescuers at risk.”

Sgt. McDerby also recommended that boaters carry safety items, including:
• Lifejackets, worn by everyone on board, especially non-swimmers in all seasons; Delaware law requires that all children 12 years old and younger aboard a vessel wear a lifejacket while underway;
• Blankets to stay warm on board while awaiting rescue;
• Multiple means of communication: a fully-charged cell phone and a marine radio; and
• Items to attract the attention of rescuers: a whistle, a personal position locator beacon (PLB), a personal emergency locator light and/or flares, all kept in waterproof containers, ideally in immersion suit pockets and appropriately secured with a lanyard.

Boat operators also should spend some time on vessel preparations and maintenance to help prevent breakdowns on the water, including checking fuel levels before heading out. Here are some additional tips from Delaware’s Office of Boating Safety and Education:
• Check your vessel’s capacity plate for maximum weight to avoid overloading, which can lead to possible capsizing; hunting parties are reminded to include the weight of their gear.
• Keep your cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag.
• Pack a set of dry clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
• If you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your boat for a better chance of being found sooner.
• Keep clothing on to help retain heat.
• File a “float plan” with a responsible friend or family member. Include a description of your boat, when you plan to head out, who is going with you, where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

“Filing a float plan is always a good idea, because unforeseen circumstances can hit boaters in any season at any time, including a storm, engine problems, swamping and injuries or other health issues,” Sgt. McDerby said. “With your plans in a friend’s or family member’s hands, they can call for help if you’re overdue and tell searchers where to begin looking for you, saving precious time.”

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, please visit Delaware_Boating_Safety on the Division of Fish & Wildlife website. For an easy-to-use float plan, visit USCG Float Plan.

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.

Media contact: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 341

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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Sept. 19-25

DE F&W Natural Resources Police logoReminder for the week: Hunters should observe surroundings, take safety precautions

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 Sept. 19-25 made 2,568 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 117 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 44 complaints and issued 16 citations. This week, with an expanded Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continuing to be deployed as a deterrent, no citations were issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (6), fileting shark prior to landing (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (3), possession of undersized striped bass (3), and possession of undersized summer flounder (1).

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach
• On Sept. 24, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed a marine patrol boat and shared information about boating safety and careers in Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police at the Newark Lowe’s Safety Day, which was attended by more than 200 children and their families.

• On Sept. 24, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer at the grand opening of the Smyrna Tractor Supply store, speaking with about 75 people about hunting, fishing and boating opportunities in Delaware.

• On Sept. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers addressed a hunter education class at Owens Station Shooting Sports & Hunter Education Center near Greenwood about hunting in Delaware and the role of a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer.

Are you AWARE?
With fall hunting seasons underway, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police advise hunters to become familiar with state, county and local regulations before choosing their hunting spots, and share a reminder to always be observant of a hunter’s surroundings and take appropriate safety precautions.

“Hunters should always consider their surroundings and how far the ammunition they are using can travel,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, noting that it is illegal in Delaware to discharge a firearm so that a shotgun pellet, slug or bullet lands upon any occupied dwelling, house or residence, or any related barn, stable or other outbuilding.

In addition, only the owner or occupant or a person with specific permission from the owner or occupant can legally discharge a firearm within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling, house or residence, or any related barn, stable or other outbuilding. The statewide safety zone for in-season archery deer hunting is 50 yards. Within this safety zone, it is illegal for anyone other than the owner or occupant to hunt, trap, pursue, disturb or otherwise chase any wild animal or bird without advance permission of the owner or occupant.

Discharging a firearm while on or within 15 yards of a public road or right-of-way is also illegal in Delaware, unless it is an area controlled by DNREC, the Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of the Interior and designated as an area open to hunting or trapping. Shooting at a wild bird or wild animal in a public roadway or firing across a public roadway is also prohibited.

Upstate hunters should also note that New Castle County has its own ordinances, including a 200-yard firearm safety zone from homes, structures and camps north of I-295 and I-95 in which firearms may not be discharged, and a 100-yard firearm safety zone south of I-295 and I-95. A 50-yard safety zone for in-season archery deer hunting is in effect for all of New Castle County. For more information, please check New Castle County laws and code.

During all firearms deer seasons, all hunters on both private and public lands, except those hunting migratory waterfowl, are required to wear hunter orange for safety reasons in the form of no less than 400 square inches of hunter orange material on the head, chest and back. Those hunting from a ground blind and completely concealed are required to place 400 square inches of hunter orange material within 10 feet outside the blind and at least 3 feet off the ground. Small game hunters and archery deer hunters are included in those required to wear hunter orange.

In addition, small game hunters should note a new requirement for the 2016/17 seasons: when hunting small game in season on state wildlife areas, they are required to wear 250 square inches of hunter orange material for safety reasons. This new requirement applies only on state wildlife areas; private lands are not included.

For more information on hunting in Delaware, consult the 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, and from license agents throughout the state. For more information about Sunday deer hunting in Delaware, which is allowed for the first time on five Sundays during the 2016/17 hunting season due to a recent change in state law, please visit Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Sunday deer hunting webpage.

For information on hunting safety classes, please visit the Hunter Education website.

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: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 359

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of the newly-restored Sugar Bowl Pavilion in Wilmington’s Brandywine Park

Wilmington– Officials from DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation and the Friends of Wilmington Parks invite the public to join in the grand opening of the newly restored Sugar Bowl Pavilion, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2. The iconic architectural feature is located in Brandywine Park. The park is one of six that make up Wilmington State Parks, managed by Delaware State Parks.

“The restoration of the iconic Sugar Bowl Pavilion – years in the making – is a real testament to the dedication of so many people, most notably, the Friends of Wilmington Parks,” said DNREC Deputy Secretary Kara Coats. “Our strong partnership with the Friends of Wilmington Parks, their commitment to the conservation and stewardship of our historic and cultural resources, has brought about a new – and better – Sugar Bowl Pavilion, restored beautifully for all Delawareans and visitors to enjoy.”

The rebuilt pavilion is the culmination of more than 10 years of work. The project was originally discussed in 2004 as a partnership project between the Division of Parks & Recreation and Friends of Wilmington Parks. The planning and bid process continued through 2006 and the Friends began fundraising in 2007. The stock market crash in 2008 resulted in difficulty obtaining foundation grants for restoration projects, which slowed the Sugar Bowl renovation progress. The final phase of the project was completed in July of 2016, with the installation of the 40-foot dome, which was custom-fabricated from a special fiberglass mold.

The historic structure provides visitors a unique vista from a rock cliff, a “gateway” to the city of Wilmington offering panoramic views of the Brandywine Creek and Brandywine Park. It stands near the WWI Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, the African American Medal of Honor Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial in Brandywine Park.

The pavilion will be used for community and family gatherings, ceremonies, concerts, theatrical performances, park programming and historic interpretation. “We are again realizing the dream of the park commissioners of a multifunctional observatory for generations to enjoy,” said Mike Porro, former president of the Friends of Wilmington Parks.

In addition to the new dome, the structure’s concrete deck has been replaced and the stone wall rebuilt. The pavilion has been restored with steel columns. A ramp is in place to ensure accessibility for everyone. And, new electric and lighting has been installed.

Altogether, Friends of Wilmington Parks raised close to $650,000 for the restoration. Delaware State Parks provided $84,560 from grants through the Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (formerly the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund), and $100,000 came from other state park funds. State Representatives Gerald Brady and Harris McDowell each contributed almost $50,000 through Community Transportation funds, and $45,000 came from the City of Wilmington.

Originally completed in 1902, the pavilion became known as the Sugar Bowl due to its lid-like domed roof. It served as a meeting place and venue for musical programs for several decades. However, the pavilion fell into disrepair following the devastating Hurricane Hazel in 1954, which led to a decades-long decline and deterioration process that left the Sugar Bowl behind.

Now, the freshly renovated pavilion will once again be a special place where visitors can gather to enjoy performances, concerts, park programming and other activities.

Vol. 46, No. 358

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DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation’s 2nd Annual Booo-B-Que family BBQ competition set for Oct. 21-22

Booo-B-Q event this year is promoting Delaware Children in Nature program

REHOBOTH BEACH – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will host the second-annual “Booo-B-Que By the Sea,” a two-day barbeque cook-off competition beginning Friday, Oct. 21, at Delaware Seashore State Park. The event features a wide variety of family-friendly activities, including a unique 5k Run/Walk over the Indian River Bridge and inlet pathways on Saturday, Oct. 22. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Delaware Children in Nature Endowment Fund, which affords opportunities for young people to participate in outdoor experiences.

“The first Booo-B-Que was a smashing success, and we are excited to bring the event back for its second year,” said Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens. “We expect to see even larger crowds this year and are thrilled to benefit the Delaware Community Foundation’s Children in Nature Endowment. Also, our hosting the event at Delaware Seashore State Park offers the unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Indian River Inlet while enjoying some of the best BBQ on the Atlantic Coast.”

The Booo-B-Que – the name comes from its taking place during the Halloween season – is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), a competitive cooking organization and the world’s largest non-profit group of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts, with more than 20,000 members worldwide. Every year, KCBS sanctions more than 450 BBQ contests worldwide, with the mission of recognizing barbeque as “America’s Cuisine,” and “to celebrate, teach, preserve and promote barbeque as a culinary technique, sport and art form.”

BBQ competitors from up and down the East Coast from as far as New York, North Carolina, and Connecticut are expected to compete for the opportunity to be named the best BBQ chef in these parts and to win up to $10,000 in prize money. The Booo-B-Que also has the distinction of hosting the state championship for barbeque, and will help one competitor earn an invitation to the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational in 2017. To enter the BBQ competition, both pro and backyard grillers should contact event organizer Sandy Fulton at sandyfulton720@gmail.com.

The Booo-B-Que will be held in the south inlet day use and campground areas of Delaware Seashore State Park. The event features 30-plus food and craft brew vendors, live music, a Jeep show, trick-or-treating, a kids’ costume competition, and an opportunity for visitors to sample and select the “people’s choice award” winners for chicken wings.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, a live auction for low digit surf fishing tags will be held. This year’s auction will feature a once in a lifetime opportunity to bid on surf fishing tag #1. “Delawareans love low-digit license plates and surf fishing tags,” said Parks Director Bivens. “Last year’s auction raised significant funding for the Park system, and we are excited to offer Delaware Surf-Fishing Tag #1 this year.” The live auction will include a select number of low-digit surf plates. The black and white tags have a unique vintage look with raised letters. Bidding will open at $250. The winning bidder for each tag will receive a certificate of authenticity. Once purchased, owners will retain the tag as long as they have a valid Delaware surf fishing permit. All revenue raised from the program will directly benefit Delaware State Parks and surf fishing beach access.

The Booo-B-Q by the Sea Festival’s schedule of events includes:

Friday, Oct. 21:
4 p.m.: Event opens
4:15 p.m.: Tony Windsor – “40 Years of Country”
5-8 p.m.: People’s Choice Wing Competition
5-9 p.m.: Music by Bo Dickerson Band
6 p.m.: KIDS Trick or Treat
6:30-8 p.m.: Bonfire
7 p.m.: Booo-B-Q Social media photo contest
7 p.m.: Guided Bridge Walk (Meet at Bonfire)

Saturday, Oct. 22:
9 a.m.: 5K Run/Walk kicks off
10:30 a.m.: 5K Run/Walk awards
11 a.m.: Booo-B-Q Festival kicks off
Noon-2:30 p.m.: Music by Tom Larsen Band
Noon-4 p.m.: Jeep “Show N’ Shine”
2 p.m.: “Kids-Que” Competition
2:30 p.m. Auction of Delaware Surf Tag-Low Numbers
3:30 p.m.: Best costume competition, Best decorated booth
4-6 p.m.: “Parks Style” pumpkin decorating
5 p.m.: Awards For BBQ Competition
5:30 p.m.: Mini-Jeep Raffle winner announced
6 p.m.: Naturalist program: “Bats and the Blue Bridge”
6:30-8 p.m.: Bonfire and marshmallow roast
7 p.m.: Shipwreck Storytelling: Tragic Tales from Delaware Seashore’s past
7 p.m.: Announcement of social media photo contest winner

Partners and sponsors of the 2nd Annual Booo-B-Que are hoping to raise awareness for Children in Nature and the push to get families outdoors and active. Sussex Outdoors, a public awareness campaign focused on increasing outdoor family activities in Delaware, is one of a number of partners sponsoring the event. “Delaware State Parks provides some of the finest outdoor opportunities in the country and is a perfect setting for getting people outdoors,” said John Hollis, Sussex Outdoors director. “You could not ask for a better backdrop than Delaware Seashore State Park and we’re excited to work with so many great community partners to create a fun family-centered event at this beautiful site.”

In addition to Sussex Outdoors, Booo-B-Q event partners include Memphis BBQ Grills, Boys & Girls Clubs, Walgreens, Discover Bank, Nemours, and numerous other community partners investing in Delaware’s quality of life initiatives.

A special event fee of $5 per person will be in effect for the festival. In support of Children in Nature, all children ages 12 and under receive free admission. Visitors interested in making a weekend out of the festivities can join the fun and get a 20 percent discount on RV campsites at Delaware Seashore State Park for the event. Reservations can be made online at http://delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or by calling 877-987-2757 and using promotional code BBQ2016.

For more information on the Booo-B-Que Family BBQ Competition, and festivities, visit http://www.destateparks.com/boo-bq/ or http://www.boo-bqrun.com/ to enter the 5K Run/Walk. To sponsor this event and/or the Children in Nature Initiative please contact Caroline Foltz at (302) 739-9185.
For more information on the low digit surf tag auction, visit http://www.destateparks.com/lowdigittag/

CONTACT: Abby Shepard, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Marketing, 302-739-9933, or Greg Abbott, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9203

Vol. 46, No. 355

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DuPont Nature Center closed, reopening April 1, 2017

SLAUGHTER BEACH – The DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve has closed for the year, and will reopen Saturday, April 1, 2017 for the busy spring and summer seasons. The center is owned and operated by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife and provides programming and exhibits about Delaware Bayshore aquatic life.

The DuPont Nature Center closes during the fall and winter months when there is less public use of the center, which makes better use of the limited federal Sport Fish Restoration Funds used to operate the center. Cost savings from the winter closure supports aquatic education programs during spring and summer when public programs and visitation are in most demand.

Federal Sport Fish Restoration Funds also support construction and maintenance of public boat ramps and fishing piers throughout the state, as well as a variety of the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Fisheries research, survey and management programs. For more information, visit http://de.gov/wsfrde.

Perched on the edge of Mispillion Harbor at the intersection of the mouths of the Mispillion River and Cedar Creek, the DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve offers a variety of interactive exhibits, school tours and educational programs. In the spring, its location offers wildlife watchers a front-row seat for the spring spectacle of spawning horseshoe crabs and migrating shorebirds, including the red knot, that depend on horseshoe crab eggs to help fuel their 9,000-mile journey. A Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife facility, the center is located at 2992 Lighthouse Road, east of Milford. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about the DuPont Nature Center and its programs, please call 302-422-1329 or visit http://de.gov/dnc.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 353

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