Reminder for the week: Visitors to Delaware’s wildlife, fishing and boating areas asked to respect natural resources

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, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 6-12 made 1772 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 244 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 52 complaints and issued 21 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.

Incidents of note:

• On June 10, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Jack R. Riley, 39, of Basking Ridge, N.J., for disorderly conduct following an incident at the Paradise Grill in Pot-Nets Bayside near Long Neck. Riley was remanded to the Sussex County Correctional Institute in Georgetown due to alcohol intoxication. He was later arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown and released with a no-contact order with Paradise Grill, pending a court appearance at a later date.
• On June 10, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited John Beck, 65, of Milton, for negligent operation of a vessel in connection with a two-vessel crash at North Shore Marina in Indian River Bay. Damage to the two vessels was estimated at about $2,000. Beck was fined $107, including court costs

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (8), possession of undersized blue crab (2), recreational crab pot tampering (1), use of recreational crab pots without required turtle excluder (1), and possession of undersized striped bass (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation of a vessel (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (2), towing a water skier or tube without required observer (1), no boat ramp certificate (1), and no boating education certificate (1).

Public Safety: Disorderly conduct (1).

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach

• On June 11, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers assisted the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays with the annual Inland Bays Cleanup as Masseys Landing Boat Ramp. The event drew about 50 volunteers. The Operation Game Theft trailer was displayed at the event.
• On June 10, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police AFC Josh Hudson and his K-9 partner Rosco, a Labrador retriever, attended a “Touch-a-Truck” event with their patrol truck in Lewes. Children at the event enjoyed meeting Rosco, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police’s new K-9 officer based in Sussex County.

Are you AWARE?
With the arrival of summer, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police are increasing patrols and closely monitoring state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities and multi-use areas for visitor safety and compliance, as well as checking for illegal activity such as vandalism, littering, dumping and damaging wildlife habitat.

“The public is encouraged to enjoy our wildlife, fishing and boating access areas and the unique outdoor experiences they offer,” said Sgt. John McDerby of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “However, as stewards of this land for the general public, we cannot allow the few people who do not respect our conservation mission to ruin things for the many who do. Those caught abusing our natural resources through illegal activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

State wildlife areas, fishing piers and boat launching facilities are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise unless a person is actively and lawfully engaged in fishing, hunting or boating in accordance with state regulations and individual wildlife area rules. Individuals not meeting these requirements and found at these sites between sunset and sunrise face fines up to $100 for trespassing after hours.

Wildlife area visitors also are reminded that it is illegal to operate motor vehicles – including motorcycles, cars, trucks and SUVs – off established roadways in state wildlife areas. Violators found to cause damage also will be cited for destruction of state property. In addition, operating a motor vehicle that is not licensed for use on established public roadways – including ATVs – is prohibited both on and off-road on state wildlife areas.

The following rules also apply to all state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities and multi-use areas:

• Camping, swimming, target shooting (including paintball), dumping and littering, and fires are prohibited.
• 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 during designated hunting seasons.
• Firearms are prohibited on state wildlife areas from March 1 to Aug. 31, except during legal hunting seasons or as authorized by the Division of Fish & Wildlife.
• All of these sites have a carry-in, carry-out trash policy.

“Littering can be a problem, especially in many fishing areas, so please leave no trace behind and take your trash with you,” Sgt. McDerby said.

For more information on individual wildlife areas, including the rules and regulations specific to each area, visitors are encouraged to give close attention to Delaware wildlife area maps published by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. The maps are available in hard copy at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and also can be found online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.

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.

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

Vol. 46, No. 221

DOVER – Sunny summer weather greeted 173 young anglers and their families who gathered Saturday, June 4 at three Delaware ponds for DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 30th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament. All fish caught in the tournament were weighed and released, as young anglers got a first-hand lesson in conservation.

The New Castle County location, Lums Pond in Bear, drew 86 children and young teens casting lines, while at Kent County’s Wyoming Pond, 36 youngsters turned out. Sussex County reeled in 51 young anglers at Ingrams Pond near Millsboro. Fish species caught included catfish, white perch, yellow perch, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, golden shiner and pumpkinseed.

When the day was done, 12-year-old Ethan Wong of Frederica came out as overall statewide winner, as well as the Kent County winner, with fish weighing in at a total of 3.99 pounds.

The biggest fish of the day were caught by: Brandon Feaster, age 15, of Camden, 2.7-pound largemouth bass, Wyoming Pond; Brielle Weirzbicki, age 10, of Bear, 2-pound largemouth bass, Lums Pond; and Zachary Hicks, age 11, of Greenwood, 0.71-pound eel, Ingrams Pond. Also, Elise Britton, age 12, of Middletown, last year’s New Castle County winner, caught a 5-pound turtle in Lums Pond.

The smallest fish of the day were caught by: Camrin Croney, age 10, of Ocean View, 0.01-pound bluegill; and Jordan Brown, age 13, of Delmar, 0.029-pound bluegill.

This year’s county winners and the overall statewide winner will be invited to a special trophy presentation by Delaware Governor Jack Markell on Governor’s Day, Thursday, July 28 at the 2016 Delaware State Fair in Harrington.

New Castle County winners

At Lums Pond in New Castle County, Onna Crowley, age 7, of Middletown, was the day’s overall winner with a total of 3.66 pounds of fish. Other New Castle County winners, by age group and total weight of fish caught, were:

Ages 4 through 7

• First place – Russell Reed, age 7, of Middletown, 2.16 pounds
• Second place – Terrence Oldaker, age 6, of Newark, 1.26 pounds
• Third place – Reagan Donaldson, age 7, of Middletown, 1 pound

Ages 8 through 11

• First place – Jason Oldaker, age 8, of Newark, 3.19 pounds
• Second place – Drake Crowley, age 11, of Middletown, 2.24 pounds
• Third place – Sharrell Corbin, age 8, of Middletown, 2.23 pounds

Ages 12 through 15

• First place – Elise Britton, age 12, of Middletown, 1.49 pounds
• Second place – Morgan Roman, age 14, of Bear, 1.12 pounds
• Third place – Lauren Pollock, age 13, of Middletown, 1.01 pounds

Kent County winners

In addition to Kent County and statewide winner Ethan Wong, other Kent County winners at Wyoming Pond, by age group and total weight of fish caught, were:

Ages 4 through 7

• First place – Phoebe Wong, age 6, of Frederica, 2.55 pounds
• Second place – Carly Clevens, age 5, of Wilmington, 1.5 pounds
• Third place – Gianna Vlasquez, age 6, of Clayton, 1.38 pounds

Ages 8 through 11

• First place – Sean Deshanes, age 10, of Camden, 2.11 pounds
• Second place – Trevor Wong, age 10, of Frederica, 1.97 pounds
• Third place – Julian Quinonez, age 8, of Dover, 1.82 pounds

Ages 12 through 15

• First place – Brandon Feaster, age 15, of Camden, 3.97 pounds
• Second place – Jordan Brown, age 13, of Delmar, 2.94 pounds
• Third place – Seth Deshanes, age 13, of Camden, 2.58 pounds

Sussex County winners

At Ingrams Pond in Sussex County, Luke Hitchens, age 9, of Dagsboro, was the day’s overall winner with a total of 3 pounds of fish. Other Sussex County winners, by age group and total weight of fish caught, were:

Ages 4 through 7

• First place – John Timmons V, age 4, of Georgetown, 2.86 pounds
• Second place – Kylie Henry, age 6, of Chadds Ford, Pa., 1.55 pounds
• Third place – Emmeliz Vargas, age 7, of Milford, 1.11 pounds

Ages 8 through 11

• First place – Andrew Wertz, age 9, of Lewes, 2.12 pounds
• Second place – Zachary Hicks, age 11, of Greenwood, 1.69 pounds
• Third place – Camrin Croney, age 10, of Ocean View, 1.49 pounds

Ages 12 through 15

• First place – Gage Waite, age 13, of Seaford, 1.36 pounds
• Second place – Tyler Karr, age 14, of Georgetown, 1.03 pounds
• Third place – no entrants

The winners received fishing rods and tackle boxes as well as trophies, and all participants received prizes. This year’s donors and supporters included: Almars Outboards, Cabela’s, Reynolds Auto Collision and Captain Bones Bait, Tackle & Hunting, New Castle County; Camden Walmart, Williamsville Country Store, American Legion Walter L. Fox Post No. 2, Route 10 Subway and Joel Blessing, Kent County; and Georgetown Walmart, Millsboro Food Lion, Long Neck Harris Teeter, Jungle Jim’s, Funland, Lewes Harbour Marina, Lingo Marine, Millsboro Dairy Queen, Short’s Marine, Rick’s Bait & Tackle, B&E Tire and Auto, Megee Motors, Chick-Fil-A, Dewey Beach Lions Club, Suburban Propane, Millsboro McDonald’s, Millsboro Giant Food, Old Inlet Bait & Tackle and White Water Mountain, Sussex County.

The Youth Fishing Tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release approach to conservation. The free tournament, held annually in June, is open to youth ages 4 through 15. For more information on the Youth Fishing Tournament, please call 302-739-9913 or visit Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament webpage.

This program is part of Delaware’s Children in Nature Initiative, a statewide effort to improve environmental literacy in Delaware, create opportunities for children to participate in enriching outdoor experiences, combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. Delaware’s multi-agency initiative, which partners state and federal agencies with community organizations, is part of the national No Child Left Inside program.

Media

 

Vol. 46, No. 220

Upgrades expected to bring in additional campers; generate more funding for DE State Parks

BEAR – Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Deputy Secretary Kara Coats, EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin, state legislators, and other partners and stakeholders were on hand today to welcome visitors to the reopening of the newly transformed campground at Lums Pond State Park.

With annual camping numbers at record highs, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation has added key infrastructural improvements and amenities to the park, which are designed to draw new campers to the only campground in New Castle County.

Delaware State Parks served a record number of campers and cabin guests in 2015, higher than at any other time in parks’ history, with a 19 percent increase over 2014. Parks officials expect the improvements at Lums Pond State Park will draw hundreds of new campers to help boost those numbers even higher in 2016.

“This is great news for campers and the strategic location, close to I-95 and Route 40, makes it a great stop for travelers headed to the beaches and other vacation destinations,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “The success of this campground is good for tourism, for our economy and for the enjoyment of the people of this state. This project is an investment that will bring more visitors to the state and support the many jobs and businesses in the area.”

Major improvements to the expanded, 70-site RV campgrounds include three-point hookups that provide water, sewer and 50-amp electrical service to the campsites – three of which are also fully-accessible – and paving of all of the sites. Other improvements include a new bathhouse and five new walk-in tent sites.

As the only state park campground in New Castle County, the Lums Pond State Park campground is expected to become a major attraction with amenities that include an extensive trail system and the Go Ape high adventure zipline course. It is close to many other Brandywine Valley attractions and serves as the official campground of the University of Delaware. The closest state parks campgrounds with similar amenities are more than an hour away.

“Lums Pond State Park is a must- see for visitors in and outside of Delaware,” said DNREC Deputy Secretary Kara Coats. “The improvements to the campground showcase the park as a major Delaware camping destination. The investment made by federal, state and local partnerships will enable hundreds of additional families to enjoy the camping options that this marvelous park offers.”

The campground improvements are projected to generate more than $300,000 for state parks in 2017. That’s more than double the current revenue, all of which helps support state parks’ 65-percent self-funded business model. The revenue will enable the Division to make payments on the loan funding.

The campground has been closed all winter for the $5.6 million renovation, funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund, the federal-state partnership that provides low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects. The program is funded by annual Environmental Protection Agency capitalization grants and the required 20 percent state matching funds appropriated through the state Bond Bill.

“These park upgrades, aided by EPA’s State Revolving Fund, will provide the infrastructure improvements that enable more visitors to enjoy the many environmental amenities that Lums Pond State Park has to offer,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “Delaware’s decision to expand and improve the facilities at this park will greatly improve the outdoor experience for the many visitors, especially the campers.”

“Delaware is a destination for its world-class beaches and tax-free shopping, but it also has beautiful parks and recreational amenities for residents and visitors alike,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “By utilizing a federal assistance program like this one, the state has improved one of its most popular recreational attractions that will prove to be not only a wonderful upgrade for those who visit, but an economic driver for the state as well.”

“Our family loves Delaware’s great state parks, and we’re lucky to have such a great park system in the First State,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “When asked about the quality of life where they live, people invariably mention the quality and character of parks, and this investment into Lums Pond State Park’s new amenities will draw campers and outdoor enthusiasts to this location and will entice past campers to return. I want to thank and congratulate Governor Markell and the EPA for the new additions that will only serve to compliment the beauty and accessibility of Lums Pond State Park.”

“Summer’s in full swing,” said Congressman John Carney. “We’re expecting a record number of campers visiting Delaware State Parks this year, including at the newly renovated campground at Lums Pond. We have some of the most beautiful and fun campgrounds in the area, and I’m glad Delawareans will get to enjoy camping at Lums Pond once again! Our parks are an important part of the state’s tourism economy, and great places for Delawareans and visitors to enjoy.”

“We had to get creative to make this project happen,” said Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens, “to find a funding source that hadn’t been used for this purpose before. Some of the improvements we see today were identified as far back as the 1970s, but were never funded until now. There is already a tremendous amount of excitement about the improvements from the camping community. We know that adding utilities and other amenities could draw thousands of new visitors to the park. In fact, the campground is completely booked for the upcoming weekend.”
“Tourism is a major economic driver for our state, and knowing that camping numbers are at record highs means that this is a smart investment for our state,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, whose district borders the park. “By making these upgrades, we are making Lums Pond more inviting and more attractive for new visitors and encouraging new campers to stay here.”

“Lums Pond is one of the 12th District’s true jewels – an amazing oasis for recreation in our most populous county,” said Sen. Nicole Poore. “This new campground will allow new visitors from Delaware and beyond to discover this jewel and all it has to offer to families and those who love the outdoors.”

“There are a lot of great activities that draw visitors to Lums Pond: hiking, biking and horse-riding, trails, boating opportunities, and of course, the Go Ape zipline course,” said Rep. Earl Jaques, whose district includes the park. “These improvements to our campgrounds will make visitors feel more welcome. We want everyone to enjoy their stay here, and I believe DNREC has done a great job with these amenities to make sure all campers have a great time and then come back and visit us again.”

Other key campground improvements include:

• A brand new heated and fully-accessible bathhouse that includes four showers, four family bathrooms with showers, and standard toilet facilities.
• A modernized lift station to manage additional wastewater. The lift station pumps wastewater to the sewage treatment plant.
• Grouted manholes to prevent any environmental contamination.
• An environmentally-friendly pervious parking lot for tent campers, with a five-car capacity.

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

Vol. 46, No.218

LAUREL – Laurel Riverfront Park will be the setting of the second-annual Eco Paddle as part of the Reclaim Our River (ROR) Nanticoke Series, a program offering monthly events, workshops, and recreational activities designed to raise water quality awareness in the Nanticoke Watershed. DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship, the National Parks Conservation Association, Delaware Nature Society, Abbotts Mill Nature Center and Nanticoke Watershed Alliance invite kayakers and canoeists to come to the Riverfront Park in Laurel Delaware where the ROR partnership will be exploring a portion of Broad Creek. The Eco Paddle takes place Saturday, June 25, with a rain date the next day.

Experienced paddlers and first-timers alike are welcome to bring the family and learn about wildlife, water quality, and the river’s history while floating on the water. After the paddle, there will be a barbecue and viewing of exhibits from the ROR partnership. The event lasts from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and the $5 registration fee (plus $1.12 credit card fee) includes food and beverages, along with kayak or canoe rental, if needed. All are welcome to participate, but space is limited. Register here to reserve a spot in a canoe or kayak.

Participants are reminded to be prepared to have fun! Site leaders will brief paddlers on basic safety measures to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own canoes and kayaks; however, equipment can also be provided. The Eco Paddle is a family-friendly event, and kids are welcome. However, all participants less than 18 years old must have a waiver signed by an adult, and participants less than 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Waivers will be provided onsite.

Attendees should dress appropriately for the weather and wear clothes they won’t mind getting wet. Lunch will be provided, but participants should bring a water bottle for their thirst while paddling. All donations collected help cover the costs of food and equipment.

One of the most iconic and scenic rivers in the Chesapeake, the Nanticoke River Water Trail spans a 26-mile segment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail through Delaware and Maryland. In 1608, Captain John Smith explored the river, and named it the Nanticoke after the Native Americans who lived along its banks. Today, the 725,000-acre watershed supports a diverse range of wildlife and more rare plants than any other landscape in the Chesapeake. The event will educate residents on techniques used to improve water quality by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution entering Delaware’s waterways.

The Reclaim our River Nanticoke Series offers participants fun opportunities to connect with their waterways and provides important information on water quality to help protect aquatic resources. Additional sponsors include the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, Nanticoke River Sail and Power Squadron, and Survival Products.

For more information on the Reclaim Our River Program, visit www.delawarewatersheds.org

Media Contacts: Phil Miller, DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship, 302-672-1149 or philip.miller@delaware.gov

Vol. 46, No. 208

DOVER – Delaware’s month-long spring turkey season, which ended May 7, yielded 706 birds – a new state record, surpassing the previous record of 687 in 2014, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today. Delaware allows only the harvest of turkeys with beards – almost always males – during the spring season, the only time of year turkeys may be hunted here.

“The recovery of the wild turkey in Delaware is a remarkable conservation success, made possible by the stewardship of hunters and the Delaware Chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation,” said Division of Fish & Wildlife Director David Saveikis. “Such stewardship includes the Division using hunting license revenues and federal funds derived from the purchase of hunting equipment to restore and sustain the state’s wild turkey population, which helped establish the sport of turkey hunting in Delaware.”

“The turkey harvest really started climbing in 2005, and we have experienced a five-fold increase in harvest over the last decade,” said Joe Rogerson, Division of Fish & Wildlife biologist and program manager with Species Conservation and Research. “The growing popularity of turkey hunting combined with a robust turkey population and abundant habitat has provided a fantastic spring hunting opportunity.”

Highlights of the 2016 season included the harvest of 36 “non-typical” turkeys, consisting of gobblers with more than one beard and one turkey with two spurs on each of its legs. Since Delaware opened turkey hunting in 1991, this was the first turkey harvested in Delaware that had multiple spurs on a leg, as nearly all male turkeys have one spur on each leg. Of the birds with multiple beards, the majority – 36 – had two beards, 10 had three beards and three had four beards.

Birds were harvested in 17 of 18 wildlife management zones. Three zones stood out as turkey “hot spots” – zones 4 and 6 in western Kent County, and zone 11 between Seaford and Georgetown in Sussex County – accounting for 38 percent of the total statewide harvest. Zone 1A, which is in New Castle County north of I-95/295, was the only zone where no birds were harvested.

This year, nearly nine out of 10 birds harvested in Delaware came from private land – 86.3 percent of the 706 turkeys harvested. Hunters also were successful on public lands, with 92 birds bagged. Quality hunting opportunities on public land were available statewide as evidenced by turkeys being harvested from 20 different public land areas.

For hunters planning ahead, the 2017 wild turkey season will start Saturday, April 8 and run through Saturday, May 6, with the special youth and disabled hunter day set for Saturday, April 1. Also, before hunting wild turkeys in Delaware, hunters are required to take a turkey hunter education class. For more information, go to Delaware Hunter Education Courses.

In addition to setting overall turkey harvest records, Delaware hunters also harvested a record 14,681 deer during the 2015/16 hunting season.

“To set records for the overall harvest of both deer and turkeys during the same hunting season is certainly a testament to effective wildlife management and the great opportunities available to hunters for these two important game species,” Rogerson said.

For more information on wild turkeys in Delaware, please contact Joe Rogerson, Division of Fish & Wildlife, at 302-735-3600.

The wild turkey: A Delaware conservation success story
Beginning in early 1984, with support from the National Wild Turkey Federation, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists released 34 wild-trapped turkeys from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Vermont into Sussex and Kent counties. Reintroductions continued through the 1990s, and once the population had established a foothold in Delaware, a hunting season was opened in 1991. Today, Delaware has a healthy statewide population estimated at 6,000 birds.

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

Vol. 46, No. 205