LEWES – Four pairs of piping plovers are incubating nests on the Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, with the first hatches anticipated as soon as next week, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today. Also, a fifth pair on the Point and a pair at Gordons Pond have chosen territories in preparation for nesting.

In other beachnester news, one American oystercatcher nest also is being incubated at Gordons Pond.

For more information about beachnesting birds and monitoring efforts, please contact Matthew Bailey at 302-382-4151 or email matthew.bailey@delaware.gov.

About the piping plover
The piping plover was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1986, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for its protection in Delaware. Under a binding agreement and species management plan that DNREC made in 1990 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – the federal agency with oversight of this ESA-protected species – piping plover nesting areas at Cape Henlopen State Park are closed annually to the public to protect the shorebirds from disturbance during their nesting season from March into September. The closure, which includes the Point and smaller areas around Gordon’s Pond and with both feeding habitat and nesting areas protected, has been successful, increasing the number of piping plover nesting pairs from a low of two pairs to a high of nine pairs. Piping plovers feed on small invertebrates that inhabit the intertidal zone near their nesting territories. Chicks are not fed by their parents, but rather are led to the shoreline to forage while the adults keep watch for potential threats. Allowing pedestrian traffic in the intertidal zone adjoining nesting areas would disturb the vital link between nesting and foraging habitat, and risks adverse stress or mortality to the chicks.

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

Vol. 46, No. 193

Upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend booked solid for campgrounds, cabins and cottages

DOVER – As Memorial Day weekend nears with the unofficial start of summer boasting the best weather forecast in recent memory, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation is preparing for another banner year after serving a record number of campers and cabin guests in 2015. Camping last year was higher than at any other time in parks’ history, with a 19 percent increase over 2014. According to reservation data, the newly-renovated North Inlet campground at Delaware Seashore State Park played an instrumental role in the record 86,200 nights that people camped in a state park last year.

“Investments in state parks provide long-lasting recreational and educational benefits to Delawareans and enhances our quality of life,” said Governor Jack Markell. “These investments also help drive our thriving tourism industry and bring additional revenue to our state. The results of the camping survey bear this out. Campgrounds in Delaware State Parks are world-class, and that’s why Delawareans and visitors alike rate them so highly, and why campers return year after year.”

“These survey results reinforce the fact that we have the best state parks in the nation, for which Delaware State Parks was awarded the prestigious 2015 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “Our parks offer unique, varied and memorable experiences not found in other state parks in our region. We expect that plans for new amenities and other improvements will only enhance the enjoyment of our campers and further increase visitation.”

Just don’t try getting into a parks’ campground, cabin or cottage for the upcoming holiday weekend – since Monday, every campsite, cabin and cottage statewide has been booked solid for the weekend. But Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens advises campers to be proactive for the future and go online now to make reservations for other popular holidays like July 4, Labor Day and Halloween weekends, since bookings for these dates also are filling fast.

“We are delighted to find out that state parks’ campgrounds are more popular than ever,” Director Bivens said. “Residents and visitors alike are coming in increasing numbers to relax, connect with nature and spend time with family and friends. Our visitor surveys and reservation data show that campers appreciate the investments we are making to improve and modernize Delaware State Parks campgrounds.”

Several of the Delaware State Park campgrounds have seen improvements over the past two years:

• Killens Pond — New fire pits for the cabins and 50-amp electrical service for campsites have been added, and the largest waterpark renovation in the history of the facility is underway.
• Cape Henlopen – Two new bathroom facilities and six cabins have been added. This winter, electric service will be added to campsites.
• Lums Pond – A $5 million-plus renovation to add full hookup sites and new bathrooms is underway. Reservations can be made now for the opening, expected in mid-June.
• Delaware Seashore – The North Inlet campground has opened with full hook-up sites, new bathroom and laundry facilities, a playground, and a promenade walkway that allows access to both sides of Indian River Bridge.
• Trap Pond – The Trap Pond Partners originated a free borrow-a-bike program.

To learn more about the improvements happening in Delaware State Park campgrounds or to make a reservation, visit www.destateparks.com, or call the state park call center at 1-877-98-PARKS.

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

Vol. 46, No. 194

Tournament marks the start of National Fishing & Boating Week June 4-12; entry forms online

DOVER – As part of their activities for National Fishing and Boating Week (June 4-12), Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police will hold their 30th Annual Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 4 at Ingrams Pond near Millsboro, Wyoming Pond in Wyoming and at the dog training area of Lums Pond State Park near Bear.

The tournament is open to youths ages 4 through 15. An adult must accompany youngsters under age 12 and contestants must bring their own fishing equipment. Prizes will be awarded at 1:30 p.m. in three age groups: 4 through 7, 8 through 11 and 12 through 15. The tournament is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. to register for the tournament.

The tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release angling approach to conservation.

“Since the tournament’s first year in ‘86, this event has grown tremendously and has introduced more than 200 youths each year to sport fishing,” said Sgt. John McDerby of the Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, which sponsors the tournament.

In addition to the fishing tournament celebrating the start of National Fishing and Boating Week, the Division of Fish & Wildlife has designated June 4 and 5 as free fishing days when anyone may fish in Delaware waters without a fishing license.

Anglers are reminded that even though they don’t need a license to fish on those two days, those who are age 16 and older are still required to obtain a free Fisherman Identification Network (F.I.N.) number, available online at www.delaware-fin.com or by calling 1-800-432-9228. Anglers also are required to comply with Delaware’s fishing regulations, including size and daily catch limits.

For more information on the Youth Fishing Tournament, including the registration form, please call 302-739-9913 or click 2016 Youth Fishing Tournament.

The Youth Fishing Tournament 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 Contacts: 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. 192

Celebration has Governor Markell joined by middle school students to cast first fishing lines of season

LEWES – Governor Jack Markell and DNREC Secretary David Small were joined today by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Acting Assistant Director Paul Rauch, Delaware Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf, other legislators and members of the community to mark the reopening of the newly-repaired 1,300-foot Cape Henlopen State Park Fishing Pier. The Governor was also joined by students from Millsboro Middle School to celebrate the pier’s reopening by casting the first fishing lines of the season from the pier. Cape Henlopen Pier reopens with Gov. Markell, local elected officials and Millsboro Middle School students celebrating

“The Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier is Delaware’s most popular recreational fishing structure, generating more than $700,000 in revenue per year for our economy,” Governor Markell said. “Our anglers, bird watchers and many other nature lovers can be outside, relax and enjoy nature. And, the pier also helps further another goal for our state – to get children outside for healthy fun, and as a way to help develop their appreciation of the environment.”

The vintage WWII landmark has been restored for the use of anglers, bird watchers and leisure visitors. The 149 pilings that support the structure have been repaired or replaced and extensive decking repairs completed.

In addition to fishing and other recreational uses, the pier creates habitat for fish and other marine life. The pier has served as a platform for events and special promotions, and its bait and tackle concessionaire is a convenience for visitors and generates income for the park.

“We are pleased that the fishing pier, the most used in the state, is reopening in time for the Memorial Day holiday,” said DNREC Secretary Small. “Our thanks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for its contribution of more than $350,000, and our local legislators who helped bring this very popular fishing pier back to life.”

“The Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier project is a great example of the federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program at work,” said Paul Rauch, Acting Assistant Director of the Division of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Anglers pay federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel, and then directly benefit as those funds are reinvested to improve access to fishing. The project demonstrates the success of this partnership among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, fishing manufacturers, and sportsmen and women.”

The cost for repairs, decking, piles and engineering was funded by the state and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with contributions from Representatives Schwartzkopf, Timothy Dukes and Steve Smyk, and Senator Ernesto Lopez, through their Community Transportation Fund allotments.

“Thousands upon thousands of residents and visitors use the Cape Henlopen fishing pier every year to fish, birdwatch or just enjoy nature,” said House Speaker Schwartzkopf, whose district includes Cape Henlopen State Park. “This pier is as much a part of our community and history as any other part of the park, and I’m happy to see it restored and reopened to the public. The pier will continue to serve as a resource for all who visit the park.”

The all-wooden pier was built during World War II by the U.S. Army as a mining wharf and became state property when Cape Henlopen State Park was established in 1964. Since 2007, several rehabilitative efforts have been undertaken on the pilings beneath the pier. The T-head portion of the pier was demolished in 2012 after its deteriorated condition was thought to pose a threat to safety and navigation by DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, which has closely monitored the condition of the pier.

“These latest repairs to the pier were vital to the continued use of this popular facility, and I hope we can continue to support similar investments in our aging infrastructure throughout our state parks,” said Ray Bivens, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation Director. “The 6.1 million people who visit our state parks annually come because they appreciate not only the variety of our amenities and the natural beauty, but also our well managed and maintained facilities.”

“The Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier improves access to fishing and is a unique asset for anglers,” said Clark Evans with the Delaware Council on Recreational Fishing Funding. “Not only is the pier an ideal place to teach children how to fish, but it also accommodates older, less mobile anglers and those with physical disabilities.”

“I am thrilled that the Cape Henlopen Pier is back, and bringing with it visitors from near and far to enjoy Delaware’s beautiful coast,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “Thanks to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the federal funding and to the various folks in the state who provided the funds to make this happen.”

“It’s wonderful news that the scenic and functional pier will be back open for business in time for the beach season,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “I applaud Governor Markell and Secretary Small for their continued investments in our state parks, and I thank the many hands who helped reconstruct the pier for the thousands of guests who flock to Cape Henlopen State Park throughout the year.”

“Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the great treasures in our state,” said U.S. Congressman John Carney. “There are many areas that Delawareans and tourists love to visit, and the fishing pier is near the top of the list. The pier attracts families who like to fish, bird watchers and many others who just enjoy being in nature. I appreciate the support and hard work of DNREC, state and local officials, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which provided funding for the project. Reopening the pier is a great way to kick off the summer, and I’m sure this will be a busy spot all season long.”

In addition to the reopening of the pier, parks officials also unveiled six new camping cabins at the Cape Henlopen State Park campground. This is in addition to six existing cabins, which have proven to be a popular success with parks visitors. The newly-dubbed “Cabin Village” is located next to the tent camping area in the park. The roadway that previously passed in front of the original six cabins has been converted into a cul-de-sac, with the new cabins encircling the roadway.

Delaware State Parks made the decision to add additional camping cabins following the success of the original six cabins during the peak of last year’s season. “With a 97 percent occupancy rate and more than 1,500 people enjoying the cabins last year, we saw a need to give more visitors the opportunity to enjoy what Cape Henlopen has to offer,” said Cape Henlopen State Park Manager Paul Faircloth. “According to last year’s numbers and the projected numbers for 2016, these cabins will allow us to host around 2,000 people throughout the peak season.”

Each new cabin is painted a different color, and several cabins feature dormers that enhance the interior space. All of the cabins are heated and air conditioned, but do not contain individual restrooms or kitchens. A bathhouse is located next to the Cabin Village, however, and each cabin has a picnic table and fire ring. The 476-square-foot cabins also feature screened porches.

More campground improvements are coming next fall. The campground will close on September 12, for the installation of electric service, improvements to the roadway and drainage systems, and construction of a camp store and laundry facility. Construction is expected to end in May 2017. The reopening of reservations for the park’s 2017 season will be announced in an e-newsletter later this summer.

At the close of the event, Gov. Markell presented a proclamation designating June 5 as “Delaware State Parks Day,” to mark the Division’s 65th anniversary. On June 5, the public can visit state parks free of charge. The proclamation also recognizes the Division’s receipt of this year’s prestigious National Gold Medal Award for excellence in park and recreation management.

Media Contacts: Beth Shockley or Melanie Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 189

Delaware’s Boating Safety Office urges good safety practices

DOVER – With the 2016 summer season making its debut next weekend and plenty of good weather on the horizon, many boaters will be heading out on the water. As they do, the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Office of Boating Safety and Education encourages them to remember to practice safe boating, not just over Memorial Day weekend – but throughout the year.

This morning, DNREC Deputy Secretary Kara Coats, Division of Fish & Wildlife Director David Saveikis and Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers joined U.S. Senator Tom Carper, State Senator Ernie Lopez, State Representative Harvey Kenton, State Representative Rich Collins, U.S. Coast Guard and USCG Auxiliary members, USCG Auxiliary volunteer boating safety instructors and volunteer boating safety instructors with the U.S. Power Squadron’s Nanticoke Sail & Power Squadron of Seaford, to officially kick off National Safe Boating Week at the Division’s Lewes Public Boat Ramp.

“Boating is popular in coastal Delaware with both residents and many of our seasonal visitors,” said Senator Carper. “Boating is fun, but it’s also serious business. That’s why, for more than 40 years, the federal government has provided grant support for boater safety and education programs, and Delaware mandates boater safety classes and lifejacket use for children. Through this partnership Delaware has been able to achieve one of the best boater safety records in the nation.”

“Delaware’s waterways are among the First State’s top tourism destinations, and we can be proud that our state consistently has one of the lowest boating accident rates in the country,” said Deputy Secretary Coats. “To keep these numbers low, we will diligently continue our efforts in boating safety education, outreach, and – as needed – enforcement of our boating rules and regulations.”

“Our boating safety education program, with the help of our dedicated volunteer instructors, plays a significant role in Delaware’s boating safety record,” said David Saveikis, director of DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife. “As a lifelong boater myself, I encourage boaters to learn the boating ‘rules of the road’ and to practice safe boating each and every time they head out to enjoy our beautiful waterways.”

While stressing the importance of boating education, Chief Robert Legates of the Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police also encouraged boaters to be aware and alert on the water. “Last year, we had one boating-related fatality and 25 reportable boating accidents. We’d like to see the number of accidents go down,” Legates said, noting that to date this year, Delaware has had five reported boating accidents and no fatalities. “Though some accidents are unavoidable, we need everyone on our waterways to be alert, use common sense and avoid actions that will put themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk.”

Statistics support the vital role of wearing life jackets in keeping boaters safe. According to U.S. Coast Guard national statistics from 2015, 425 people drowned in recreational boating accidents nationwide. Three-quarters of all boating-related fatalities nationwide were drowning victims, and 352 – more than 80 percent – were not wearing life jackets.

“Boating accidents can happen very fast – and there’s no time to reach for a stowed lifejacket and put it on. Like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that lifejackets save lives,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator. “Today’s lifejackets are also more effective, comfortable and fashionable than in the past, so there’s simply no reason not to wear them.”

“In addition, Delaware law requires that children age 12 and younger wear a lifejacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters,” McDerby said. “Though lifejackets are not legally required for adults, they should also wear them, especially anyone with limited swimming skills.”

Recent statistics from the Coast Guard show the top five primary contributing factors for boating accidents are operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, mechanical failure and excessive speed. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and was listed as the leading factor in 17 percent of the 626 boating-related fatalities reported nationwide in 2015.

“Drinking while boating is a choice. The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wise choice – don’t drink and boat,” said McDerby, noting that boaters should plan ahead to have a non-drinking designated boat operator aboard if alcohol is being consumed.

While it is not illegal for recreational boat operators to consume alcohol, the same blood alcohol limit used to measure intoxication in automobile drivers applies to boat operators: 0.08 or above is legally intoxicated. McDerby also noted that boat operators found to be at or over the limit face fines and potential jail time, as well as putting themselves and their passengers at risk.

Taking a boating safety course can also improve your skills and reduce the chances of an accident. Coast Guard statistics show that in states where instructional data was available, 80 percent of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978, must successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat in Delaware waters, including personal watercraft. “We recommend that everyone who is going to operate a boat in Delaware waters take a safety course first, regardless of whether or not they are required to do so,” McDerby said.

Delaware’s 8-hour basic boating safety course, which fulfills the state’s mandatory boating safety course requirement, is offered in multiple locations statewide in one to four sessions. Several providers also offer a Delaware-approved online version of the boating safety course. Upon completing the course, boaters receive a boating safety certificate, which, for individuals required to take the course, must be carried with them while boating as proof of course completion.

Courses cover the rules and regulations of Delaware’s waterways, including: appropriate speed limits; responsible boating skills and awareness; how to distinguish navigational aids and water depths; weather tips; information about basic engine mechanics; required and/or recommended safety equipment; what to do if a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer stops your vessel, and the dangers of boating under the influence.

Delaware’s Office of Boating Safety and Education also provides volunteer instructors to private and non-profit organizations, schools, clubs and the general public to educate boaters on skills and seamanship, and to encourage them to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible.

For more information, including Delaware’s boating safety course schedule, access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook and other boating information, please click Delaware Boating Safety, or contact Boating Safety Coordinator Sgt. John McDerby at 302-739-9913 or email john.mcderby@delaware.gov.

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 Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, Delaware 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. 180