Mulberry Landing Boat Ramp parking lot will be paved and expanded this month into early March. /DNREC photo.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today the March 6 closure of the Mulberry Landing Boat Ramp within the Assawoman Wildlife Area near Bethany Beach for a construction project to enlarge and pave the boat ramp’s gravel parking lot. Construction is scheduled to begin the day of the ramp closure, with the project’s completion anticipated by April 14, dependent on weather.

With the project reflecting the ramp’s increasing popularity with boaters, the upgraded parking lot at the end of Mulberry Landing Road will feature 23 trailer parking spaces and seven car parking spaces.

During construction, the wildlife area will be open for normal use, including pedestrian access to the Observation Tower with vehicle parking available at Memorial Pond within the wildlife area. Signs will be posted to direct visitors away from the construction area.

During the Mulberry Landing Boat Ramp closure, alternative boat launches in the area include Indian River Marina at Delaware Seashore State Park near Rehoboth Beach, Rosedale Boat Ramp near Millsboro, and Holts Landing State Park. All are public use and provide access to Indian River. A ramp certificate is required to launch for any boater whose boat is registered outside of Delaware. Additionally, boaters who launch at Holts Landing should be aware that daily state parks’ entrance fees will resume March 1, and an annual state park pass, a valid surf fishing permit, or payment of the daily entrance fee is required.

For more information about the Mulberry Landing Ramp construction project, contact the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

###

Largest Investments and Private Contributions Made in Open Space Program History

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and the Delaware Open Space Council announced an expansion of 275 acres to White Clay Creek State Park in Newark. This expansion of the nearly 3,650-acre park marks an historic investment to enhance recreational opportunities, bolster wildlife habitats, and preserve additional open lands in New Castle County.

With this addition to Delaware State Parks, DNREC has acquired more than 45,000 acres through the Open Space Program with combined state, federal and partner funds.

“As our state’s population continues to grow, we have to make sure that we have first-class recreational opportunities for our residents to enjoy, as well as our visitors. This acquisition allows us to provide those experiences and preserve Delaware’s open spaces,” said Governor Carney. “It represents the largest investment and private partner contributions to a DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation project in the Open Space Program’s history. And it honors the oath that elected officials take to ‘respect the right of future generations to share the rich historic and natural heritage of Delaware.’”

Governor Carney’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget included an increased budget of $20 million for the Delaware Open Space Program. This allowed the Open Space Program to acquire three key land parcels. These parcels included the last major privately-owned land within the park.

“This expansion of White Clay Creek State Park is part of DNREC’s commitment to preserving and conserving Delaware’s natural resources for current and future generations,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “I would like to thank all of the partners who are helping to make this expansion possible, including Mt. Cuba Center and The Conservation Fund, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through Walmart’s Acres for America program, and with special thanks to the du Pont family.”

In a tribute to dedicated conservationist William K. du Pont, Sabrina du Pont-Langenegger and her husband Conrad Langenegger gifted a $1.3 million endowment through the Delaware Community Foundation to support Delaware State Parks.

The acquisition of the three parcels is progressing in three phases:

• Phase 1 – about 90 acres – Acquisition completed in September 2023.
• Phase 2 – about 97 acres – Acquisition anticipated in early 2024.
• Phase 3 – about 88 acres – Acquisition anticipated in later 2024.

The $26 million project was made possible with $19.5 million from the Delaware Open Space Program and $6 million secured from Mt. Cuba Center through The Conservation Fund. The project was also awarded a $500,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through Walmart’s Acres for America program. This is the first time Acres for America has funded a project in Delaware and one of only ten competitive grants awarded nationwide.

The expansion project aligns with the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan, which emphasizes keeping the park natural and maximizing its 37-mile trail system, a favorite feature among park users.

“These acquisitions will add much-needed open space in one of the fastest growing areas in our region,” said Blaine Phillips, senior vice president at The Conservation Fund. “It is a testament to Delaware’s long tradition of building partnerships to achieve major conservation outcomes. With significant contributions from the Delaware Open Space Program, Mt. Cuba Center, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through Walmart’s Acres for America program, and the du Pont-Langenegger family, the pieces all came together to create a huge benefit for the public to use and enjoy for generations to come.”

“Communities of native plants, migrating and nesting birds, and many other species rely on White Clay Creek’s woodlands, stream valleys and ridges,” said Ann C. Rose, Mt. Cuba Center’s president. “We are pleased our support will protect these habitats, and we thank all conservation partners involved for their collaboration and dedication to this important achievement.”

“White Clay Creek provides important habitat for hundreds of species, including those that live in and around the creeks and forests year-round, but also for migratory songbirds that might only visit for a few days on their annual migration up and down the eastern U.S.,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “Through Walmart’s Acres for America program, NFWF is proud to support this important project, where people will have the opportunity to connect with nature and will benefit from increased recreational opportunities.”

The expansion of White Clay Creek State Park, which is also part of the National Park Service’s Wild and Scenic Rivers System, underscores Delaware’s dedication to preserving natural resources.

Created in 1990 by the Delaware Land Protection Act and guided by the Delaware Open Space Council, the Open Space Program is shared between DNREC’s divisions of Parks and Recreation and Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service, and the Department of State’s Historical and Cultural Affairs.

For information about Delaware’s Open Space Program, visit de.gov/openspace.

Tyeast Amankwah, Auburn Valley State Park; Diana Marsteller, Brandywine Creek State Park; Lindsey Goebel, Delaware Seashore State Park. /DNREC photos

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is pleased to announce three new superintendents at Delaware State Parks. Tyeast Amankwah is now the superintendent at Auburn Valley State Park, Diana Marsteller is the superintendent at Brandywine Creek State Park and Lindsey Goebel is the superintendent at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Tyeast Amankwah has been with the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation for 23 years, starting as an administrative specialist with Wilmington State Parks in 2000. In 2018, she was hired as the assistant park superintendent at Bellevue State Park. She has twice been called upon to lead the park as the acting park superintendent during staff transitions. Amankwah received advanced training through the State Park Supervisory Development Program, the Events Management and Revenue Development Schools at Oglebay, and Event Security Planning for Public Safety Professionals through the Delaware State Fire School. She also received several awards from the division, including Outstanding Motivator and two Outstanding Customer Service awards from the division.

Diana Marsteller comes to Delaware from the Maryland Park Service, where she most recently held the position of state park ranger lead for their training division. She previously worked at Elk Neck State Park and supported front-line operations at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. She also has experience as a communications coordinator and in special projects for Johns Hopkins University, from which she also received a master’s degree in environmental science and policy. She holds numerous professional certifications in instructing trainings for emergency medical responders, wilderness and remote first aid, and CPR/AED instruction for professional rescuers.

Lindsey Goebel hails from Trap Pond State Park, where she was most recently the assistant superintendent. Her work with the division started as a seasonal naturalist at both Killens Pond and Trap Pond state parks. She previously worked in a civilian position with Denton Police Department in Maryland and held numerous positions in outdoor recreation, including as a camp specialist with the Maryland Park Service and kayaking guide for the Assateague Explorer. Goebel holds a bachelor’s degree recreation and park management from Frostburg State University and is a graduate of the prestigious National Association of State Park Directors Leadership School. She also received several awards from the division, including Outstanding Achiever, Outstanding Team, and the division’s prestigious Mohr Jennings Award.

Amankwah, Marsteller and Goebel are now responsible for all daily operations at their respective state parks, including supervision, scheduling and evaluation of staff; coordination of maintenance and visitor service programs; development and continuation of relationships with partners, adjacent landowners and community groups; and fiscal, programmatic and infrastructure planning.

Delaware State Parks welcome 8 million guests annually and have been selected as the best-managed state parks system in the nation on multiple occasions.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:
DNREC: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

###

The Scotton Landing boat ramp and fishing pier on the St. Jones River will be closed starting Nov. 7 while DNREC reconstructs the facility with a new ramp and courtesy dock expected to be in use spring 2024. /DNREC photo

New Ramp, Courtesy Dock and Repaved Parking Lot Coming Next Spring

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife boat ramp facility at Scotton Landing (also known as Barkers Landing) on the St. Jones River, and located off Trap Shooters Road near Magnolia, will be closed for reconstruction starting Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

The Scotton Landing project is anticipated to be completed by April 1, 2024, weather notwithstanding. The project includes a new boat ramp, a new courtesy dock, and a repaved parking lot. The fishing pier at Scotton Landing also will be closed during this reconstruction project.

Design features of the new ramp include extending the ramp into deeper water to aid boaters launching at low tide, supporting the ramp with timber piles, and protecting the ramp from scouring with steel sheet piles. In addition to the ramp, a new L-shaped courtesy dock, which allows for easier maneuverability in the river for launching and temporary mooring while boaters retrieve their vehicle, will be installed.

The nearest tidal boat ramps that may be used alternatively during the Scotton Landing closure are the Lebanon Landing (also on the St. Jones and in proximity to Magnolia) and Bowers Beach Boat Ramps.

For more information related to the Scotton Landing closure, call the DNREC Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

###

A breach in the exterior dike of the West Impoundment on DNREC’s Little Creek Wildlife Area east of Dover will likely mean partial closures of the wildlife area and include limited access for hunters during Delaware’s early waterfowl season, which starts Friday, Oct. 27 /DNREC photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control today announced that partial closures of the Little Creek Wildlife Area east of Dover are a likely occurrence as emergency repairs are made to the breached exterior dike at the area’s West Impoundment.

In late September, impacts of Tropical Storm Ophelia weakened a portion of the dike at the impoundment along the tidal Little River. The weakened portion – combined with extensive coastal flooding earlier this month – has resulted in a breach of the dike of the West Impoundment to the extent that the impoundment now acts as a fully tidal body of water, limiting both habitat benefits for wildlife and access for recreational users.

While actively looking for solutions to repair the breached dike, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, acting in the interest of public safety, has restricted access to the West Impoundment, effective immediately. Future closures of the access road to the impoundment are also necessary to allow for construction work to repair the breached dike.

Because of the breach, navigational hazards that now exist within portions of the West Impoundment require the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife to restrict boating access for waterfowl hunters. The DNREC Wildlife Section anticipates that waterfowl hunting will be limited or closed within the Little Creek West Impoundment (where waterfowl blinds numbered 7, 9, 50, and 51, all walk-in blinds, are located). Additionally, the road and boat ramp providing access to these waterfowl blinds on the West Impoundment may also need to be closed for construction work on the dike.

Should waterfowl hunting be permitted in the West Impoundment while it has been breached, information will be available at the Little Creek Lottery Station off Route 9 throughout the waterfowl season, which begins Friday, Oct. 27. Hunters also will need to be aware that because the impoundment is now fully tidal, it will go dry at low tide.

For more information about the Little Creek Wildlife Area regarding the West Impoundment, call the DNREC Wildlife Section, 302-739-9912.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

###