With today’s ribbon cutting at Garrisons Lake near Smyrna, the fishing and boating public is officially invited to enjoy the popular angling destination with its newly-renovated concrete boat ramp and added amenities of a courtesy dock and freshly repaved parking lot. Managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the new ramp can easily accommodate vessels from hand-launched jon boats to trailered bass boats up to 20 feet long.

Garrisons Lake is one of Delaware’s five most-fished ponds, with good populations of sunfish, largemouth bass and black crappie sport fish most frequently caught by anglers. The recreation spot south of Smyrna is also among the state’s top 10 most popular ponds and lakes for largemouth bass tournaments, attracting both local and out-of-state fishing clubs.

“DNREC’s public service mission includes providing and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for Delawareans and visitors, as well as supporting local communities by providing facilities like this new boat ramp at Garrisons Lake,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Anglers have a good chance of catching a 4- or 5-pound bass here, so these renovations will enhance the lake’s appeal and popularity as a tournament destination as well as a great place to fish.”

The $353,700 project was funded by federal Sport Fish Restoration grants administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), combined with matching funds from Delaware recreational fishing license fees through the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. The federal funds come from fishing tackle excise taxes paid by recreational anglers and fuel taxes paid by boaters. The new facility replaces a deteriorated 30-plus-year-old boat ramp.

Other improvements made at Garrisons Lake in partnership with USFWS have included a nearly 140-foot-long, handicapped-accessible aluminum footbridge completed in 2012. The popular footbridge makes Garrisons Lake a safer and more accessible place to fish. Previously, anglers and visitors had to walk along the shoulder of a busy highway. The footbridge also provides safe and convenient fishing access to the spillway.

Garrisons Lake is one of 65 boating access areas managed and maintained by DNREC throughout the state.

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 65,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin led the ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the new DNREC Killens Pond State Park boardwalk near Felton. Pictured, left to right, are: State Representative Charles Postles; Louise Warfield, Friends of Killens Pond State Park; Frank Newton, Friends of Killens Pond State Park; Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens; Wendy Aycoth, Friends of Killens Pond State Park; Governor Carney; Secretary Garvin; and State Senator Dave Lawson. /DNREC photo

Walkway Provides Safer Trail Connection, More Fishing Opportunities

To celebrate Earth Day today, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control cut the ribbon on its new Killens Pond State Park pedestrian boardwalk. The boardwalk will provide a safer trail connection along the eastern edge of Killens Pond, more appealing views while walking along the pond, and new fishing opportunities.

Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin hosted a small group to celebrate the grand opening of the boardwalk. The event is viewable on the Delaware State Parks YouTube page.

Previously, pedestrians and bicyclists attempting to navigate around the east end of pondside trail had to use the narrow shoulder of Killens Pond Road, which often has fast-traveling vehicles and was unsafe for those attempting to navigate the shoulder to the other side of the pond. It also provides a safer connection for campers to visit the Nature Center.

The boardwalk cost approximately $2.1 million, with 80% of that funding coming from the Federal Recreational Trails Program. Planning and design of the boardwalk began in 2017; construction began in November 2020 and the project was finished in early April. As part of this project, the boat launch parking lot at the southern end of the boardwalk was completely removed and replaced, creating a much nicer space for boaters, anglers and kayakers to launch.

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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Participating in the ribbon cutting for the new DNREC Wagamons Pond boat ramp were (left to right) State Senator Ernesto Lopez, State Representative Steve Smyk, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Saveikis, Milton Mayor Ted Kanakos, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin and Division of Fish and Wildlife Construction Manager Jeremey Ashe. /DNREC photo

With today’s ribbon cutting at Wagamons Pond in Milton, the fishing and boating public is officially invited to enjoy the popular pond’s newly-renovated boat ramp with a replacement bulkhead and the added amenity of a courtesy dock. Managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the new concrete ramp can easily accommodate vessels from small john board boats to bass boats up to 20 feet long.

“DNREC’s public service mission includes providing and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for Delawareans and visitors, including 65 boating access areas throughout the state,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Our mission also includes supporting local communities like Milton by providing facilities like this new boat ramp at Wagamons Pond.”

Wagamons Pond is one of Delaware’s most popular pond bass fishing and bass tournament locations. The current largemouth bass state record holder, Andrew “A.J.” Klein caught and released an 11-pound, 1.6-ounce lunker 27 inches long with 20.5-inch girth in Wagamons Pond in February 2016.

The $315,000 project was funded by federal Sport Fish Restoration grants administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, combined with matching funds from Delaware fishing license revenues through the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. The new facility replaces a deteriorated 30-plus-year-old ramp.

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 65,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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Cutting the ribbon, left to right: State Senator Sarah McBride, former State Senator Harris McDowell, Delaware Zoological Society President Arlene Reppa, DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, Governor John Carney and Brandywine Zoo Director Brint Spencer. DNREC photo.

View Endangered Lemurs, Tortoises

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control cut the ribbon on its new Madagascar exhibit Nov. 19, and officially welcomed its new tortoise and lemur inhabitants. This new exhibit is home to radiated tortoises and three species of lemurs. The public will be able to visit the habitat starting Friday, Nov. 20.

Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin hosted a small group for a first look at the newcomers as they interacted in the exhibit, along with several who are still in quarantine. The event was also live streamed for the public and zoo fans on the Delaware State Parks YouTube page.

“I grew up coming to the Brandywine Zoo and it has come a long way since then. I am thrilled we were able to revive this habitat space as one of many upgrades in DNREC’s Wilmington parks,” said Governor Carney. “As one of few zoos managed by a State Park system, we are proud of the work the staff does here and grateful for those who brought this habitat to life.”

The animals include three radiated tortoises, four Ring-tailed lemurs from the Bronx Zoo, two Black and White Ruffed lemurs from the Duke Lemur Center; and one male and one female Crowned lemur from the Duke Lemur Center, who came as a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

“We are thrilled to welcome these animals to their new home and unveil this beautiful space to the public,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin. “Not only will the Madagascar exhibit provide a safe habitat for the animals, it will also provide an enriching environment where our visitors can learn about how humans can reduce our impacts to endangered species such as these.”

The Madagascar exhibit is part of the Brandywine Zoo’s recently approved master plan and is the largest capital improvement in the zoo’s history. The master plan focuses on improved animal welfare and guest experiences, species of conservation concern and the inclusion of more mixed-species exhibits.

At nearly 4,000 square feet, the Madagascar exhibit is one of the zoo’s largest display habitats. It includes interactive features and information about conservation concerns in Madagascar. The project took approximately 10 months to complete and cost $3.5 million, funded by the State Bond Bill with a matching Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. Since 1967, the LWCF has provided nearly 200 grants totaling almost $40 million dollars for projects in Delaware, including 73 grants to the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation alone.

As part of the Crowned lemur survival plan, a male and a female will be paired for breeding at the zoo; just 30 of the species exist in the Americas, 18 males and 12 females. Brandywine Zoo will become the 12th location on the entire North American continent where Crowned lemurs can be viewed by the public.

The Madagascar animals will be in their habitat for public viewing when temperatures are above 45 degrees. Because they are native to a subtropical climate, the animals will be brought inside the Brandywine Zoo’s new holding area once temperatures fall below 45 degrees.

In efforts to support social distancing, the Brandywine Zoo is offering three timed sessions each day. Zoo admission is $7 for adults and $5 kids (3 and older); admission is free for zoo members children ages 3 and younger. All visitors must register online at https://brandywinezoo.org. Masks must be worn by all guests ages 5 and older, and are strongly encouraged for children older than 2.

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 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 DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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(Cutting the ribbon at DNREC’s newly-renovated boat ramp in Millsboro are, left to right: State Representative Ruth Briggs King; DNREC Division of F&W Project Manager Jeremy Ashe; State Representative Richard Collins; State Senator Gerald Hocker; Millsboro Mayor Michelle Truitt; DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin; U.S. Senator Tom Carper; DNREC Division of F&W Director David Saveikis; State Senator David Wilson. DNREC photo)

DOVER – Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin was joined today by U.S. Senator Tom Carper, State Senator Gerald Hocker, State Senator David Wilson, State Representative Ruth Briggs King, State Representative Richard Collins, Millsboro Mayor Michelle Truitt, and DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Director David Saveikis and staff, to cut the ribbon officially opening the newly-renovated Millsboro Pond Boating and Fishing Access Area.

Millsboro Pond is one of the most heavily-fished DNREC-maintained ponds in Delaware, hosting numerous bass tournaments and attracting largemouth bass enthusiasts regionally as well as locally. DNREC has partnered with the Town of Millsboro since the 1980s to provide public access to the town-owned pond.

Due to the popularity of Millsboro Pond, funding was secured to update public access, and construction began in July. The four-month project involved total reconstruction of the boat ramp, addition of a courtesy dock and lighting, and expansion and repaving of the parking lot to provide additional parking.

Funding for the $625,000 project was provided by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife from Delaware fishing license revenues and federal Sport Fish Restoration grant funds, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Millsboro Pond Boating and Fishing Access Area is managed by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife and supports DNREC’s mission to enhance outdoor recreation access and support local communities.

For more information on the Little Creek Boating and Fishing Access Area, please contact the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

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

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