DELAWARE CITY – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation and the American Birding Association (ABA) are partnering again this year to bring back Sunset River Cruises, offering an enjoyable and educational experience on the Delaware River. The scenic cruises provide the chance to discover the wealth of birds and other wildlife that inhabit Pea Patch Island, also home to Fort Delaware State Park, and the surrounding Delaware River.

A special feature of the cruises is the chance to see dozens – or even hundreds – of herons, egrets, ibises, bald eagles, and osprey flying to and from one of the largest heron rookeries on the East Coast, located on Pea Patch Island’s northern tip.

The tours meet at 6 p.m. on April 20, May 25, and June 15, at ABA Headquarters, 93 Clinton Street, Delaware City, DE 19706. The tours end around sunset. In case of rain, the cruise will be held the following evening.

The tours cost $35 per person. Reservations must be made in advance at delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com. For more information, call the ABA at 302-838-3660.

The ABA’s Heron Watch, another opportunity for birding, is held 6-8 p.m., Thursdays from April 19-June 28 at the association’s headquarters, where a knowledgeable birder will discuss differences in flying birds.

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation partners with the ABA to offer programs at Fort Delaware in a joint venture to increase visitation and to leverage the expertise and staff available through the association to offer more environmental-related programming.

Wetlands Celebration and Get in Gear Family Bike Rally to be held May 6

DOVER – Join DNREC in celebrating American Wetlands Month in May with a spectrum of events and activities honoring an important natural resource that plays key roles in cleaning our drinking water and protecting all Delawareans from storms by buffering our coastal areas. To kick off the month, the 14th Annual Get in Gear Family Bike Rally and inaugural Wetlands Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6 at Trap Pond State Park in Laurel.

“The Wetlands Celebration and family bike rally offer fun and engaging entertainment for the whole family while promoting awareness of Delaware’s vital wetlands and the wildlife habitat they provide,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We also invite everyone to participate in our other wetlands events all month long – and to learn about, appreciate and care for our wetlands all year round.”

Beginning at 9 a.m., the Wetlands Celebration features interactive stations, exhibitors, demos, live music and live animals including horseshoe crabs, macroinvertebrates, geese and even an opossum. Families are invited to take a wetland Storybook Walk, learn how wetland health is assessed, become a wetland scientist in the Volunteer Olympic Games and more.

Exhibitors will include: DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center, 3 Palms Zoo and Education Center, Ward Museum, Salisbury Zoo, Delaware Wild Lands, DNREC’s Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, Delaware Division of Public Health, Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, The Archaeological Society of Delaware and Trap Pond State Park.

In addition, free pontoon boat tours of the pond will be offered every hour, with the last tour at 3 p.m. Tours include a brief history of the pond and offer a look at some of the plants and animals that call the pond home. The park’s canoes and kayaks will also be available to rent, and the Bald Cypress Nature Center will be open, along with the park’s trails.

Breakfast, lunch and dessert will be available for purchase from Backyard Louie’s, Abbott’s Grille, Hotdogs from the Beach and Rita’s Italian Ice.

The Get in Gear Family Bike Rally, which is run by Trap Pond Partners, begins at 10:30 a.m. and will circle the perimeter of Trap Pond. Registration for the Bike Rally is $10 per person or $25 per family, and it is requested that you bring your own bike. All funds go to support Trap Pond State Park. Visit the website to register or for more information about the event.

Park admission will be covered by the Bike Rally admission fee, or mention the Wetlands Celebration at the fee booth; the first 150 cars will receive free park admission. This outdoor event is rain or shine, but some activities are weather permitting.

Other Delaware American Wetlands Month activities include:

• Wetland Warrior Award Nominations
  The Delaware Wetland Warrior Award, now in its 10th year, is presented to students, teachers, classrooms, citizens or organizations that have demonstrated exemplary efforts to benefit Delaware wetlands. The award has two categories, education and professional.
• Conference Program Cover Art Contest
  The winner of the new Delaware Wetlands Art Contest will be featured on the cover of the 2018 Delaware Wetlands Conference program, and will be the sole art vendor at the Conference. Any medium is acceptable, but the format must be 8.5”x11” portrait and content must be wetland-related.
• Social Media Campaign
  Each week during the month of May, the Delaware Wetlands social media accounts will focus on a different aspect of wetlands, including working in wetlands, invasive plants, how to identify wetlands and wetland migration.

DNREC’s American Wetlands Month activities are organized by the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program. For more information about wetlands, visit Delaware Wetlands.

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

16-inch gun which fired 2,700-pound shells was mounted on USS Missouri when Japan surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945 to end the Second World War

LEWES – After wartime service in the Pacific aboard the storied “Mighty Mo” – the battleship USS Missouri – one of the ship’s nine original 16-inch guns that shook the enemy fleet with 2,700-pound shells was moved today to a permanent display within historic Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen State Park. Of yet another historic note, the big gun was mounted on the Missouri and overlooking her veranda deck when the Japanese surrender was accepted there Sept. 2, 1945, ending World War II.”Mighty Mo”‘s big gun moved to permanent resting place at Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park

“The USS Missouri’s gun is an important piece of American history that will draw families and tourists to Fort Miles and the beautiful shores of Cape Henlopen State Park,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Bringing new amenities and historical treasures to our parks not only provides an economic boost to the state, but is one the reasons why Delaware State Parks was recognized nationally this year with the Gold Award as the best park system in the nation.”

Among the largest pieces of U.S. Naval artillery ever made, the 16-inch gun was saved just days before it was to be cut up for scrap and moved by barge and rail from a naval yard in Norfolk to the park by the Fort Miles Historical Association (FMHA). The FMHA raised $113,500 in private donations and received several key grants from the G.M. Foundation, Sussex County Council and the Delaware Department of Economic Development’s Division of Tourism to transport the116-ton, 66-foot-long gun barrel to Delaware.

“Mighty Mo”‘s big gun fitted into permanent resting place at Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park“The spirit and dedication of the volunteers of the Fort Miles Historical Association is reminiscent of this country’s ‘Greatest Generation’ that built and manned Fort Miles and protected the region during World War II,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “We are incredibly appreciative of the Association’s efforts to save one of the Missouri’s big guns and bring it to Cape, along with all of the other great things the group has done to restore the fort. The gun is representative of those who were stationed at Fort Miles for coastal defense. Now students, veterans, families, visitors and history buffs can relive an important part of Delaware history surrounded by the buildings and artifacts that will help make that experience come alive.”

“The Fort Miles Historical Association is proud and honored to partner with Delaware State Parks and create this final resting place for the Missouri barrel #371,” said FMHA President Gary Wray. “The barrel is the centerpiece of our Fort Miles Museum which, when completed, will be the best World War II museum inside a World War II facility in the U.S.”

A 90,000-pound concrete base, a 70,000-pound slide, a 38,500-pound yoke and other parts have been assembled in order to create a safe and appropriate gun emplacement for the historic barrel. Funding for placement of the barrel came from state appropriations through DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation.

At the fort today, Lockwood Company, subcontractor for the site contractor Kent Construction Co., lowered the freshly-polished barrel onto the concrete pad using a 500-ton crane. The total weight of the permanent display is more than 300 tons. The gun takes its place among other big guns already nestled among the sand dunes at Battery 519.

Fort Miles was a major operational center for U.S. coastal defenses during World War II. The Delaware River was a chief priority for defense planners because of the access it afforded to the large trade centers of Wilmington and Philadelphia. During the war, the fort was equipped with heavy guns, mine fields and searchlights for in-depth defense.

However, the growing use of long-range missiles brought an end to harbor defenses in the U.S., and by 1958, Fort Miles was no longer needed for the defense of the region. In 1964, 543 acres of the base were returned to the state of Delaware, forming the heart of Cape Henlopen State Park. In April, 2005, Fort Miles was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The new Artillery Park at Fort Miles, which is scheduled to open this summer, will feature more big guns and include a central pathway that will display wayside exhibits that tell the story behind each gun. The park will also feature amenities commemorating the role of the fort during wartime.

The Fort Miles Historical Association is a nonprofit group whose mission is to preserve, protect and defend all aspects of Fort Miles working with community and state stakeholders and other interested parties. The association’s goal is to work as an active partner with the State of Delaware to develop the historical potential of Fort Miles.

Media Contacts: Beth Shockley or Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 175

LEWES – Recent wet weather has not deterred beachnesting birds from beginning their nesting season at Cape Henlopen State Park – with this year’s first piping plover nest found late last week on the Point, along with an American oystercatcher nest also discovered there.

“We estimate that there are four or five pairs of plovers that have set up territories at Cape Henlopen State Park so far, which is right in line with the schedule the plovers have kept to in previous years,” said Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey of the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Beachnester Monitoring Program. “One of our best tools for finding plover nests is following the birds’ tracks, which can lead a plover monitor to eggs nestled in a small dent in the sand. The current weather conditions have made the sand too wet for plovers to leave tracks, so there may be more nests out there still waiting to be discovered.”

With beach season coming soon, Bailey added that “Plover Patrol” volunteers are needed to help protect Delaware’s endangered piping plovers and other beachnesting birds. Anyone interested in joining DNREC’s beachnester monitoring team is invited to a training session from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14, at Cape Henlopen State Park’s Biden Environmental Training Center, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958.

The training session will begin with a slideshow followed by a discussion on the monitoring program and how volunteers can help to ensure that beachnesting shorebirds are not disturbed while nesting and rearing their chicks. Weather permitting, the group will head out to the Point at Cape Henlopen to look for piping plovers and other shorebirds. Birding scopes and binoculars will be available for use, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own optics if they have them.

Preregistration for the training is encouraged, but attendees also will be accepted at the door. Park entrance fees will be waived for volunteers attending the training by notifying the fee booth attendant. For more information on the training, beachnesting birds or 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 risk adverse stress or mortality to the chicks.

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

Vol. 46, No. 168