St. Jones Reserve trail reopened

A small greenhouse was destroyed in the April 13 storm. DNREC photo.

Repairs after April 13 storm completed

DOVER, Del. – The trail at the St. Jones component of the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) near Dover has reopened, with repairs to the trail and boardwalk completed following storm damage to them earlier this month.

The trail was closed past the first marsh walk April 13 after a storm downed trees and damaged the boardwalk. A small greenhouse on the reserve was also destroyed by a fallen tree. The weather station operated by DNERR measured a peak wind gust of 67.9 miles per hour just before 4 p.m. the day of the storm. Numerous trees also fell across sections of the trail that connects to the adjoining Ted Harvey Conservation Area.

“The St. Jones Reserve trail is a popular place with visitors,” said Dayna Cobb, Director of DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy. “Our staff worked hard to get the trail reopened for the public’s use.”

In addition to the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve’s trails at St. Jones in Dover and Blackbird Creek Reserve in Townsend, state parks and wildlife areas remain open. Many amenities, however, including restrooms, are closed. Individuals who visit state properties are required to engage in responsible social distancing practices, avoiding groupings of people.

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 Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov, or Jim Lee, JamesW.lee@delaware.gov

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With storm damage repairs almost complete, DNREC plans to reopen southern section of Gordons Pond Trail this week

DOVER – Repairs are nearly complete on a 2.5-mile section of the Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park that had been closed last month due to damage associated with the Jan. 22-24 winter storm that struck Delaware’s coast. The storm rendered the section of Gordons Pond Trail, south of the end of the elevated boardwalk, unsafe for public use and closed it while repairs were made. The trail will reopen Friday, March 4, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today.

The Gordons Pond Trail was completed in 2014 and consists of a 2.5 mile stone-dust trail and a half mile section of elevated boardwalk. The trail brings bikers and hikers through a previously little-known area of Cape Henlopen State Park. With repairs made and the final section of the trail completed, the Gordons Pond Trail will be part of an 18 mile circuit that includes the Junction & Breakwater Trail and surface roads in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

Media Contacts: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902; or Patrick Cooper 302-227-2800, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation

Vol. 46, No. 62


Southern section of Gordons Pond Trail closed for repairs due to damage caused by recent storm

DOVER – High winds and tides associated with the Jan. 22-24 weekend storm that struck Delaware’s coast severely damaged a 2.5-mile section of the Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park, forcing an extended closure of the trail’s southern stretch, parks officials said today. The storm rendered the part of Gordons Pond Trail, south of the end of the elevated boardwalk, unsafe for public use and closed for repairs, and unlikely to reopen until spring.

“The wind and waves raised the water level in Gordons Pond to the point of overflowing, and much of the stone used to build the trail was washed away,” said Ray Bivens, director, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation. “In many places the weed barrier fabric has been exposed and damaged. The most severe damage is in the southern portion of the trail, along the berm separating the Pond from the marsh along the canal. We’re hopeful that repairs will be completed by early spring.”

A three-quarter mile section of the trail – from the Herring Point parking area to the boardwalk – will remain open.

The Gordons Pond Trail was completed in 2014 and consists of a 2.5 mile stone-dust trail and a half mile section of elevated boardwalk. The trail brings bikers and hikers through a previously little-known area of Cape Henlopen State Park. With repairs made and the final section of the trail completed, the Gordons Pond Trail will be part of an 18 mile circuit that includes the Junction & Breakwater Trail and surface roads in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

Media Contacts: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902; or Cindy Todd, 302-739-9210, or Patrick Cooper 302-227-2800, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation

Vol. 46, No. 28