DOVER – The third of four open houses to gather public input on creating a master plan for the future of White Clay Creek State Park in Newark will be held 4-7 p.m., Wednesday Aug. 1, at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711.

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin announced in May that DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation is beginning the process of creating a master plan for the future of the park and will be holding four open houses this summer to gather public input before a plan is drafted.

The Aug. 1 open house will focus on roads and trails, for public input on topics such locations, surfacing, widths, uses, and connectivity. Posters on existing roads and trails will be provided for discussion, and staff will be available to answer questions. The open houses are an opportunity for members of the public to convey what they enjoy about the park and what concerns or ideas they might have for the future. This is an important, initial step in the planning process.

The fourth and final open house is scheduled from 4-7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 20, at Deerfield focusing on current and future recreation opportunities in the park.

White Clay Creek State Park is the second-largest park in DNREC’s park system. The park hosts more than 322,000 visitors each year and contains the most trail miles. The park also holds popular summer concerts, a well-attended summer camp program, the high school cross-country state meet, and other events. Visitors enjoy birding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

In addition to the open houses, the public is encouraged to participate in a brief online survey to provide comments. A second survey with more specific questions will be developed later. To submit general comments, please email DNREC_WCCmasterplan@delaware.gov, or write to DNREC-DPR, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, Attn: WCCSP Master Plan.

The public is also encouraged to visit the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan web page  for the latest information and updates, and to check back frequently for the latest news and draft documents for review once developed. In addition to the webpage, announcements will be made by DNREC press releases, signs in the park, and other means.

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

NEWARK – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today the annual fall trout stocking for White Clay Creek – a DNREC practice since 2007 allowing anglers an opportunity to do some fall fishing in a mellow sporting season. “It’s a beautiful time of year to enjoy some peace and quiet and catch some nice fish,” said Fisheries Section Administrator John Clark. “And, since rainbow trout are a cold water species, fish stocked in the fall should provide action throughout the fall and winter.”

Fisheries staff and volunteers stocked trout totaling about 1,000 pounds, including 700 pounds of 12- to 13-inch rainbows, throughout White Clay Creek near the Pennsylvania border downstream to Newark. Also included this year in White Clay Creek, which offers the most public access of any Delaware trout stream, were 100 pounds each of brown, brook, and golden rainbow trout.

The daily possession limit is six trout per person. When fishing in or within 50 feet of the designated fly-fishing-only section, the daily possession limit is four trout.

Delaware’s trout stocking is conducted under the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Trout anglers support the program directly through the purchase of the required trout stamp along with the regular resident or non-resident fishing license. All proceeds from the purchase of Delaware Trout Stamps go directly towards the purchase of trout from hatcheries.

A Delaware fishing license is required for most anglers wishing to try their luck at trout fishing. A resident annual recreational fishing license, which covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Persons under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses or trout stamps, although exempt persons may do so if they so choose to help support fisheries management and trout stocking efforts. For non-resident anglers age 16 and older, an annual fishing license costs $20.

Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older also are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free FIN number.

In addition to Delaware’s normal fishing license requirements, most trout anglers must purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp to fish in designated trout streams including White Clay Creek from Oct. 7 to Nov. 30. For residents age 16 through 64, a trout stamp costs $4.20. For residents age 12 through 15, a youth trout stamp costs $2.10. For non-residents, a trout stamp is required for all anglers age 12 and older and costs $6.20. Resident anglers younger than age 12 or age 65 and older are not required to purchase a trout stamp.

Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, please see the 2017 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and from license agents throughout the state.

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

Vol. 47, No. 223

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

NEWARK – Trails in White Clay Creek State Park will close on Saturday, Nov. 5, as the park hosts its first shotgun youth deer hunt in the Carpenter Recreation Area. Ten youngsters, ages 10-15, were selected by lottery to participate in the one-day hunt. Each young hunter will be accompanied by a mentor and will use 10 deer stands located throughout the recreation area.

The Twin Valley Trail, the Cross Country Course, as well as the Millstone Pond Trail will be closed for the day. In addition, all connector trails leading into the Carpenter Recreation Area will be barricaded for visitor safety. The closed trails will reopen on Sunday Nov. 6.

For questions about the youth deer hunt or the trail closures, the public should call the park office at 302-368-6900.

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

Vol. 46, No. 366

DOVER (March 27, 2013) – Delaware’s spring 2013 upstate trout season will open at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Six designated trout streams in northern New Castle County – White Clay Creek, Christina Creek, Pike Creek, Beaver Run, Wilson Run and Mill Creek – will be stocked and ready with thousands of rainbow and brown trout, including some trophy-sized fish. Trout stocking will continue on a regular weekly basis through Thursday, May 2.

For most anglers wishing to try their luck at trout fishing, a Delaware fishing license is required. A resident annual fishing license, which covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Persons under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware, although exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses and trout stamps if they so choose to help support fisheries management and trout stocking efforts. For non-resident anglers age 16 and older, a Delaware fishing license costs $20. 

Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free F.I.N. number.

In addition to Delaware’s normal fishing license requirements, most trout anglers also must purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp. For residents age 16 through 64, a trout stamp costs $4.20. For residents age 12 through 15, a youth trout stamp costs $2.10. Resident anglers younger than age 12 or age 65 and older are not required to purchase a trout stamp. For non-residents, a trout stamp is required for all anglers age 12 and older and costs $6.20.

All proceeds from the purchase of Delaware Trout Stamps are used to help purchase next year’s fish. The popular fishery also is supported by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funds generated from anglers purchasing fishing equipment.

Downstate trout season remains open in Tidbury Pond in Dover and Newton Pond near Greenwood, both of which were stocked in March. Trout are a cold water species and can only survive while water temperatures in the ponds remain cool. 

For more information about trout stocking, click Trout Stocking Schedule. To purchase a fishing license or stamps, visit www.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries, or call the Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

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

Vol. 43, No. 113

-30-