A coordinated rescue and rehabilitation effort involving state and federal agencies has returned a vulnerable piping plover to the Delaware coast, offering hope for the endangered shorebird species. The adult male plover, known to researchers as “Nomad” due to his distinctive band, was discovered unable to fly or walk at Fowler Beach in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge on June …
People with disabilities now have greater access to Delaware’s state parks, thanks to an expanded program offering all-terrain wheelchairs at five park locations. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that Action Trackchairs, motorized off-road wheelchairs, are now available at Cape Henlopen, Lums Pond, Killens Pond, Trap Pond, and White Clay Creek state parks. The initiative …
Sussex County officials are investigating a wastewater discharge issue at the South Coastal Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility near Bethany Beach after discovering a compromised pipe diverted treated effluent into a nearby tax ditch. The problem was reported to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) on Saturday, July 19, after Environmental Services staff identified the diversion from …
Delaware anglers recently shattered state records with catches of two invasive fish species, according to the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Jason Wise of Bear landed a 33-pound, 15.68-ounce flathead catfish on May 21 in Lums Pond, setting Delaware’s first official state record for the species. Just days later, Dyllan Rust of Harrington broke the record …
A fishing trip to offshore waters turned historic for Logan Smith of Dover, who landed a massive 56-pound, 3.2-ounce Golden Tilefish—setting a new Delaware state record. “When it bit, I had no idea what it was, because it was pulling drag like crazy,” Smith said. “When me and my buddies finally saw some color from the fish and brought it …
As sea level rise along Delaware’s coast, the state is preparing for the natural shift of its tidal wetlands. A new mapping study released by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) outlines where these critical ecosystems are most likely—and most able—to move in the coming decades. The study, led by DNREC’s Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program and …
Visitors to Delaware Seashore State Park are being warned to steer clear of designated zones around the Indian River Inlet starting Monday as state officials begin testing an upgraded sand bypass system. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that the mechanical system — designed to mimic the natural flow of sand along the coast — …
Anglers will no longer need reservations to surf fish at most of Delaware’s drive-on beaches starting Saturday, July 12, under a major change announced by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The new policy eliminates weekend and holiday reservation requirements at seven beaches that rarely reach full capacity during peak times. “As surf tag holders have gotten …
Delaware hunters and trappers can now access the state’s official 2025/26 Hunting and Trapping Guide, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced Tuesday. The free guide is available online through the DNREC website and in print at the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife licensing office in Dover, as well as at recreational license agents across the …
A state agency is attempting to get more trees in the First State, and is giving away money to do so. Through the state’s Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI), organizations can apply for a grant between $10,000 and $40,000 for Spring 2026 tree planting projects. “Planting trees increases carbon sequestration and storage, contributing toward Delaware’s climate goals,” said Delaware Department …
